Both matches took place in Tahiti but it was the visiting New Caledonians who drew first blood, posting a 3-1 win in the first game.
Triumphant coach Christophe Coursimault was able to name in his line-up Jean François Kabeu, a player who knows a lot about Tahitian football due to being a current squad member of Tahiti club side AS Manu Ura. He made use of that local knowledge when he latched onto a deep pass from playmaker Pierre Wajoka to open the scoring in the 29th minute.
The leaders maintained their one-goal advantage for the rest of the half and it wasn’t until just after the hour mark that Tahiti were able to get back on level terms. New Caledonia player Judickael Ixoee put in a heavy challenge in the box that resulted in a penalty being awared and Ixoee receiving his marching orders.
Sebastien Labayen stepped up to convert the spot kick and, with their opponents now down to ten men, it looked at that stage like Tahiti would have every chance of going on to win the game.
But New Caledonia made light of their numerical disadvantage and went on to score twice in the final ten minutes to wrap up an impressive victory.
Both goals went to the sharp-shooting Kabeu, who beat goalkeeper Xavier Samin in a one-on-one situation in the 81st minute and completed his hat-trick five minutes later when he finished off a Michel Hmae pass.
“It is a great success for the team,” New Caledonia captain Wajoka sais. “The team is composed of a mix of young and experienced players so this success is a good step for the cohesion of the group.
“We played well despite the difficult first minutes. Tahiti pressured us very high at the beginning of the game so it was difficult. But we never stopped playing and took control of the game.”
The emotion-charged second game was far more than just a friendly as it was dedicated to the memory of Patrick Pito, a former coach of Manu Ura and assistant coach of the Tahiti national team who passed away suddenly earlier this year.
New Caledonia picked up from where they left off in the first game, immediately putting pressure on the Tahiti defence.
But the home side soon began to get a foothold in the game and started to see more of the ball as the half wore on. Neither team could break the deadlock though and the scores were level at halftime.
The local fans finally had a goal to celebrate when a 20m free kick from Tahiti substitute Billy Mataitai smashed against the cross bar and landed at the feet of Gary Rochette, who pushed the ball into the empty net for a straightforward finish.
All proceeds from the game were donated to the Manu Ura club.
The pair of friendlies were the first time since the French Overseas Cup in September, a match Tahiti eventually won 5-3 on penalties after a scoreless stalemate.
Tahiti: 1 (Sébastien Labayen 61′)
New Caledonia: 3 (Jean François Kabeu 29′, 81′, 86′)
Saturday 2 April
Stadium Pater
Tahiti: Xavier Samin (GK, c), Pierre Kugogne, Teheivarii Ludivion, Stephane Faatiarau, Jonathan Tehau, Sébastien Labayen, Heimano Bourebare, Lorenzo Tehau, Steevy Chong Hue, Kaurani Voirin, Teaonui Teahu
Coach: Eddy Etaeta
New Caledonia: César Lolohea (GK), André Sinedo, Emile Bearune, Pierre Wajoka (c), Marius Bako, Patrick Qaeze, Michel Hmae, Michel Hne, Joris Gorendiawe, Judickael Ixoee, Jean François Kabeu
Coach: Christophe Coursimault
Referee: Norbert Hauata
Assistant referee 1: Philippe Revel
Assistant referee 2: Paul Ahupu
Tahiti: 1 (Gary Rochette 72′)
New Caledonia: 0
Wednesday 6 April
Stadium Paea
Tahiti: Mickael Roche (GK), Jonathan Tehau, Tauraa Marmouyet, Jean Claude Chang Koei Chang, Jean Yves Ly Waut, Jean Victor Tinorua, Estay Efrain Araneda, Gary Rochette, Lorenzo Tehau, Axel Williams, Taufa Neuffer (c)
Coach: Eddy Etaeta
New Caledonia: Dimitri Petemou (GK), Emile Bearune, Patrick Qaeze André Sinedo, Jean paul Read, Noel Kaudre Pierre Wajoka (c), Marius Bako, Joris Gorendiawe, Michel Hmae, Iamel Kabeu
Coach: Christophe Coursimault
Referee: Abdelkader Zitouni
Assistant referee 1: Joseph Pani
Assistant referee 2: Stéphane Tetauira