A second-half free kick from Tauhiti Keck has given Tahiti a narrow 1-0 victory over Solomon Islands in Papeete, in Stage 3 of Oceania Football World Cup qualifying.
Keck curled his 53rd minute strike around the small defensive wall and through a crowded penalty area with the Bonitos goalkeeper Philip Mango put off by Tahitian runners across his line of sight.
Tahiti celebrate Tauhiti Keck's match-winner against Solomon Islands. Photo: Simone Forges Davazati / Tahiti Football
The goal brought relief to the home side who had dominated the first half but failed to capitalise on a series of chances.
"It's great for our confidence to take all three points tonight as we have a long trip to Honiara coming up and we will be without some key players for that match (captain Alvin Tehau and defendert Jonathan Tehau)," said Tahiti coach Ludovic Graugnard.
"I thought in the first half we should've scored maybe one or two goals. I think we were very strong defensively. I asked them to use the wings more in the second half as we our best opportunities came that way in the first half.
"We had a lot of young players tonight and four players making their debut. It's a pleasure to play for your country at home. We haven't played at home in three years I think so it was a chance for us to enjoy it."
The visitors' best scoring chance fell to Joses Nawo, as he attempted to lob the keeper from close to 40 metres out only to be denied by the top of the crossbar.
Tahiti scored the winner just a few minutes later.
Solomon Islands goalkeeper Philip Mango was injured during the match. Photo: Simone Forges Davazati / Tahiti Football
Solomon Islands coach Moses Toata believed his side had enough chances to take something back to Honiara.
"I was quite confident of the team going into the second half, and we did create plenty of chances. With all due respect to Tahiti we had most of the possession in the second half," he said.
"Tahiti were better technically than us although we had the speed. We couldn't match the accuracy of the play and their ball movement was better than ours."
The teams now travel to Honiara for the return fixture on Sunday.
