Vanuatu launched its campaign for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with a decisive 4-1 victory against Samoa at the VFF Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila.
Under the guidance of coach Juliano Schmeling, Vanuatu took an aggressive approach from the start, netting its first goal just seven minutes into the match thanks to veteran striker Alex Saniel.
Captain Brian Kaltak then assisted the swift John Alick, who scored in the 37th minute, giving the home team a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Samoa managed to reduce the deficit in the 55th minute when substitute striker Nathan Viliamu, aided by Dauntae Mariner, broke free of the defense and calmly slotted the ball into the net past the advancing goalkeeper.
However, Vanuatu quickly regained momentum, with Alick finding the back of the net again just two minutes later.
The hosts maintained their offensive pressure, and in injury time, Bong Kalo scored with a stunning strike from outside the box, further solidifying the victory.
Looking ahead, both teams will be back in action during the November FIFA international window, competing in Group B matches in Hamilton and Auckland against New Zealand and Tahiti.