Vanuatu have secured their place in OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026, coming from behind to defeat the Cook Islands 3-1 at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku’alofa.
Having scored 26 goals through their first two matches at the tournament, Vanuatu again showed their attacking prowess against the Cook Islands, putting pressure on in the first-half through the attacking duo of Franso Shem and leading goalscorer Rohan Masauvakalo.
The Cook Islands compact defence remained resolute though, and their resilience was rewarded in the 37th minute when Taianu Williams met Tereaurahi Te Tini’s cross to score his second goal of the tournament and give the Cook Islands the breakthrough.
A response came eight minutes later from Vanuatu, finally breaking through the stubborn Cook Islands defence in the 45th minute. Captain Russel Ala Leo won the ball in the mid-field, before threading a neat ball in-behind for Franso Shem to finish and level the contest.
Vanuatu resumed their attacking pressure after the break forcing opposing goalkeeper Tearii Scheel into two strong saves.
Knowing a draw would be enough to advance, Vanuatu slowed down as the second-half wore on – leaving their opponents to chase the game. They completed the comeback in the 80th minute, with Shem assisting substitute Titus Robert to put Vanuatu ahead.
Shem completed his double late in second half stoppage-time, latching onto another pass in-behind the Cook Islands defence for Vanuatu’s third goal of the afternoon.
The result secures Vanuatu’s spot at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 in Papua New Guinea in July – where they’ll join Group B of the competition alongside New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and Tahiti.
Vanuatu: 3 (Franso SHEM 45′, 90+2′, Titus ROBERT 80′)
Cook Islands: 1 (Taianu WILLIAMS 37′)
HT: 1-1