The only hiccup for the six-time champions was a loss to New Zealand in the group stage, but having already topped the group in terms of the Pacific Games, they wrote off the loss and focused on the task ahead.
To qualify for tonight’s final they needed a win over Fiji, who had just qualified for the Olympic Games Men’s Football Tournament in Rio. Coach Carlos Buzzetti said his side had very little left in the tank after that match, and it showed. But that shouldn’t take anything away from the determined display from New Caledonia as their high pressure game plan paid off.
Tahiti’s height and power proved difficult for Papua New Guinea to control as the Tahitians scored twice to make their first Pacific Games final in ten years. The did it without talismanic captain Manuarii Hauata who was suspended, but as he returns to the squad along with Thibault Pito they’re confidence will boost even further.
History sits firmly on Les Cagous side in this encounter, with the New Caledonians chasing their third consecutive title, and seventh total – a competition record. Tahiti’s last triumph was in 1995, a 2-0 win over Solomon Islands, and to break New Caledonia’s reign would be considered a major achievement for this side.
In today’s opening match, Papua New Guinea is also chasing history – a first medal at the Pacific Games – but have a solid Fiji side to break down first.
The hosts have proven themselves contenders in this competition, their 1-0 loss to New Zealand a real highlight on the journey as they often outclassed their opponents and came close to causing an upset.
We saw what a difference the crowd can make when the Papua New Guinea women won gold overnight, and it could well be the case again this afternoon.
Fiji will be no easy beat. They are a strong defensive side and have shown time and again that they have a powerful strike force that is unafraid of taking, and finishing, their chances. They will be without captain Jale Dreloa for this one, suspended following the semi-finals, but Carlos Buzzetti will be confident he has the depth to claim a bronze to add to Fiji’s prize collection here in Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea vs. Fiji
Sir Hubert Murray Stadium
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Friday 17July 2015
Kick-off: 3pm
PNGvFIJ
Referee: Gerald OIAKA (SOL)
Assistant Referee 1: Bertrand BRIAL (NCL)
Assistant Referee 2: Noel BERRY (SOL)
Fourth Official: Ichikawa POLOVILI (TGA)
Papua New Guinea: 1. Ismael POLE (GK), 2. Abel REDENUT, 3. Otto KUSUNAN, 4. Joshua TALAU, 5. John RAY, 6. Emmanuel AIREM, 7. Freddy STEVEN, 8. Sammy RUFUS, 9. Patrick AISA, 10. Rodney MOBIHA, 11. Emmanuel YAWI, 12. Darren STEVEN, 13. Tommy SEMMY, 14. Alwin KOMOLONG, 15. Vincent WORIO, 16. Felix KOMOLONG, 17. Jacob SABUA, 18. Basil JOFARI, 19. Pettyshen ELIJAH, 20. Charles LEPANI (GK), 21. Nathan JAMES, 22. Gimale ESSACU, 23. Papalau AWELE
Coach: Ricki HERBERT (NZL)
Fiji: 1. Senirusi BOKINI (GK), 2. Ravinesh KUMAR DASS, 3. Praneel NAIDU, 4. Kolinio SIVOKI, 6. Saula WAQA, 7. Manasa NAWAKULA, 8. Atonio TUIVUNA, 9. Iosefo VEREVOU, 10. Rusiate MATAREREGA, 11. Christopher WASASALA, 12. Tevita WARANAIVALU, 13. Filipe BARAVILALA, 14. Garish PRASAD, 15.Napolioni QASEVAKATINI, 16. Sakaraia NAISUA, 17. Nickel CHAND, 18. Viliame BAWAI, 19. Ratu NAKALEVU, 20. Tevita KOROI (GK)
Suspended: 5. Jale DREOLA
Coach: Carlos BUZZETTI (AUS)
Pacific Games Final
Tahiti vs. New Caledonia
Sir Hubert Murray Stadium
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Friday 17 July 2015
Kick-off: 7pm
TAHvNCL
Referee: Ravitesh BEHARI (FIJ)
Assistant Referee 1: Ravinesh KUMAR (FIJ)
Assistant Referee 2: David CHARLES (PNG)
Fourth Official: Robinson BANGA (VAN)
Tahiti: 1. Tom TERIINOHOPUAITERAI (GK), 2. Tevaimoana MESLIEN, 3. Raimana TIPAHAEHAE, 4. Rainui AROITA, 5. Teheiarii TAUPOTINI, 6. Louis PETITGAS, 7. Tauatua LUCAS, 8. Manuarii HAUATA, 9. Fred TISSOT, 10. Yohann TIHONI, 11. Mauarii TEHINA, 12. Raiamanu TETAUIRA, 13. Raumatahi NOHO, 14. Tevairoa TEHURITAUA, 15. Ryan PETITGAS, 16. Remauiarii CROLAS (GK), 17. Tumarangi TIATOA, 18. Heremoana HOATA, 19. Tamatoa TETAUIRA, 20. Raimana DHALLUIN, 21. Thibaut PITO, 22. Michel MAIHI, 23. Vaiarii HALLIGAN
Coach: Patrice FLACCADORI (TAH)
New Caledonia: 1. Thomas SCHMIDT (GK), 2. Jorys MENE, 3. Aquilas WAHNAPO, 4. Jean-Brice WADRIAKO, 5. Jean-Luc DECOIRE, 6. David BEARUNE, 7. Leon WAHNAWE, 8. Shafi MANDAOUE, 9. Jim OUKA, 10. Cedric DECOIRE, 11. Raphael OIREMOIN, 12. Yorick HNAUTRA, 13. Joseph TCHAKO, 14. Nathanael HMAEN, 15. Joseph ATHALE, 16. Jimmy WAHNAPO (GK), 17. Ben MALAKAI, 18. Pierre KAUMA, 19. Mickael PARTODIKROMO, 20. Johan IDRELE, 21. Jacques NYKEINE (GK), 22. Theo JALABERT, 23. Vince POITHILI
Coach: Thierry SARDO (FRA)