New Caledonia have kept their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Vanuatu at a wet Govind Park in Ba.
Both nations knew only a win would suffice after heavy opening defeats, and two first half goals gave New Caledonia just their third FIFA Women’s World Cup™ qualifying victory, and their first since 2018.
Kané Dralu opened the scoring with a superb solo goal in the 14th minute, rounding multiple defenders and the goalkeeper, before Leana Hmae doubled New Caledonia’s advantage in the 34th minute with a header from a corner.
Vanuatu weren’t without their chances as they searched for the first goal of their qualifying campaign, with Nettie Kalsau having both a goal ruled out for offside, and then hitting the crossbar.
After hitting the post to start the second half, Leimata Simon halved the deficit with a goal in the 82nd minute. It proved too little, too late though, as New Caledonia held on for a crucial victory in the context of their qualification campaign.
New Caledonia: 2 (Kané DRALU 14’, Leana HMAE 34’)
Vanuatu: 1 (Leimata SIMON 82′)
HT: 2-0
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek