Vanuatu Strike Late To Rescue Draw Against American Samoa

Two first half goals pushed American Samoa ahead in the early morning sunshine, but Vanuatu miraculously rallied late in the piece to level it up in stoppage-time.

The result means a share of the points for both nations on the opening matchday.

It took just eight minutes for the opening goal, Pati Faleagafulu turning a cross from Leo Ne’emia into the back of the net, to give American Samoa the lead.

With the early advantage, they continued to press high in search of another, but left themselves exposed in transition.

That allowed Vanuatu to get in-behind on a number of occasions, with James Wesly hitting the post and Taalo Lauofo saving an effort from Mathew Naviti.

A defensive error from Jared William down the other end doubled American Samoa’s lead just before the break, turning the ball into his own net, under pressure from Ne’emia.

The guilt-edged chances continued to come for Vanuatu in the second half as they pursued a route back into the contest, notably when Slora Korikalo hit the crossbar and then missed the rebound effort from point-blank range.

Eventually they found a way to the back of the net deep into stoppage-time though, triggering a dramatic late comeback.

First James Tanga halved the deficit from the penalty spot, before subsitute Michel Albert turned home a free kick delivery to level the scores and spark wild celebrations from the Vanuatu camp.

Both sides are back in action on Tuesday, with American Samoa facing Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu up against hosts Tonga.

American Samoa 2 (Pati FALEAGAFULU 8’, Own Goal 45+4’)
Vanuatu 2 (James TANGA (P) 90+2', Michel Albert 90+7')

HT 2-0

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