The National Cup format was given a makeover by the FFF this year, and instead of heading straight into the final competition, teams are now required to go through a qualification round.
New Caledonia found themselves in a group that included Mayotte and two sides from Reunion, who also hosted the preliminary tournament.
While New Caledonia has a long history of participation, they have only ever managed to win once and draw once in that period.
Unfortunately this wasn’t the year that they would break their losing streak going down in each of their three matches. Their first defeat was at the hands of Mayotte who took a 2-1 victory. Jordan Haeko helped his side reduce the difference in the second half after latching onto a loose ball in the box.
The second match saw the young New Caledonians take an early lead against Reunion when Michael Jone found the goal in the tenth minute. They kept up the pressure throughout the first half, peppering the Reunion keeper with shots, and were unlucky not to find a second goal.
The second half continued in the same fashion with the visitors’ constant pressure making things difficult for the home side. However a splendid strike from Loic Grondin allowed Reunion to equalise. The final 15 minutes of the match then proved fatal for the young Cagous who let three goals slip past to end the match 4-1.
The third and final match of the tournament had the Caledonians coming face-to-face with the group’s strongest side – Reunion A. After conceding an early first goal, Hienghene Sport’s Nelson Kai helped New Caledonia bring the scores back in line. However against the top side with the backing of the local supporters it wasn’t long before Reunion sealed the deal to take a 3-1 victory.
New Caledonia’s U-15 coach Serge de Novack said it’s necessary for the country to send a team to this competition each year, even if it is for no more than to allow the players the honour of their first national selection.
For more on New Caledonia football go to www.fedcalfoot.com

Share