With the win comes promotion to the national Super Ligue for next season – quite an achievement for a club which joined the league just four years ago.
Club manager Albert Xalitr says it is a historic victory for the team whose players originate mainly from the tribes of Hnaeu and Luengöni in the south of the Loyalty Island of Lifou.
“It is an immense joy for the club and its supporters. We are still a young club and we’ve reached the top by winning the championship and being promoted to the Super Ligue,” Xalitr says.
The final between Drehu and Wacaele was held at Stade de Hnassé and despite some fairly wet conditions a decent crowd turned out to support the two sides.
The significance of the match was apparent to both teams who came onto the field firing and it wasn’t long before the opening goal was scored.
Fifteen minutes in, a poorly-cleared corner allowed Alexander Sio to send a lob over the Maré goalkeeper and that lead was extended just five minutes later by Emile Akön who sent in a shot from around 16 metres out.
Just before half-time the visitors could only watch as Gregory Xalitr converted a penalty, leading them to trail 3-0 at the break.
Wacaele’s hopes of a comeback were ruined on the hour after Cexome’s shot from distance went in, although they had the opportunity to save some of their honour with a successful penalty in the 70th minute.
With their focus now turning to the upcoming Lifou Cup, Xalitr says the team will also need to begin preparing for the higher level of competition they expect to encounter in next year’s Super Ligue.
For more on New Caledonia football go to www.fedcalfoot.com