Vanuatu hit 20 as Cook Islands set up decisive U16 OFC men's clash

Vanuatu delivered a stunning statement at the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Under-16 Men’s Championship 2026 Qualifying on Saturday, thrashing American Sāmoa 20-0 to stay perfect and surge into pole position for qualification.

In a ruthless attacking display at the Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku’alofa, Vanuatu matched their biggest-ever win in the competition, with Franso Shem, Rohan Masauvakalo, and Titus Robert all scoring hat-tricks.

The goals came early and often. Shem struck inside the opening 90 seconds, Robert quickly followed, and within 15 minutes, Vanuatu were already five goals clear.

By half-time, the match was effectively over, with Vanuatu leading 13-0.

Masauvakalo led the charge in the first half, scoring five goals to add to the two he netted in the opening match earlier in the week.

The second half brought no relief for American Sāmoa, as Vanuatu added seven more goals, including a double from substitute Ettien Vuti.

Action from the Vanuatu-American Sāmoa match at the OFC U16 Men’s Championship 2026 Qualifying in Nuku’alofa. Photo/OFC Media

Chimarco Vanuaroro and Matthew Naviti also found the net late on, capping a dominant performance that confirmed American Sāmoa’s elimination from the tournament.

Earlier in the day, Cook Islands kept pace at the top of the table with a 2-0 win over hosts Tonga. The result sets up a decisive clash with Vanuatu.

Two quick goals inside the opening 20 minutes proved enough. Taianu Williams opened the scoring in the 16th minute, reacting fastest after a goalkeeping error, before captain Maui Denny doubled the lead just three minutes later after winning the ball inside the box.

Cook Islands players celebrate after scoring in their 2-0 win over hosts Tonga to stay level on points at the top of the table. Photo/OFC Media

Tonga pushed hard to respond, showing more physical intent and creating chances through Sitaleki Kautai and Derric Tupou.

But their task became much harder just before half-time when Kautai was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Despite their efforts in the second half, including a close attempt from Tupou, the hosts could not break through.

The Cook Islands held firm to secure back-to-back wins in an OFC U16 tournament for the first time since 2017.

The results mean both Vanuatu and Cook Islands sit level on points heading into their final match, with everything to play for.

Watch the Vanuatu vs American Sāmoa match below.

Both sides will meet on Tuesday, 31 March at 11am (NZT) in a winner-takes-all encounter. Later that day, American Sāmoa will face Tonga at 3pm as both sides look to finish their campaigns on a high.

The winner of the tournament in Tonga will secure a place at the OFC U16 Men’s Championship 2026 finals later this year (venue yet to be confirmed), where Oceania’s top youth teams will compete for regional honours and a pathway towards the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar in 2027.