Cook Islands made a comeback to secure a significant 3-1 victory over Vanuatu, enhancing their prospects of reaching the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Tahiti.
With New Zealand already through to the semi-finals, this result opens the door for Fiji, Cook Islands, and Vanuatu to compete for a spot alongside the Kiwis in the final four during the last Group A match day. On that decisive day, New Zealand will face Cook Islands while Fiji will go against Vanuatu.
The match began with Vanuatu taking the lead in the 12th minute thanks to Jefpta Taravaki’s goal, which came from a cross by James Tanga.
Despite dominating the early stages, Vanuatu failed to extend their advantage.
In the second half, Cook Islands’ coach Ngati Manuel’s strategic changes proved effective. Tahioa Webb equalized early in the half with a penalty awarded for a handball.
Cook Islands then went ahead when Harold Rasmussen pounced on a defensive error to score.
As Vanuatu pushed to level the match, Webb secured the victory for Cook Islands by converting his second penalty in the 85th minute.
Goalkeeper Tunui Tunui provided crucial saves in the closing stages to preserve the win for Cook Islands.
The victory makes for an exciting final group match day, with semi-final places still to be determined.