OFC News

New Zealand took a giant step toward qualification for the FIFA U20 Men's World Cup Canada 2007 today after defeating Fiji 3-2 in an incident-packed match at Trusts Stadium. Referee Nelson Sogo of the Solomon Islands struggled to maintain any semblance of order as both teams lost control throughout a volatile match. Two headed goals from New Zealand captain Dan Keat and a Chris James penalty were enough to cancel out Roy Krishna's double for Fiji.

New Caledonia's prospects were kept alive thanks to goals from substitutes Jean Wahnyamalla and Richard Sele who helped himself to a double during their 3-1 win over Vanuatu. Vanuatu's Jekyll and Hyde performances continued as they surrendered a 1-0 halftime lead. Francois Sakama had earlier given Vanuatu the lead with a goal in the 28th minute.

In the earlier matches Solomon Islands kept their slim qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Tahiti thanks to goals from Joachim Rande and Tony Otini. Roihau Degage was on target for Tahiti.

MATCH SUMMARIES

VANUATU 1, NEW CALEDONIA 3

New Caledonia's World Cup dream is still alive following an emphatic come from behind 3-1 win over Vanuatu. The New Caledonian trio of Jean Wahnyamalla, Richard Sele and Ulrich Bowen were the catalyst for a remarkable victory that keeps pressure on Fiji and New Zealand at the top of the table.

New Caledonia's first half performance gave no indication they would be celebrating by the end of the match. Vanuatu's domination of the first half was almost total and should have yielded more than one goal.

The first half was all one way traffic as Vanuatu skipper Joseph Obed missed an open goal after just five minutes. Brian Melar and Tony Wayane were proving a constant threat to New Caledonia's central defensive partnership of Rodrigue Luewadria and Jean Xavier Waknumune both of whom were placed under intense pressure.

Chances for Vanuatu came thick and fast when wide-midfielder Joseph Nimanian nearly scored when he struck the base of New Caledonia's upright with a left foot effort that left Manu Wejieme stranded.

Vanuatu finally broke the deadlock when a swerving corner was headed against New Caledonia's crossbar and upright by Joseph Nimanian. The ball ricocheted to the edge of the penalty area where Francois Sakama hit a deadly strike that fizzed through a crowded goal box and into the back of the net.

New Caledonia's only meaningful attempt on goal during the first half came when Rodrigue Luewadria's acrobatic volley was tipped away one handed by Altred Malas.

With their World Cup qualification hopes dangling by a thread, New Caledonia began the second-half with renewed vigour as they peppered Vanuatu's goal in search of an equaliser. Substitute Richard Sele happily provided the much sought after leveler when he evaded two challenges cut inside the penalty area before executing a curling right foot shot beyond Malas.

The goal had a profound effect upon New Caledonia and with confidence high they began to create goal-scoring opportunities almost at will. Despite this period of dominance Jean Wahnyamalla still managed to miss a gilt-edged chance after latching onto a Sele cross and shinning a meek effort into Altred Malas arms when it looked easier to score. Wahnyamalla made up for the mistake moments later with a stunning strike on an acute angle that swerved past Malas in the 72nd minute.

Richard Sele made the game safe for New Caledonia when he was left totally unmarked in the Vanuatu six yard box as he side-footed a simple finish beyond a helpless Malas. Vanuatu coach Andrew Hobbs will be disappointed with the performance and result after Vanuatu delivered such a commanding first half display.

NCL: Wejieme; Caunes, Luewadria, Waknumune, Dokunengo; Saiko (Sele 55), Xenie, Waheo, Sablan (Bowen 62); Lolohea, Tikoure (Wahnyamalla 10).

Subs not used: Tidjine, Bolo, Nyikeine, Kakou, Forest, Tevanou.

Yellow cards: None.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Sele 67, 84, Wahnyamalla 71.

VAN: Malas; Avock, Obed, Sara, Paul; Molbet, Sakama, Graham, Nimanian (Maralau); Melar (D.Natou), Wayane (Namariau).

Subs not used: Merka, Boe, Tari, N.Natou.

Yellow cards: None.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Sakama 28.

