New Caledonia have produced a stunning second-half fightback to defeat the Solomon Islands 5-2 in a pulsating Group B match at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Honiara.
In a match full of attacking intent and end-to-end drama, the visitors proved more clinical after the break, striking four times to silence the vocal home crowd.
New Caledonia made the perfect start in the 8th minute when Hnoka Wetewea unleashed a superb right-footed strike past Solomon Islands goalkeeper Eddie Aefi.
The hosts, however, responded with pace and power down the flanks, constantly troubling the New Caledonia backline. They drew level midway through the first half when Junior Sam converted from the penalty spot after being brought down by Typhan Dreuko.
Eight minutes before halftime, Sam turned provider, bursting down the right before squaring for Junior Ben to slot home and give the Solomon Islands a 2-1 lead. The home side thought they had extended their advantage just before the interval, but Ben’s second goal was ruled out for offside, while Ben Filia’s long-range attempt whistled narrowly over the bar.
The momentum shifted after the restart. In the 53rd minute, Darryl Hmaloko’s teasing free kick was met by Andre Menango, who rose highest to nod in the equaliser. Just four minutes later, Wetewea turned creator, whipping in a pinpoint cross for Lenddy Wede to head New Caledonia back in front.
With the home side chasing an equaliser, space opened up at the back, and Wede made no mistake in the 69th minute, breaking clear before finishing calmly with his left foot to seal an impressive win.
The referee added 18 minutes of extra time due to two cooling breaks and a lengthy stoppage as Solomon Islands keeper Eddie Aefi was stretchered off the field early in the second half. New Caledonia made sure of the result in the 7th minute of injury time, heading home his second goal of the game from a corner.
New Caledonia now face New Zealand on Thursday, while the Solomon Islands will look to bounce back against Samoa.
New Caledonia 5 (Hnoka WETEWEA 8’, Andre MENANGO 53’,90+7’, Lenddy WEDE 59’, 69’)
Solomon Islands 2 (Junior SAM 23’ pen, Junior BEN 37’)
HT: 1-2