Tahiti secured a crucial victory by defeating Vanuatu 1-0 at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2024 in Samoa.
The match saw early drama as, 12 minutes in, Tahiti was awarded a penalty after a cross struck the hand of Vanuatu’s Jean Patriano Natou. Franck Papaura stepped up to take the spot kick but unfortunately sent it over the crossbar.
Papaura had another opportunity when a ball clipped across the 18-yard box found him, yet he scuffed his shot wide of the target.
Cedovan Taniel tested Vanuatu’s goalkeeper Joseph Nakou with a fantastic free kick, prompting Nakou to make a great low save to keep the game level.
Despite Tahiti dominating the first half, the teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.
Vanuatu initiated the first threat in the second half with a quick counterattack led by Sergio Waoute, who sprinted down the field and forced a good save from Tahiti’s goalkeeper Keahinui Heinis.
Waoute posed another threat by managing to evade the on-rushing Heinis, but he lost composure and sent his shot wide.
Tahiti finally found the crucial winning goal they were searching for. Papaura connected with a fine cross from Bradley Ruiz at the near post, steering his shot past Nakou.
Papaura had a chance to add another goal after being found free in the box from a cross, but his shot went straight at the goalkeeper.
This victory ensures Tahiti still needs a result against the Solomon Islands, while Vanuatu has to win against Fiji and hope for favorable results on Thursday to advance.