Vanuatu secured three crucial points in the opening Group A match of the 2024 OFC Nations Cup, edging out Solomon Islands 1-0 at VFF Freshwater Stadium. The match saw intense competition from both sides, with solid defensive plays and several key saves from goalkeepers Mango of Solomon Islands and Dgen Leo of Vanuatu.
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when Galaxy FC and Vanuatu veteran striker Kency Tangis, brought on as a substitute, headed in a precise corner kick from Godine Tenene. This goal not only secured the win for Vanuatu but also marked the opening goal of the tournament.
Full time whistle blows, and Vanuatu clinches victory with a 1-0 score against Solomon Islands. The decisive goal came from Kensi Tangis in the 71st minute, marking a successful start to #Vanuatu's campaign in the tournament. pic.twitter.com/TQXK4YjakY
— Vanuatu Football Federation (@VFF_Football) June 15, 2024
Throughout the match, strategic substitutions by Vanuatu played a significant role. John Alick was replaced by John Wohale in the 74th minute, while Alex Saniel made way for Claude Aru. In the final moments, Alick Worworbu made his debut, replacing Bong Kalo. The match also saw a yellow card issued to Atkin for a foul on Claude Aru in the 80th minute.
As the clock ran down, five minutes of added time were announced, but Solomon Islands couldn’t find an equalizer. With this victory, Vanuatu starts their campaign on a high note and will look to build on this momentum when they face the All Whites on Friday, 21 June. Solomon Islands, on the other hand, will seek to bounce back against New Zealand in their next match on Tuesday, 18 June.
