Tahiti put in an impressive second-half performance to power their way past Samoa and secure all three points in their opening Group B fixture.

A late first-half goal from Michel Maihuri gave the Tahitians a priceless lead after a first twenty minutes in which Samoa had looked the more threatening side.

Samuelu Malo went close for Samoa on two occasions, including a rasping effort that thudded back off the base of the post as his side did everything but score in the first period.

Tahiti came out for the second twenty with a greater sense of purpose and drive and scored two crucial goals in the space of sixty seconds to put themselves in control. Vincent Tinomoe and then Keanu Maihuri both capped off excellent passing moves to kill off any Samoan hopes of a comeback.

Maihuri added his second and Tahiti’s fourth in the 34 minute and the performance was complete two minutes later when Michel Maihuri grabbed his second with a smart finish through the legs of goalkeeper Osa Savelio.

Tahiti: 5 (Michel MAIHURI 17′ 36′, Vincent TINOMOE 29′, Keanu MAIHURI 30′, 34′)
Samoa: 0

HT: 1-0

Source: OFC