KEY POINTS:
Fiji continue to set the pace with a perfect two-from-two record after the opening rounds of the Oceania under-20 championships.
With six points from wins over Samoa and Vanuatu, the Fijians are the surprise frontrunners in the chase for the direct-entry spot at Fifa's world championships in Canada.
Fiji followed their opening 7-0 romp over Samoa with a 2-0 win over Vanuatu at Trusts Stadium yesterday.
Goals either side of halftime to Esava Naqeleca and Krishna Sami had Fiji in control as they restricted Vanuatu, in their first outing of the tournament, to a handful of half chances.
There was more drama in the other two games, with the Solomon Islands and Samoa finishing with 10 players.
The Solomons were untroubled as they played the last hour of their game with New Caledonia without Gibson Daudau, whom referee Peter O'Leary sent off for retaliation after what appeared an innocuous challenge.
Judd Molea's 55th goal won the match 1-0 for the Solomons, who retained their unbeaten start following their 1-1 draw with New Zealand on the opening day.
Tahiti came back from their loss to New Caledonia to beat 10-man Samoa 3-1 after leading 2-1 at the break.
Teiki Wan Phook gave Tahiti a welcome early buffer with his goal after five minutes. The Samoans battled back to 1-1 20 minutes later through Ionataana Tino.
The Tahitians hit back with Jay Warren scoring a minute later. They retained that lead until the 75th minute when Leon Chan made it safe at 3-1.
Samoa then went a man down when Dominiko Tokuma was sent off for a second yellow card. His dismissal led to a ruckus behind the Tahiti dugout as Tokuma continued to argue his case.
New Zealand have the chance to get their bid back on course tomorrow when they play Samoa at 2.30pm.
