We’ve taken the first step: Cook Islands U16s still have hope of reaching the semi-finals

The Cook Islands U16 football team kept alive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Oceania U16 Men’s Championship with a 3-1 win over Vanuatu.

Cook Islands U16 football team coach Ngati Manuel says they had a plan in place against Vanuatu and stuck to it which worked out, giving them a memorable 3-1 win at the OFC U16 Men’s Championship in Tahiti on Wednesday.

The team plans to push harder in its final group match against New Zealand tomorrow (12pm, Saturday).

The Cook Islands have a chance to advance to the semi-finals of the Oceania Football Association U16 Men’s Championship after a last-gasp 2-1 loss to Fiji and a 3-1 win over Vanuatu.

“My heart goes out to each and every one of you and everyone around the world who supports our young men,” said Coach Manuel.

“We went into the game as planned and even though we had a slow start, we stuck to the plan, calmed ourselves down, found our rhythm and started fighting back.”

Manuel said in the second half with the addition of influential players, they attacked Vanuatu and caused havoc.

“I feel very honored by this victory. We have achieved the victory and we will train hard to prepare for the last game of the group stage.”

Team manager and head of delegation Jason Lindsay said he was proud of the focus and determination shown by the team.

“After trailing 1-0 at halftime, we fought hard to get ahead and keep the momentum going… We’re so proud of the humility and respect that each of them showed on the field and to their opponents,” Lindsay said.

“We would like to thank the Vanuatu team for their great effort and drive which forced us to make changes and create more chances for ourselves.”

Lindsay also thanked Tahitoa Weber, who received the Player of the Match award.

“We are delighted that the team has played two games and has two man of the match awards, with goalkeeper Tunui Tunui winning the award in our first game.”