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
Later in the day, Tournament hosts Tonga capped their home campaign with a 5-1 victory over American Samoa in the final fixture of OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 – Qualifying.
Already eliminated after defeats in their two previous matches, both teams entered the contest in search for their first win of the campaign. Sione Matakaiongo and Derric Tupou were the stars of the show for Tonga though, both scoring a brace to help lead the hosts to the win.
The first half was a lively affair, with both sides enjoying periods of possession. American Samoa created the more threatening chances through Addai Talauega and Kyle Dela Cruz, but it was Tonga who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute.
Sione Matakaiongo opened the scoring with a clinical finish from close range, and just three minutes later Tonga doubled their lead when Derric Tupou pounced on a rebound to put the hosts up 2-0.
A surging midfield run from Teu Fong created another opening, delivering a neat pass to Matakaiongo who slotted home confidently for his second and Tonga’s third in the 36th minute.
Still in the fight, American Samoa found their first and only goal of the tournament through Robert Maifala, who struck from outside of the box to give his side some confidence heading into the break.
It proved in vain though, as two second-half goals sealed the victory for Tonga. Derric Tupou fired home his second goal, finishing a well worked move from captain Sioeli Veatupu immediately after the break, before substitute Kilismasi Fiu rounded out the win with a powerful strike in the 85th minute to seal the result for the hosts.
Tuesday’s win means hosts Tonga finish OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 – Qualifying in third, with American Samoa in fourth.
American Samoa: 1 (Robert MAIFALA 43′)
Tonga: 5 (Sione MATAKAIONGO 26′, 36′, Derric TUPOU 29′, 47′, Kilisimasi FIU 85′)
HT: 3 – 1
Photo credit: OFC Media