Vanuatu had already booked their passage past the group stages but made sure they would top the group with a 5-2 win over Papua New Guinea, who were pipped to second spot in Group A by Fiji on the slimmest of margins. The Fijians posted a 5-1 win over American Samoa to draw level on points with Papua New Guinea and edge their rivals by a goal differential of just one.
The difference between success and failure was nowhere near as close in the day’s final match, which saw New Zealand’s Junior All Whites run rampant and secure first place in Group B with a 10-0 win over New Caledonia.
Central defenders James Musa and Nick Branch both netted hat-tricks – Branch notching his in seven remarkable first-half minutes – while talisman Marco Rojas scored twice with two fine finishes that underlined his reputation as the most accomplished player on show in Auckland this week. Fellow midfielder Adam Thomas and striker Dakota Lucas also got on the scoresheet to end New Caledonia’s tournament in uncompromising fashion.
New Zealand are joined in progressing from Group B by Solomon Islands, who sat out today’s play with the bye.
Junior All Whites coach Chris Milicich was understandably delighted with the performance and believes his side have made big strides since their opening 3-0 win over Solomon Islands, particularly in set-piece situations.
“Our delivery and our runs were spot on,” he says. “It’s not very often that both centre backs get hat-tricks but they can’t score unless the ball’s in the right place and they make the right runs.”
The manner of the goals – eight of them came from set-pieces – would suggest that the victors did not keep the ball on the floor too often but Milicich feels the opposite was true.
“I thought we played some great football,” he says. ” We kept the ball safe at the back and when we had the opportunity to move forward with pace on the deck we did.”
Drahusak was disappointed with the nature of the defeat but admits his team were beaten by a better side. He was without the services of two players, Jean Claude Jewine and Robert Dokunengo, due to suspension and says their absence made a difference.
“We knew it was going to be tough to get to the semis and, without two of our key players, it was going to be even more difficult. Once they had five goals in the first half an hour the players’ heads dropped and we didn’t play to our abilities.”
New Zealand were joined in putting on a clinical display by Vanuatu, who were 3-0 up at the break against Papua New Guinea thanks to goals by Jean Kaltak, Octav Meltecoin and Pascal Chabot. Midfielder Didier Kalip extended that lead in the 56th minute before Chabot helped himself to his second ten minutes later.
Papua New Guinea mounted a late fightback as they looked to keep their semi-final hopes alive but goals to Nigel Dabingyaba and substitute Alwin Komolong in the 70th minute and injury time respectively were not enough to overtake Fiji.
“We made too many mistakes in the first half and that cost us the game,” Papua New Guinea coach Max Foster says. “Vanuatu had most of the chances and they made good use of them.”
Vanuatu opposite Moise Poida was pleased to see his side continue their undefeated march to the semi-finals but says injuries to several players, notably star striker Jean Kaltak, has taken some of the gloss off the performance.
“Jean, his cousin Brian Kaltak and our captain Lucien Hinge all have injuries but hopefully they will be okay for the semi-final,” he says.
Fiji coach Ravinesh Kumar is delighted his side will be competing in those semi-finals after seeing a Jone Salauneune hat-trick and further goals to Vilitati Ratu and Noa Vukica earn the high-scoring win over American Samoa they needed. The defeated side’s response came from Ismael Herrera in the 84th minute.
“They scored against the run of play and I was worried that it would cost us but it was a huge relief to be told we were through to the semis after the final whistle,” Kumar says.
After three straight losses, American Samoa coach Rupeni Luvu is disappointed with the results but says his players have learned plenty from the experience.
“It was pleasing to score in our last two matches but our defence wasn’t good enough,” he says. “I don’t think the weather conditions suited us but we gave it everything in all three matches. Now we have to look at the leagues back home to see how we can improve and become more competitive next time.”
Papua New Guinea – Vanuatu Match Summary click here

Fiji – American Samoa Match Summary click here
New Zealand – New Caledonia Match Summary click here
Competition Summary click here
Semi-Finals

Vanuatu vs. Solomon Islands
Wednesday 27 April
Centre Park, Mangere
Local kick-off: 12pm
New Zealand vs. Fiji
Wednesday 27 April
Centre Park, Mangere
Local kick-off: 2.45pm