Referee: Job Minan Ponis (PNG)

Assistant Referee 1: Collins Auvele (SAM)

Assistant Referee 2: Hamilton Siau (SOL)

Fourth Official: Chris Lengata (SOL)

TAHITI 1, SOLOMON ISLANDS 2

Solomon Islands got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win against Tahiti. The victory ensures the Solomon Islands stay within touching distance of the front runners. Solomon Islands coach Airton Andrioli put out an attacking formation with Tony Otini, Joses Nawo and Judd Molea forming the basis of their attacks with midfield support from Joachim Rande and Lenson Bisili. The tactic didn't bear fruit immediately as Tahiti's resolute defending and compact shape meant chances were few and far between. Tahitian striker Wallen Teiri turned in an inspired performance alongside Roihau Degage. Teiri was at the heart of all Tahiti's meaningful attacks and had it not been for some inspired defending by Arnold Keni and Welshman Houkarawa they may well have led at the break.

Solomon Islands extreme pace meant they grabbed the first goal when Rande latched onto a superb through ball from Judd Molea before finishing clinically from a difficult angle. Tahiti keeper Alan Uparu - who had one of his best games at the tournament to date - had little chance. Tony Otini made the game safe for Solomon Islands with a goal in the 66th minute. Roihau Degage pulled one back for Tahiti when he eluded the offside trap before driving home a good finish from ten yards past Leon Lekezoto in the 78th minute setting up a nervous finish for the Solomon Islands.

TAH: Uparu; Bougues, Teraia, Tereiitau, Taero; Takaio (Faehau 60), Warren (Aitamai 66), Teriitaumihau, Tehau; Degage, Teiri (Chan 60).

Subs not used: Vaite, Ferrand.

Yellow cards: Teriitaumihau, Aitamai.

Red cards: none.

Goals: Degage 78.

SOL: Lekezoto; Waroi, Keni, Houkarawa, Purasi; Gagame, Bisili (Daudau 82), Molea, Nawo (Miniti 90), Rande; Otini (Nalangu 76).

Subs not used: Ramoni, Saemala, Lohe, Deramoa.

Yellow cards: Nalangu.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Rande 55, Otini 66.

Referee: Michael Hester (NZL)

Assistant Referee 1: Brent Best (NZL)

Assistant Referee 2: Tevita Makasini (TON)

Fourth Official: Peter O'Leary (NZL)

NEW ZEALAND 3, FIJI 2

New Zealand took a giant step toward qualification for the FIFA U20 Men's World Cup Canada 2007 today after defeating Fiji 3-2 in an incident-packed match at Trusts Stadium.

Red cards, injuries, penalties, an angry crowd and a police escort for the New Zealand team and embattled referee Nelson Sogo of the Solomon Islands were the order of the day as the top of the table clash descended into controversy on Match Day Five.

Referee Nelson Sogo struggled to maintain any semblance of order as both teams lost control throughout a volatile match. Two headed goals from New Zealand captain Dan Keat and a Chris James penalty were enough to cancel out Roy Krishna's double for Fiji. But the match will probably be remembered for the controversy surrounding several off the ball clashes that cast a shadow over the day's events.

NZL: Spoonley; Schaeffers, Hogg, Boxall, Edginton; Henderson, James, Peverley (Cunningham 89), Keat; Brockie, Jenkins (Vincent 39).

Subs not used: Peters, Pelter, Roydhouse, Cunningham, Brown, Purcell, Keane.

Yellow cards: Boxall, Cunningham.

Red cards: None.

Goals: Brockie 41, Keat 56, 76.

FIJ: Mateinanagara; Sami; Pasiano (Dileqa 39), Nagalika, Kautoga, Deama; Krishneel (Kakal 62), Qaqa, Niulevu; Krishna, Singh (Underwood 65).

Subs not used: Waqa, Dass, Nakalavo, Dickson, Tuilau, Prasad, Senibula.

Yellow cards: Qaqa.

Red cards: Naqeleca.

Goals: Krishna 7, 68.

2007 Oceania Men's Youth (U-20) Championship - Match Day Four results (January 25)

Vanuatu 1 (Francois Sakama 28) New Caledonia 3 (Jean Wahnyamalla 71, Richard Sele 67, 84).

