Fiji has secured a spot in the semifinals of the OFC U16 Championship in Tahiti as runners-up in Group A, following a 3-2 victory over Vanuatu.
Vanuatu struck first with Sakaria Manipen heading in a goal from a corner kick, creating tension for the watching Cook Islands team, who had a stake in the match’s outcome.
As the game progressed, Fiji found their rhythm, ignited by Krishna Samy’s efforts. A defensive error by Vanuatu allowed Fiji to equalize, and Shankar thrilled the crowd with a free-kick goal just before halftime.
Vanuatu’s Jefpta Taravaki brought the match level early in the second half, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Fiji.
However, Fiji’s determination prevailed when Veleni Rasorewa headed in the winning goal from Shankar’s perfect cross.
The match concluded with Fiji advancing to the semifinals, keeping alive their hopes for the OFC title and qualifying for next year’s FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar.