Gaïtcha earned another spot in the final when a Yoran Hmuzo double earned them a 2-0 success against AS Thio while Magenta’s path was not so straightforward, a late winner from Joris Gorendiawe finally securing a 1-0 victory over AS Lössi.
The opening stages of the first semi-final between Gaïtcha and Thio were evenly balanced as both sides tried to keep hold of the ball. But Gaïtcha striker Hmuzo put his team in front in the 28th minute and it was a lead they didn’t look like giving up as they took control of the second half.
The advantage was extended in the 71st minute when Hmuzo struck again to qualify the team from the Lifou province for its second final appearance in a row.
The second semi-final began at a much faster pace and the first chance arrived in the 17th minute when Magenta striker Georges Gope-Fenepej went one-on-one with national team goalkeeper Michel Hne but failed to find the target.
Lössi replied a few minutes later with a wayward Alan Hnautra effort before Gope-Fenepej had another good opportunity but again could not make the most of it.
The second half was an even affair as both teams fought for a place in the final but the match’s decisive moment arrived when Gorendiawe joined the action from the substitutes’ bench.
The young striker made sure his introduction would make a difference to the outcome when he got on the end of a deep cross from Gope-Fenepej at the far post and directed a header into the net in the 80th minute.
The result means Magenta now have a chance to win their second consecutive Coupe de Calédonie title when they take on Gaïtcha again at Noumea’s Stade Numa Daly on July 30.
Victory brings with it entry into the prestigious Coupe de France, known more commonly around the world as the French Cup.
The competition is played out by club sides from France and the nation’s overseas territories and offers teams from Tahiti and New Caledonia the chance to test themselves against professional and semi-professional French sides.
Last season, Magenta became the first side from New Caledonia to progress to the eighth round of the French Cup in 42 years but were beaten at that stage by third-tier side Paris FC.
For more on New Caledonia football go to www.fedcalfoot.com