Vanuatu scored twice in injury-time to claim a 2-2 draw with American Samoa in the first game of OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025 – Qualifying at Teufaiva Stadium in Tonga. 

Two first half goals pushed American Samoa ahead in the early morning sunshine, but Vanuatu miraculously rallied late in the piece to level it up in stoppage-time. 

The result means a share of the points for both nations on the opening matchday.  

It took just eight minutes for the opening goal, Pati Faleagafulu turning a cross from Leo Ne’emia into the back of the net, to give American Samoa the lead. 

With the early advantage, they continued to press high in search of another, but left themselves exposed in transition. 

That allowed Vanuatu to get in-behind on a number of occasions, with James Wesly hitting the post and Taalo Lauofo saving an effort from Mathew Naviti. 

A defensive error from Jared William down the other end doubled American Samoa’s lead just before the break, turning the ball into his own net, under pressure from Ne’emia. 

The guilt-edged chances continued to come for Vanuatu in the second half as they pursued a route back into the contest, notably when Slora Korikalo hit the crossbar and then missed the rebound effort from point-blank range. 

Eventually they found a way to the back of the net deep into stoppage-time though, triggering a dramatic late comeback.

First James Tanga halved the deficit from the penalty spot, before subsitute Michel Albert turned home a free kick delivery to level the scores and spark wild celebrations from the Vanuatu camp.

American Samoa 2 (Pati FALEAGAFULU 8’, Own Goal 45+4’)
Vanuatu 2 (James TANGA (P) 90+2′, Michel Albert 90+7′)

HT 2-0

In the opening day’s other game at Teufaiva Stadium, Papua New Guinea picked up a comprehensive 5-2 victory over hosts Tonga. 

All five of their goals came in the first half, with both Peter Yagum and Boas Tommy scoring twice, before Tonga rebounded for two consolation goals of their own in the final quarter.

Papua New Guinea are hoping to reach the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship for the first time since 2018 at this year’s qualifying tournament, a seven year absence. 

And they made a blistering start, Albhan Rani and Pater Yagum scoring to give them a two-goal lead inside the first thirteen minutes. 

Tonga briefly steadied the ship, and should have scored from two big opportunities close to the half-hour mark. Instead, they were three goals behind in the 30th minute when Tommy nodded home a delivery from Yagum off the right flank. 

He added his second from the penalty spot seven minutes later, with Yagum completing his double just before the break to give Papua New Guinea a five-goal lead. 

They struggled to maintain the same intensity through the second half however, as injuries and errors dented their progress. 

That allowed Tonga to score two late consolations, giving the home fans something to cheer about. 

Sitaleki Kautai scored their first in the 66th minute, before Sioeli Veatupu added a second goal deep into stoppage-time.

All four sides are back in action again on Tuesday, when Papua New Guinea face American Samoa, and hosts Tonga do battle with Vanuatu. 

Papua New Guinea: 5 (Albhan RANI 7’, Peter YAGUM 13’, 42’ Boas TOMMY 30’, 37’ (P))
Tonga: 2 (Sitaleki KAUTAI 66’, Sioeli VEATUPU 90+3′) 

HT 5-0

Photo Credit: OFC Media via TFA