Tahiti has secured a crucial three points after narrowly defeating Vanuatu 1-0 at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2024 in Samoa.
Twelve minutes into the match, Tahiti was awarded a penalty when a cross struck the hand of Vanuatu’s Jean Patriano Natou. Franck Papaura stepped up to take the penalty but sent his spot-kick over the crossbar.
Papaura had another opportunity when a ball was clipped across the 18-yard box to his feet, but he scuffed his shot wide of the target.
Vanuatu’s goalkeeper, Joseph Nakou, made a great low save to deny Tahiti after a wonderful free kick from Cedovan Taniel.
Tahiti dominated the first half but went into the break without a goal.
Vanuatu had the first shot of the second half with a quick counterattack. Sergio Waoute raced down the field and forced a good save from Keahinui Heinis in the Tahiti goal.
Waoute broke through the Tahiti defense again, but after skipping around the on-rushing Heinis, he lost his composure and scuffed his shot wide.
Desperately seeking a winning goal, Tahiti found it when Papaura latched onto a fine cross from Bradley Ruiz at the near post, steering his shot past Nakou.
Papaura had another chance to score after being found free in the box from a cross, but his shot went directly to the goalkeeper.
The victory leaves Tahiti needing a result against the Solomon Islands, while Vanuatu needs to win against Fiji and hope other results go their way on Thursday to have a chance to progress.