The winner of the tournament will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Turkey from June 21 to July 13.
Here’s a look at the action that’s in store across the two matches on the fourth day of the OFC U-20 Championship.
New Caledonia vs. Papua New Guinea – 1.30pm Wednesday 27 March
Both these sides will be looking for their first win of the tournament when they come face-to-face in tomorrow’s opening match. New Caledonia gave defending champions New Zealand a real scare yesterday as they raced out to a two-goal lead in 25 minutes. At half-time the advantage was reduced to 2-1 as Wellington Phoenix player Louis Fenton slotted home a penalty. After the break New Zealand fought back to overturn the deficit, going on to win 3-2 and destroy New Caledonia’s hopes of an upset and a ticket to Turkey. Captain Jean-Brice Wadriako was again a stand-out performer, helping keep New Zealand out at one end, while heading in a crucial goal at the other. Stephane Tein-Padom made some stellar runs forward only to be denied by an in-form New Zealand goalkeeper Scott Basalaj. Papua New Guinea showed some flashes of skill in their second match of the tournament against Vanuatu, opening the scoring in the first minute through fleet-footed striker Patrick Aisa. But despite taking the early lead it wasn’t Papua New Guinea’s day as Vanuatu ran six goals past them to take a 6-1 victory. With their confidence having no doubt taken a knock following two heavy defeats in the tournament, Wesley Waiwai’s squad will need to pick themselves up as they attempt to earn a consolation win against the New Caledonians. The side possesses speed and agility and have a strong attack in the form of Aisa, Daniel Taylor and captain Alwin Komolong who will be looking to combine and give their side the advantage.
In their own words
“Firstly, we need to recuperate ahead of our match against Papua New Guinea as that is most important. Then we will continue to give our maximum to get our first victory in the tournament.” – New Caledonia coach Matthieu Delcroix
“We can’t afford to be flat on our feet and need to play good football. It would be good to spread the ball more and get more combination play going in our passing. New Caledonia have a good passing game and are good in defence as well so it will come down to whoever plays the better football.” – Papua New Guinea coach Wesley Waiwai
New Zealand vs. Fiji – 4pm Wednesday 27 March
With only New Zealand and Fiji in the running to qualify for Turkey, this match is shaping up to be the unmissable encounter of the tournament. New Zealand will go into the match on the back of three straight wins, while Fiji have two from two – and have enjoyed three days of rest to boot. With nine points, New Zealand lead the table and, while a draw won’t rule them out of the running, they are approaching this as a must-win clash. Having been made to work hard for each of their victories, including coming back from a 2-0 deficit to beat New Caledonia 3-2 yesterday, the Junior All Whites will be starting to feel the aches and pains that come with playing three physically draining matches in five days. Coach Chris Milicich will continue to rotate his squad, while remaining aware of the underlying need for a win. In contrast to Milicich’s men, the Fiji players will be fresh after the favourable nature of the draw gave them a well-timed bye on Monday. On the path to this penultimate face-off, Fiji disposed of both Vanuatu and New Caledonia 3-2. Neither were easy wins for the host side, with New Caledonia narrowing the gap with a goal late in the piece, while Fiji were forced to come from behind to beat a confident Vanuatu in the opening match of the tournament. Coach Ravinesh Kumar will be hoping his charges can retain the determination they have showed in their pair of wins when they take on the star-studded Kiwis.
In their own words
“We knew we would probably be in this situation two months ago and if Fiji are ever going to win this tournament then now is probably the time. They will have the advantage of three days’ rest and have only played two games whereas we’re tired and leggy. But it’s a one-off game and our boys won’t back off” – New Zealand coach Chris Milicich
“We will need to improve a lot because we know that New Zealand will be tough for us. They have players from the A-League and professional clubs in England. We will give them all due respect but will also be out to do our best.” – Fiji coach Ravinesh Kumar
OFC U-20 Championship – Match Day 4 Preview
New Caledonia vs. Papua New Guinea
1.30pm local time, Wednesday 27 March
Churchill Park
Lautoka, Fiji
Referee: Gerald OIAKA [SOL]
Assistant Referee 1: Stephen SENGA [SOL]
Assistant Referee 2: Ravinesh KUMAR [FIJ]
4th Official: Salesh CHAND
New Caledonia: 1. Anthony AJAPUHNYA [GK], 2. Ernest MAPERI, 3. Matthieu PATRITTI, 4. Jean-Brice WADRIAKO, 5. Aquilas WAHNAPO, 6.Fonzy RANCHAIN, 7. Ben MALAKAI, 8. Michel WASSIN, 9. Bernard WAELUA, 10. Jordy XALITE, 11. Stephane TEIN-PADOM, 13. Jean-Pierre BOB, 14. Cedric DECOIRE, 15. Geordy GONY, 16. Renaldo NONMEU, 17. Bernard STREIFF, 18. David WADRA, 19. Louis WAIA, 20. Emmanuel HNASSON [GK]
Coach: Matthieu DELCROIX [NCL]
Papua New Guinea: 1. Charles LEPANI [GK], 2. John RAY, 3. Otto KUSUNAN, 4. Ayrton YAGAS, 5. Daniel TAYLOR, 6. Emmanuel AIREM, 7. Raynard YOHANG, 8. Darren STEVEN, 9. Patrick AISA, 10. Charkstan AOPI, 11. Sana YATU, 12. Philadelphia VELA, 13. Tommy SEMMY, 14. Alwin KOMOLONG, 15. Philip STEVEN, 16. Papalau AWELE, 17. Jacob SABUA, 18. Francis PATRICK, 19. Pettyshen ELIJAH, 20. Ishmael POLE [GK]
Coach: Wesley WAIWAI [PNG]
New Zealand vs. Fiji
4pm local time, Wednesday 27 March
Churchill Park
Lautoka, Fiji
Referee: Bertrand BILLON [NCL]
Assistant Referee 1: Tevita MAKASINI [TGA]
Assistant Referee 2: Jackson NAMO [SOL]
4th Official: Kader ZITOUNI [TAH]
New Zealand: 1. Scott BASALAJ [GK], 2. Storm ROUX, 3. Bill TUILOMA, 4. Simon ARMS, 5. Luke ADAMS, 6. Tom BISS, 7. Cameron HOWIESON , 8. Jesse EDGE, 9. Hamish WATSON, 10. Tyler BOYD, 11. Louis FENTON, 12. Rory TURNER, 13. Liam HIGGINS, 14. Kade SCHRIJVERS, 15. Justin GULLEY, 16. Van ELIA, 17. Ryan THOMAS, 18. Joel STEVENS, 19. Dale HIGHAM, 20. Max CROCOMBE [GK]
Coach: Chris MILICICH [NZL]
Fiji: 1. Tevita KOROI [GK], 2. Antonio TUIVUNA, 3. Praneel NAIDU, 4. Jale DRELOA, 5. Rusiate MATAREREGA, 6. Kolinio SIVOKI, 7. Vineel NAIDU, 8. Setareki HUGHES, 9. Manasa NAWAKULA, 10. Junior RAO, 11. Jope MASIBALAVU, 12. Ratu NAKALEVU, 13. Jone SALAUNEUNE, 14. Josaia MASIWINI, 15. Napolioni QASEVAKATINI, 16. Sakaraia NAISUA, 17. Ravinesh DASS, 18. Tomasi TUICAKAU, 19. Kasim KHAN, 20. Senirusi BOKINI [GK]
Coach: Ravinesh KUMAR [FIJ]