Photo Credit: OFC Media via Kirk Corrie
New Caledonia were arguably the standout performers on the first day of action in Group A last month, as they look to seal a place in the semi-finals as qualifying resumes.
Johann Sidaner’s team came away with the three points they were desperate for, with a solid 3-1 victory over Papua New Guinea, leaving them top of the group as qualifying shifts to Port Moresby.
Secure a win over Solomon Islands in their first match – as they did in last year’s Pacific Games – and they will be all but through to the semi-finals in New Zealand next year.
Captain Cesar Zeoula was an influtential figure in the victory over Papua New Guinea last month and is confident his team can build on that success after a solid period of preparation.
“The preparation went very well despite what is happening in the country and the championship which has been stopped since May. The boys are present at training and are serious, as is the same for the players who have arrived from France,” Zeoula said.
“t was very important to win the first match in Fiji to start our qualifying campaign well. Next week we still have two important matches against Solomon Islands and Fiji and we want to give a perfect performance but we will have to work hard and stay focused,” the captain continued.
One win from those two games should be enough but Zeoula is not allowing himself and the team to get ahead of themselves.
“It is our primary objective to qualify for the semi-finals but as I said we know that we need to be very invested on and off the field and focused first on the match against Solomon Islands next week,” he said.
New Caledonia squad for FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers
W. Hlupa – FC Decize
T. Schmidt – Tiga Sport
M. Ulile – AS Magenta
J. Athale – Libre
A. Deplanque – Vendee Fontenay Foot
C. Wadenges – Racing Besancon
F. Ranchain – ASC Gaïca
D. Tufele – AS Lössi
F. Gope – AS Magenta
Y. Bearune – Horizon Patho
P. Bako – Ussa Vertou
A. Jeno – Beitar Jerualem
C. Zeoula – US Chauvigny
M. Mathelon – Tiga Sport
D. Simane – ASPTT Dijon
M. Partodikromo – Saint Sebastien FC
S. Welepane – Tiga Sport
B. Ausu – Sud FC
G. Gope-Fenepej – Saint-Pryvê-Saint Hilaire
G. Haewegene – AS Magenta
JJ. Katrawa – Sud FC
T. Richard – Olympique Salaise Rhodia
G. Waia – Tiga Sport
FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers
Group A
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (kick-off times local)
Thursday, November 14
Solomon Islands v New Caledonia, 1:00pm
Papua New Guinea v Fiji, 4:00pm
Sunday, November 17
Fiji v New Caledonia, 1:00pm
Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands, 4:00pm