Cook Islands beat Vanuatu, keeping semi-final hopes alive

The Cook Islands came from behind to beat Vanuatu 3-1 to significantly improve their chances of reaching the semi-finals of the Oceania U-16 Men’s Championship in Tahiti.

Both sides knew that a second straight defeat at the Stade Fautaua in Papeete would keep them out of the semi-finals and Vanuatu started the match most impressively.

In the 12th minute, James Tanga dribbled the ball strongly along the right touchline and passed it into the penalty area, where Jefpta Taravaki scored to give the Blues the lead.

In the 19th minute of the game, Tarawaki’s free kick went just wide, and Emerson Alcantara’s team began to take control of the game.

Then, Tamuera Newhnam made a precise tackle in the box to stop Nickson Tara Bakeo’s shot, giving Vanuatu a narrow lead at half-time.

Cook Islands coach Ngati Manuel made three changes at halftime and his team came out more aggressive in their bid to equalise.

Two minutes into the second half, Tahitian referee Norbert Hauata awarded the Cook Islands a penalty for a handball in the penalty area, which Tahioa Webb calmly fired into the back of Junior Kaltaliu’s net in the Vanuatu goal.

Sylvain Vatoko almost restored Vanuatu’s lead when his through ball went over the head of Tunui Tunui in the Cook Islands goal and hit the crossbar.

With 30 minutes remaining, the Cook Islands struck first when substitute Harold Rasmussen seized the opportunity to fire the ball into the Kaltaliu goal following a mistake by the Vanuatu defence.

Vanuatu sent forward players to try to equalize the score, but in the 85th minute, Weber was brought down in the penalty area and Vanuatu was counterattacked. Weber scored the second penalty of the game in time to lock in 3 points. Then, Tunui Tunui made several wonderful saves in the final moments of the game, preventing Vanuatu from getting a consolation goal.

With New Zealand already through to the semi-finals, the result means Fiji, the Cook Islands and Vanuatu all have a chance to join New Zealand in the final Group A match, when New Zealand will play the Cook Islands and Fiji will play Vanuatu.

result

Cook Islands: 3 (Tahitoa WEBB 47′ (P), 85′ (P), Harold RASMUSSEN 60′)

Vanuatu: 1 (Jefta Tarawaki 12′)

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Oriental Fortune Media