Fiji Finish Top as Samoa and New Caledonia Share the Points in Group A Finale

With both sides entering the match unbeaten, the winner would secure first place in the group and strengthen their hopes of making history.

Fiji made the perfect start, taking the lead after just six minutes through Zaman Shah. The winger produced a moment of brilliance, curling a corner kick directly into the net to stun the home crowd.

Papua New Guinea’s task became even more difficult when Jau Eron was shown a red card following a heavy challenge, leaving the hosts to play the remainder of the match with ten men.

Fiji quickly capitalised on their numerical advantage. Jerry Levea doubled the lead in the 19th minute with a powerful long-range effort, his strike carrying all the way into the back of the net. Just before half-time, Isoa Baselala added a third after creating space for himself, surging beyond the PNG defence before firing home to give Fiji a commanding 3-0 advantage at the break.

Despite the setback, Papua New Guinea refused to give in. Iga Steven injected urgency into the attack after the restart, bursting into the penalty area before delivering a dangerous cross, while captain Matthew Sopo twice threatened to reduce the deficit, forcing one save before later firing narrowly over the crossbar.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, Papua New Guinea continued to push until the final whistle, but Fiji’s defence held firm to secure an impressive victory. Both teams book their place in the semi-finals and Fiji complete the group stages as Group A winners.

Papua New Guinea: 0

Fiji: 3 (Zaman SHAH 6′, Jerry LEVEA 19′, Isoa BASELALA 43′)

New Caledonia created the better early chances, with Lyssandro Martinez heading narrowly over the crossbar after a dangerous delivery into the penalty area.

Samoa struck first in the 30th minute through Te Koha Gabriel Schick. A perfectly weighted through ball from midfield sent the forward racing into the box. His initial effort was parried by goalkeeper Jaerson Pian, but Schick reacted quickest to head the rebound into the net and give Samoa a 1-0 lead.

Moments later, Samoa’s task became significantly harder after they were reduced to ten players following a red card, forcing them to defend their advantage for more than half the match.

New Caledonia dominated possession after the break and continued to press for an equaliser. Martinez went close again with a looping effort before Kevin Hoang tested Samoan goalkeeper Moemanatu after good work from Matahi Wimian.

The pressure finally paid off in the 74th minute when New Caledonia were awarded a penalty after Bevan Jr Kapisi brought down Maelann Pearou in the box. Centre-back Steevy Andrew confidently converted from the spot, blasting his effort down the middle to earn New Caledonia a share of the spoils.

Samoa: 1 (Te Koha Gabriel SCHICK 30′)