Vanuatu Overpower Tournament Hosts Tonga To Open Qualifying Campaign

Vanuatu have opened their OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 – Qualifying campaign with an impressive 6-1 win over tournament hosts Tonga, at the Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku’alofa.

Appearing at the qualifying stage for just the second time, Vanuatu started hot and were dominant throughout, joining the Cook Islands as convincing winners on the opening match day in Tonga.

It took just six minutes for them to open the scoring - Rohan Masauvakalo winning a penalty after being brought down by Tonga goalkeeper Sefo Mikaele, before duly converting from the spot into the bottom-right corner.

An own goal from defender Isileli Leao doubled Vanuatu’s lead in the 18th minute, but Tonga briefly offered some resistance in the 25th minute when Sitaleki Kautai ran onto a long ball into the box and finished to halve the deficit.

It proved nothing but a consolation though, as Masauvakalo added his second and Vanuatu’s third in the 37th minute.

Tonga are hosting the qualifying tournament for the third consecutive edition in 2026, but despite the home support, found their physicality outmatched as Vanuatu added three more to their tally in the second half.

Striker Franso Shem got in on the action at the start of the second half, scoring one and setting up an own goal in the space of three minutes.

Nelson Tawia then rounded out the scoring in the 68th minute, adding Vanuatu’s sixth as they coasted towards an opening day victory.

Vanuatu will face American Samoa next on Saturday, whilst hosts Tonga will need to bounce back against the Cook Islands on the same day.

Tonga: 1 (Sitaleki KAUTAI 25’) 
Vanuatu: 6 (Rohan MASAUVAKALO 6’, 37’, Own Goal 18’, 47’, Franso SHEM 50’, Nelson TAWIA 68’)

HT: 1-3

© Scoop Media