Tahiti fight back as Solomons show Group B will be no easy ride

Group B has wasted no time showing why it could be the toughest pool at the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Under-16 Men’s Championship in Port Moresby.

Tahiti produced one of the tournament’s first big fightbacks, recovering from a half-time deficit to defeat Vanuatu 4-2.

In the other game on Monday, the Solomon Islands gave defending champions New Zealand an uncomfortable opening before eventually going down 5-1.

The two results leave Tahiti and New Zealand level on three points but both were made to work hard for their opening victories at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

Tahiti looked in trouble at halftime after Vanuatu took control through sustained pressure that forced the Tahitian captain, Manatea Ahupu, into an own goal.

When Vanuatu extended their lead early in the second half, Tahiti faced a mountain to climb. But they responded in stunning fashion.

Tahiti players celebrate during their comeback victory over Vanuatu. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Esdras Jamet sparked the comeback after intercepting a misplaced goal kick to pull one back before Santiago Covic slotted home the equaliser.

With momentum firmly on their side, Jamet added his second shortly after, capitalising on a quick counter-attack to extend Tahiti’s advantage.

Vanuatu refused to go quietly, with Franso Shem reducing the deficit late in the match, but Covic sealed the result moments later to secure a valuable opening victory for Tahiti.

The result gives Tahiti an early advantage ahead of Thursday’s showdown (6pm NZT) with New Zealand, a match that could decide top spot in Group B.

Earlier, Solomon Islands reminded everyone they remain one of the region’s toughest football nations despite the 5-1 defeat to New Zealand.

On Monday, the Kiwis were frustrated for long periods by a disciplined Solomons defence and struggled to break through until a controversial decision broke the deadlock just before halftime.

Once in front, New Zealand gradually took control but the scoreline did not fully reflect how competitive the match had been.

Solomon Islands arrived in Papua New Guinea with confidence, having become the only nation to beat New Zealand at this tournament since 2007 with their famous 5-0 victory in 2018.

That belief was evident again as they tested the tournament favourites throughout much of the contest.

Despite opening with defeat, Solomon Islands showed enough to suggest they will be a serious threat when they face Vanuatu on Thursday at 12pm (NZT).

With Tahiti taking on New Zealand later the same day, the second round of Group B matches is already shaping as one of the highlights of the tournament.

For more information on the 2026 OFC Under-16 Men’s Championship click here.