New Caledonia have taken a step closer to a maiden FIFA World Cup™ appearance after a 3-0 victory over Tahiti in sunny Wellington, thanks to an outstanding brace from Georges Gope-Fenepej.
With so much at stake for the winner, with a place in Monday’s final at Eden Park on the line, one may have been forgiven for expecting a cagey and tight opening to the match.
It proved anything but however, with both sides enjoying chances throughout the opening 45 minutes – just unable to find that final incisive moment to break the deadlock.
Tahiti’s Eddy Kaspard – one of the team’s standout performers throughout qualifying – was a constant threat, working from both flanks with a power and pace that troubled New Caledonia’s backline. Pierre Bako struggled to stop the surging Kaspard in the opening minutes and picking up an early yellow card as a result.
It was New Caledonia however that had the first chance of the game. The ball cut back to captain César Zeoula inside the penalty area, but the midfielder’s effort flew harmlessly wide when under little pressure.
Joseph Athale was next to nearly the find the net for New Caledonia. Tahiti’s inability to clear a corner saw the ball fall to the feet of Athale but from close range his snap shot flashed just the wrong side of the post.
Whilst Tahiti continued to look for opportunities to utilise their pace on the counter, it was New Caledonia who almost ended the first period in front. A well worked move down the left-hand side found Titouan Richard and his low, driven effort seemed goal-bound, if not for the out-stretched fingertips of goalkeeper Teave Teamotuaitau in the Tahiti goal.
It felt like a goal was coming and it didn’t take long into the second-half for the deadlock to be broken. Tahiti’s slackness at the back allowed New Caledonia to break through and after Teamotuaitau made an initial smothering save from Zeoula, talismanic forward Georges Gope-Fenepej was on hand with a delightful chipped effort to find the net despite a recovering defender.
The hot and humid conditions in Wellington appeared to be taking their toll in the second period, with a marked decrease in the pace and intensity from both sides.
New Caledonia continued to dominate possession however and were happy to spend the final half hour without their captain César Zeoula, who was removed just over the hour mark and replaced by Shene Welepane.
The win was confirmed with just under a quarter of an hour left on the lock. Gope-Fenepej picking the ball up halfway into Tahiti’s half, spotting Teamotuaitau off his line and lofting an inch-perfect effort over the ‘keeper and in to make it 2-0 and seal a place in Monday’s final for his side.
There was still time for a third in stoppage time. Substitute Lues Waya finding space on the edge of the area and his right-foot shot beat Teamotuaitau via a slight deflection to put the result beyond doubt. Tahiti’s task was made even harder when Pothin Poma was shown a straight red for the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Tahiti never looked like seriously threatening as the time ticked on, their World Cup dreaming coming to an end, whilst Johann Sidaner and his side can look ahead to a final on Monday and the chance to make footballing history for New Caledonia.
New Caledonia: 3 (Georges Gope-Fenepej 51′, 76′, Lues WAYA 90+1′)
Tahiti: 0
HT: 1-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek