The Cook Islands staged an impressive comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over Vanuatu, significantly enhancing their prospects of making it to the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship semi-finals in Tahiti.
With New Zealand already through to the semi-finals, Fiji, Cook Islands, and Vanuatu are all in contention to join them in the final four. The upcoming Group A matches, where New Zealand faces Cook Islands and Fiji takes on Vanuatu, will determine the remaining semi-finalists.
Vanuatu took an early lead with Jefpta Taravaki scoring in the 12th minute from a James Tanga cross. Despite this early advantage, Vanuatu was unable to add to their lead.
At halftime, Cook Islands’ coach Ngati Manuel made strategic adjustments that changed the game’s dynamic. Early in the second half, Tahioa Webb equalized from the penalty spot following a handball decision.
Cook Islands then went ahead when Harold Rasmussen scored after capitalizing on a defensive mistake. As Vanuatu pushed for an equalizer, Webb sealed the win with his second penalty of the match in the 85th minute.
Goalkeeper Tunui Tunui made several crucial saves toward the end of the game, ensuring the Cook Islands’ triumph.
This victory creates a thrilling scenario for the final group match day, with semi-final spots still up for grabs.