FIJI HOPES DENTED AS CHAMBARON&039;S HEROES STAGE FIGHTBACK

BA – Fiji’s OFC Nations Cup/2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Qualifier hopes took a severe dent after Juan Carlos Buzzetti’s side gave up a 2-0 lead to draw 3-3 with South Pacific
Games football gold medallists New Caledonia at Govind Park today.

Valerio Nawatu gave the home side the perfect start after just two minutes to catch the French-speaking visitors on the hop and Youngheart Manawatu striker Osea Vakatalesau extended
the lead on 27 minutes leaving Didier Chambaron’s team with a mountain to climb.

However climb they did as injury hit Fiji surrendered their lead allowing New Caledonia to pull a goal back on 66 minutes through Ramon Gjamaci. Mael Kaudre looked to have spoiled
the party for the host nation when the substitute levelled matters on 83 minutes but Vakatalesau bounced back to put Fiji ahead on 86 minutes only for the unthinkable to happen when AS Magenta
striker Michel Hmae made it 3-3 straight from the kick-off.

The result damages Fiji’s hopes of progressing further with Buzzetti’s team winless after two home matches. Vanuatu’s first up loss to New Zealand at Port Vila Municipal Stadium
means New Caledonia have emerged as the Kiwis most likely obstacle in their pursuit of a Stage 3 FIFA World Cup playoff against the 5th placed team in Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The fixtures for the next round of matches will be reversed with New Zealand playing host to Vanuatu at Westpac Trust Stadium in Wellington on Wendesday 21st November and New
Caledonia hosting Fiji in Noumea the same day.

New Caledonia and New Zealand remain unbeaten with New Caledonia retaining a game in hand although the Kiwis have now plundered six valuable points from two away matches to hold a
commanding position in the group even at this early stage.