Halftime: 1-0.

Tahiti 1 (Degage 78) Solomon Islands 2 (Rande 55, Otini 66)

Halftime: 0-0.

New Zealand 3 (Brockie 41, Keat 56, 76) Fiji 2 (Krishna 7, 68)

Halftime: 1-1

Standings:

Team P W D L F A DIFF PTS

New Zealand 4 3 1 0 13 2 +11 10

Fiji 4 3 0 1 14 3 +11 9

New Caledonia 4 3 0 1 10 5 +5 9

Solomon Is 5 2 2 1 6 7 -1 8

Tahiti 5 1 1 3 7 9 -2 4

Vanuatu 4 0 2 2 5 9 -4 2

Samoa 4 0 0 4 2 22 -20 0

Golden Boot standings

7 - Roy Krishna (FIJ)

4 - Sam Jenkins (NZL), Dan Keat (NZL)

2 - Jean Wahnyamalla (NCL), Richard Sele (NCL), Chris James (NZL), Dan Keat (NZL), Ulrich Bowden (NCL), Alvin Singh (FIJ), Eran Underwood (FIJ), Judd Molea (SOL), Ariihau Tereiitau (TAH), Joachim Rande (SOL), Tony Otini (SOL), Jeremy Brockie (NZL)

1 - Meneusi Senibuli (FIJ), Krishna Sami (FIJ), Esava Naqeleca (FIJ), Jason Sablan (NCL), Cesar Lolohea (NCL), Teiki Wan Phook (TAH), Jay Warren (TAH), Leon Chan (TAH), Ionataana Tino (SAM), Matahi Hauata (TAH), Elten Boe (VAN), Francois Sakama (VAN), Michael Cunningham (NZL), Silao Malo (SAM), Simon Molbet (VAN) Brian Melar (VAN), Jean Christophe Xenie (NCL), Roihau Degage (TAH).

2007 OCEANIA U-20 MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP - TRUSTS STADIUM, WAITAKERE

JANUARY 19-31

MATCH DAY 1

FRIDAY - JAN 19

12 noon 0 SAMOA V FIJI 7

2.30pm 1 TAHITI V NEW CALEDONIA 2

5.00pm 1 SOLOMON ISLANDS V NEW ZEALAND 1

VANUATU BYE

SATURDAY - JAN 20 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 2

SUNDAY 21st JAN

12 noon 3 TAHITI V SAMOA 1

2.30pm 1 SOLOMON ISLANDS V NEW CALEDONIA 0

5.00pm 2 FIJI V VANUATU 0

NEW ZEALAND BYE

MONDAY - JAN 22 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 3

TUESDAY - JAN 23

12 noon 2 TAHITI V VANUATU 2

2.30pm 7 NEW ZEALAND V SAMOA 1

5.00pm 0 SOLOMON ISLANDS V FIJI 3

NEW CALEDONIA BYE

WEDNESDAY - JAN 24 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 4

THURSDAY - JAN 25

12 noon 5 NEW CALEDONIA V SAMOA 0

2.30pm 2 VANUATU V SOLOMON ISLANDS 2

5.00pm 0 TAHITI V NEW ZEALAND 2

FIJI BYE

FRIDAY - JAN 26 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 5

SATURDAY - JAN 27

12 noon 1 VANUATU V NEW CALEDONIA 3

2.30pm 1 TAHITI V SOLOMON ISLANDS 2

5.00pm 3 NEW ZEALAND V FIJI 2

SAMOA BYE

SUNDAY - JAN 28 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 6

MONDAY - JAN 29

12 noon SOLOMON ISLANDS V SAMOA

2.30pm NEW CALEDONIA V FIJI

5.00pm VANUATU V NEW ZEALAND

TAHITI BYE

TUESDAY - JAN 30 REST DAY

MATCH DAY 7

WEDNESDAY - JAN 31

12 noon TAHITI V FIJI

2.30pm VANUATU V SAMOA

5.00pm NEW ZEALAND V NEW CALEDONIA

SOLOMON ISLANDS BYE