The race for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Under-16 Men's Championship title is down to four with Solomon Islands joining Fiji, Papua New Guinea and defending champions New Zealand in the semi-finals in Port Moresby on Saturday.

Thursday's final group matches completed the last-four line-up. Solomon Islands produced a spirited comeback to beat Vanuatu 2-1 before New Zealand underlined their title credentials with a commanding 6-1 win over Tahiti.

The results set up a semi-final stage dominated by Pacific teams with a place at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar now within touching distance.

Solomon Islands showed resilience after falling behind in a hard-fought Melanesian derby against Vanuatu.

After losing 5-1 to New Zealand in their opening match, the Solomon Islanders needed a response and delivered one.

Vanuatu struck first on the half-hour through captain Russle Allaleo after a defensive mistake gifted him a simple finish.

But Solomon Islands hit back within five minutes when Greggy Gau levelled the scores with a powerful long-range strike.

George Lea'i then made amends for an earlier missed penalty, winning possession high up the pitch before firing home the winner just before half-time.

The victory secured Solomon Islands' first three points of the tournament and booked their place in the semi-finals, while Vanuatu exited without a win.

Solomon Islands fought back from a goal down to beat Vanuatu 2-1 in a hard-fought Melanesian derby, booking their place in the OFC Under-16 Men's Championship semi-finals. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

New Zealand also finished the group stage in style, overwhelming Tahiti 6-1 to qualify with maximum points.

The defending champions took control early when Jack Clegg capitalised on a goalkeeping error before Jackson Skinner doubled the lead with a header.

Captain Ben Trenberth extended the advantage early in the second half before Zac Cashmore added a fourth.

Tahiti briefly reduced the deficit through Esdras Jamet but New Zealand finished strongly with Tristan Bancroft scoring before Cashmore completed his brace.

The convincing victory confirmed New Zealand as group winners and one of the favourites to lift the title again.

They now join Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands in the semi-finals after all three Pacific nations secured qualification earlier in the tournament.

With the knockout stage now set, the remaining teams are just two wins away from regional glory and a coveted place at the FIFA U17 World Cup.

The semi-finals are now set, with Group A winners Fiji taking on Group B runners-up Solomon Islands, while Group B winners New Zealand will face Group A runners-up Papua New Guinea for a place in the final.

The OFC Under-16 Men's Championship ends on 25 July. For more information, click here.

Photo/OFC Media

OFC pays tribute to respected Pacific football leader

The OFC U16 Championship has also been marked by the loss of respected New Caledonian football figure Éric Michalak.

The OFC on Friday paid tribute to Michalak, who played a key role in developing football, futsal, beach soccer and teqball in New Caledonia.

He was the first coach of New Caledonia's national futsal team, leading the side at its OFC Futsal Championship debut in 2008, where it recorded its first-ever victory against Tuvalu.

Away from the field, Michalak was Director of the University Department of Physical and Sports Activities at the University of New Caledonia and was recognised for mentoring young athletes and helping grow sport across the territory.

OFC has extended its condolences to his family, friends, the Fédération Calédonienne de Football, the University of New Caledonia and the wider New Caledonian sporting community.

New Caledonian football pioneer Éric Michalak has been remembered by the Oceania Football Confederation for his lifelong contribution to football, futsal, beach soccer and the development of sport in New Caledonia. Photo/OFC Media