Vanuatu Dominates Samoa 4-1 in FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers Opener

Vanuatu delighted their home fans at the VFF Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila, kicking off their FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifying campaign in style with a dominant 4-1 victory over Samoa.

From the first whistle, head coach Juliano Schmeling’s side showed attacking intent. The home crowd was rewarded early when, after a brilliant run down the wing, Selwyn Vatu delivered a perfect cross for Alex Saniel, who tapped it home from close range in just the 7th minute.

Vanuatu maintained control throughout the first half, dictating possession while Samoa sought to counter using the pace of forward Michael Leo. In the 12th minute, Leo managed to slip behind Vanuatu captain Brian Kaltak, but Kaltak quickly recovered, forcing Leo to miss the target.

As Vanuatu increased the pressure, Jordy Tasip forced a fine save from Samoan keeper Paul Taupau in the 15th minute. Despite Samoa’s defensive efforts, their resistance was finally broken in the 36th minute. John Alick latched onto a beautiful chipped pass from Kaltak, flicking the ball past Taupau and producing a spectacular finish to double Vanuatu’s lead.

In first-half stoppage time, Leo once again threatened, breaking through the Vanuatu defense. His powerful left-footed shot forced a brilliant save from Vanuatu keeper Dick Sablan.

The second half saw Samoa pushing hard for a comeback. Against the run of play, substitute striker Nathan Viliamu was set up by Dauntae Mariner, and he raced past the Vanuatu defense to calmly slot the ball past the advancing Sablan in the 55th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

However, Vanuatu responded almost immediately. Taupau’s punch clearance only reached John Alick, who calmly guided the ball into the back of the net in the 57th minute, restoring Vanuatu’s two-goal cushion with his second of the game.

Vanuatu continued to create chances and secured their victory in injury time. Bong Kalo fired in a stunning long-range strike, sealing the 4-1 win and ensuring a dream start for Vanuatu in their World Cup qualification campaign.

Both teams will next be in action during the November FIFA international window, with Vanuatu set to face New Zealand and Tahiti in Hamilton and Auckland respectively.

Match Details:

Vanuatu: 4 (Alex SANIEL 7’, John ALICK 36’, 57’, Bong KALO 90+1’)
Samoa: 1 (Nathan VILIAMU 55’)
Half-time: 2-0