Fiji secured a spot in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship final with a 2-1 victory over hosts Tahiti in Papeete, thanks to two goals from striker Veleni Rasorewa.
The win not only advances Fiji to the final but also guarantees them a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar next year. Tahiti, unbeaten in the group stage and favored for the semi-final, struggled against Fiji.
Rasorewa opened the scoring in the 7th minute before he scored again in the 68th minute to make it 2-0 before a deflected goal from Tahiti’s outside shot reduced the deficit.
Despite Tahiti’s late pressure, Fiji managed to hold on for the win.
They will face New Zealand in the final, with both teams now confirmed for the World Cup. The third-place playoff between Tahiti and New Caledonia will decide the final World Cup berth.
Photo: OFC
