Photo Credit: OFC Media via Trevor Mallen Photography
Fiji will join New Caledonia in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers next year in New Zealand after a well-contested draw in Port Moresby.
Roy Krishna’s first-half, stoppage-time penalty gave Fiji the lead before Jean-Jacques Katrawa equalised just before the hour mark. The result subsequently eliminates Papua New Guinea from contention. New Caledonia advance as Group winners with Fiji runners-up.
In hot and humid conditions – exceeding 30 degrees celsius at kick-off – it was the Fijians who enjoyed most of the early running, though their high-line was giving Johann Sidaner’s side space in behind and they looked threatening on the counter-attack.
Chances were at a premium and with the half entering its final stages, both sides seemed content to head back to the changing rooms all-square.
Two minutes into stoppage-time however, Roy Krishna was upended in the box and the talismanic forward stepped up to calmly slot home to break the deadlock.
New Caledonia started the second period strong and just before the hour mark, found themselves level. An excellent run down the left-hand side from Abezeier Jeno allowed him to cut the ball back, which was fired home by Jean-Jacques Katrawa to make it 1-1.
Katrawa almost got his second to give New Caledonia the lead when latching onto a through ball, but his effort from close range was well saved by the onrushing Jerome Narayan.
The conditions were getting to both teams as the match wore on, with sweltering conditions taking their toll, the pace gradually slowed down as the minutes ticked away.
Both sides will have to be content with a draw, ensuring both will travel to New Zealand in March for the semi-finals. Papua New Guinea however are now out of contention before they play their final match against Solomon Islands.
Fiji: 1 (Roy KRISHNA (P) 45+3’)
New Caledonia: 1 (Jean-Jacques KATRAWA 58’)
HT: 1-0