Vanuatu’s U-16 national football team kept their OFC U-16 Championship qualification hopes alive after a thrilling 2–2 draw against American Samoa last weekend in Tonga.

American Samoa dominated the first half and went into the break with a 2–0 lead. But Vanuatu turned the tide in dramatic fashion during the dying minutes of extra time.

Captain James Taga sparked the comeback with a well-taken penalty, followed by a stunning equaliser from Michel Albert off a free kick—securing a crucial point for the young ni-Vanuatu side.

With two group matches remaining, Vanuatu will need strong performances to book their ticket to the final tournament in Solomon Islands this August.