 |
New Caledonia celebrate recording their first win. Photo: OFC |
Cedrick Humuni stole the show with four classy goals to take his tournament tally to eight - just two behind Kurukuru forward Micah Lea’alafa, who was top goal scorer last year.
Despite four consecutive losses, New Caledonia have shown signs of promise throughout the week and were unlucky not to pick up points against the likes of Vanuatu and Tahiti.
But Erik Michalak’s side finally got what they deserved turning performance into points as Tuvalu struggled to keep up with the pace of the game.
Humuni, who has been impressive throughout the tournament, opened the scoring just two minutes into the match with a nicely timed run into their area and cool finish.
Captain Loic Caunes doubled their lead in the sixth minute but Tuvalu hit straight back through Laupula Huehue who got the faintest of touches to deflect a long range shot goalward.
New Caledonia had two more before the break, both from Humuni, and continued their scoring spree in the second period. Eventually Louis Waishitine, Yoann Waikedre and Caryl Thepinier had added their names to the score sheet.
An unfortunate New Caledonia own goal in the dying stages gave Tuvalu some consolation but Toakai Puapua’s side are still without a point from four matches.
Tuvalu face another tough challenge against New Zealand tomorrow while New Caledonia have a rest day.
To download the match summary, click here.
To download the competition summary, click here.
|