Cook Islands U16 football team secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Vanuatu, keeping their semifinal hopes alive in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship.

 Cook Islands U16 football coach Ngati Manuel says they went up in the match against Vanuatu with a plan and stuck to it and it worked out, giving them a memorable 3-1 win at the OFC U16 Men’s Championship in Tahiti on Wednesday.

The team aims to work harder in their last pool match against New Zealand tomorrow (Saturday at 12pm).

After a last minutes 1-2 loss against Fiji and the 3-1 win over Vanuatu, Cook Islands has a chance to qualify for the OFC U16 Men’s Championship semifinal.

Coach Manuel said: “My heart goes out to each and every one of you and all those around the world that supported our young men.”

“We went in match with a plan and although we got off to a rocky start we stuck to our plan, calmed our nerves, found our rhythm and began to push back.”

Manuel said that with the addition of impact players in the second half, they pressed and caused havoc for Vanuatu.

“I’m humbled by this win. We have a foot in the door and we will work hard and prepare for our last pool match.”

Team manager and head of delegation Jason Lindsay said he was proud of the focus and determination shown by the team.

“To come from 1-0 down at halftime and fight with heart to be able to get ahead and sustain great momentum … absolutely proud of each and every one of them for the humility and respect shown both on the field and to our opposition,” Lindsay said.

“We would like to acknowledge the Vanuatu team for their fantastic efforts and drive to be able to force us to change it up and create more opportunities for ourselves.”

Lindsay also acknowledged Tahitoa Webb who received the player of the match award.

“We are happy that the team has played two games and received two player of the match awards with Tunui Tunui (goalkeeper) being awarded in our first match.”