New Caledonia staged a thrilling comeback to secure their place in the final of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, overcoming Solomon Islands 3-2 in a gripping semi-final in Apia.
This victory also qualifies them for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 in Chile.
Early pressure from New Caledonia saw Paul Qaeze and Louis Brunet forcing Solomon Islands’ goalkeeper Gideon Abidan into action.
The deadlock was broken by Qaeze, who unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner.
However, their lead was short-lived as Solomon Islands equalized ten minutes later through a deflected header from Gordon Iro during a corner.
Just before halftime, Solomon Islands turned the game around with Jimson Abana scoring from a chaotic scene following another corner.
The game intensified after the break, with both teams battling fiercely. New Caledonia nearly equalized when Paul Francis’ brilliant shot hit the crossbar.
As the match neared its conclusion, Antoine Simane grabbed a dramatic late equalizer for New Caledonia, sending the game into extra time.
Despite the humid conditions and evident fatigue, both teams continued to press.
It was New Caledonia who had the last laugh, with Kapone Xulue scoring in the dying minutes of extra time to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory and their spot in the final.