New Caledonia have booked the last remaining semi-final berth at the OFC U-19 Championship after a 1-1 draw against hosts Tahiti at Stade Paea.
On the balance of play, Leon Waitronyie’s side were worthy winners and now advance to face Fiji in Wednesday’s semi-final (Tahiti time). In the other last-four clash, New Zealand will meet the Cook Islands.
Tahiti entered the match needing all three points to progress, while New Caledonia required only a draw. After a cagey, goalless first half, the visitors turned up the pressure immediately after the restart.
Captain Julia Honokoko tested Ohotonui Bonnet with a powerful drive, before Cina Kourevi went close with a strike that shaved the upright. Soon after, Deyanera Michel nearly capped off a flowing move, only to see her curling effort tipped over brilliantly by Bonnet. With Tahiti pinned in their own half, a breakthrough looked inevitable, and it arrived in the 55th minute.
Honokoko, New Caledonia’s talisman, unleashed a thunderous shot from outside the box that crashed off the inside of the post and into the net, sparking jubilant celebrations from the New Caledonians.
Tahiti won a penalty in the 89th minute which Le Gayic converted sparking a frantic finish, but in the end Tahiti could not find the cutting edge required, while New Caledonia’s decisive second-half surge ensured their place in the last four.
Earlier, chances were limited in a tense opening spell. Honokoko combined neatly with Kourevi but Tahiti skipper Haranui Le Gayic was alert to clear. The hosts threatened on the counter, winning a couple of early corners. Their best opportunity of the half came when Haranui’s free-kick caused panic in the New Caledonia box, though no red shirt could apply the finishing touch. Just before halftime, Catherine Teikihaa forced Elizabeth Aben into a sharp save at her near post.
NEW CALEDONIA 1 (Julia HONOKOKO 55′)
TAHITI 1 (Haranui Le Gayic 89′ pen)