After their impressive 13-0 win over the co-hosts on Tuesday Vanuatu face another team fresh from a heavy defeat Tonga. Led by exciting striker Sylvain Worworbu, who bagged four goals in their 13-goal romp against American Samoa, Vanuatu will want to maintain their high scoring winning momentum and stay at the top of Group B.
Their opponents Tonga were trashed 10-1 by Solomon Islands despite opening the scoring in that match and must put memories of their defensive horror show firmly behind them if they’re to focus on improvement. Timote Moleni’s players started the Solomon Islands game strongly enough by scoring the opening goal of the match but faded badly in the second half to concede seven goals and cannot afford a similar capitulation if they are to avoid a repeat showing – or worse – of their 11-0 defeat to Vanuatu in 2003.
In Group B’s other match, co-hosts American Samoa take on another potential semi-finalist Tahiti. Out of their depth against Vanuatu, American Samoa will need to draw on the support of their home crowd and perhaps hope their opponents suffer on off day if they are to resist the Tahitians attacking flair.
Tahiti will be in no mood to start slowly after witnessing the high scoring victories shown by Vanuatu and Solomon Islands in their first games in a section where the semi-final picture could be decided upon how many goals each of the top three ranked sides can score against the competition lightweights.
Live text updates will be available at www.oceaniafootball.com , while updates and social media comment are on Twitter : @OFCfootball and the official Oceania Football Confederation : Facebook page
Video of coach interviews for Match Day 4 available here
Extra Information:
OFC U-17 Championship – MATCH DAY 4 PREVIEW
This is the official preview of Match Day 4. Please note squads are subject to change.
Vanuatu v Tonga
1.00pm local time, Thursday 15 January
Pago Park Soccer Stadium
Pago Pago, American Samoa
VANvTGA
Referee: Anna-Marie KEIGHLEY [NZL]
Assistant Referee 1: Maria TAMALELAGI [SAM]
Assistant Referee 2: Lata KAUMATULE [TGA]
4th Official: Salesh CHAND [FIJ]
Vanuatu
Vital Statistics: Vanuatu’s 13-0 win against American Samoa is the largest win of the team in this category of age.
The Players: Sylvain Worworbu scored four goals in the first game against American Samoa.
Coach Quote: “We keep respect to Tonga. We will take the game against Tonga seriously.”
Squad List: 1. Dick WILLIE RICKY [GK], 2. Joseph IARUEL, 3. Nicky OBED, 4. Jeffrey TASSO, 5. John JOHN, 6. William EDISON, 7. Frederick MASSING, 8. Jonathan SPOKEYJACK, 9. Sylvain WORWORBU, 10. Ronaldo WILKINS,11. Abednigo SAU, 12. Barnabe TALIBAN, 13. Xavier JIMMY, 14. Max UGUNA, 15. Simeon JOSHUA, 16. Gregory PATRICK, 17. Jayson TIMATUA, 18. Derek BULE, 20. Andreas DUCH [GK]
Coach: Etienne Mermer [VAN]
Tonga
Vital Statistics: Tonga lost 11-0 against Vanuatu in 2003.
The Players: Striker Soakai Vea scored his first goal in this category of age against Solomon Islands.
Coach Quotes: ‘’The Vanuatu team is almost the same as the Solomon Islands team. We will prepare to play Vanuatu’’
Squad List: 1. Mahe MALAFU [GK], 2. Teufolau TOKAI, 3. Ofaloto KITE, 4. Sione TUIFANGALOKA, 5. Kilifitoni VEA, 6. Sateki MATAKAIONGO, 7. Soakai VEA, 8. Aisea MULI, 9. Anthony LIKILIKI, 10. Mataitini FEFE, 11. Fisi’ihoi PALU, 12. Sefana PAONGO, 13. Kapeliele MALAFU, 14. Esafe TOKAI, 15. Longani TAUNAHOLO, 16. Folauhola MESUI, 17. Anitelu MATAKAIONGO, 18. Kelepi MATAELE, 19. Lachman ATOA, 20. Semesi OTUKOLO [GK].
Coach: Timote MOLENI [TGA]
American Samoa v Tahiti
3.30pm local time, Thursday 15 January
Pago Park Soccer Stadium
Pago Pago, American Samoa
ASAvTAH
Referee: Hillary ANI [PNG]
Assistant Referee 1: Lonisa DILIONI [FIJ]
Assistant Referee 2: Ujwaal MUDLIAR [FIJ]
4th Official: Salesh CHAND [FIJ]
American Samoa
Vital Statistics: The defeat against Vanuatu is the largest defeat of an American Samoa team in this category of age.
Coach Quote: “The players have to stay strong and ready for the next match.’’
Squad List: 1. Kinikinilau POULI [GK], 2. Sione MOEAKI, 3. Royce PAO, 4. Uelinitone TUALAULELEI, 5. Sione LATU, 6. Tokilupe AFU, 7. Zachary MANA’O, 8. Tauamo FE’A. 9. Joseph PURCELL, 10. Tord-Lawrence MANA’O, 11. Ferrin MANULELEUA, 12. Willie MALELE, 13. Gabriel TAUMA, 14. Ene AH SAM, 15. Aliva NAUTU, 16. Sinaleeteva MAUGA, 17. Tevita MOALA, 18. Pulenuu FONO, 19. Nelson MOALA, 20. Pilimilose FAUOLO [GK].
Coach: Uinifareti ALIVA [ASA]
Tahiti
Vital Statistics: Tahiti will play American Samoa for the first time in this category of age.
The Players: All the players of the squad play in local clubs in Tahiti.
Coach Quote: “We respect our opponent. We have to stay well disciplined in this game.’’
Squad List: 1. Vaiarii HALLIGAN [GK], 2. Heimana TAVERE, 3. Brandon AUTAI, 4. Vaianui DROLLET, 5. Joachim TENUANUA, 6. Rayan PETITGAS, 7. Keali WONG, 8. Roonui TEHAU. 9. Ariinui TIATOA, 10. Michel MAIHI, 11. Heirauarii SALEM, 12. Kitin MARO, 13. Etienne TETARIA, 14. Rainui NORDMAN, 15. Marc SIEJIDR, 16. Moana PITO [GK], 17. Kaena ONUU, 18. Mauri HEITAA, 19. Honoarii KOHUMOETINI, 20. Romain COURTADE, 21. Hauragi HURI, 22. Roy VONGEY.
Coach: Ludovic GRAUGNARD [TAH]