A moment of brilliance from captain Maikah Dau has secured Fiji a 2-1 win over Tahiti in an entertaining Group A clash on day one of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025 at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara.
The decisive strike came 20 minutes from full-time when Dau unleashed a thunderous freekick from outside the box, leaving Tahiti goalkeeper Titouan Courtois with no chance.
Both sides created plenty of opportunities in an open and attacking encounter.
Fiji striker Saula Muatini was a constant threat with his pace and power, twice denied by Courtois inside the opening 11 minutes. His persistence paid off in the 20th minute when he flicked on a freekick into the path of Arnav Chand, who finished from close range to give Fiji a well-deserved lead.
Tahiti responded almost immediately, with Sialesi Vatanitawake clearing a looping header off the line to preserve Fiji’s advantage. Muatini then came close again in the 35th minute, his strong run and shot forcing Courtois into a smart save at the near post.
Just before halftime, Fiji goalkeeper Kirikiti Biu produced an excellent save to tip over Esdras Jamet’s header as Tahiti pressed for an equaliser.
Their breakthrough came in the 60th minute when referee Calvin Berg awarded a penalty for handball against Kanav Gounder. Tahiti captain Kahi Morgant calmly converted to level the scores.
Both teams pushed for a winner, but it was Dau’s spectacular freekick that proved decisive, securing Fiji all three points.
Fiji will next face the Cook Islands on Wednesday, while Tahiti meet Papua New Guinea.
Fiji 2 (Arnav CHAND 20’, Maikah DAU 70’)
Tahiti 1 (Kahi MORGANT 60’)
HT 1-0