New Caledonia has taken a significant step towards securing a place in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers after a nail-biting 3-2 victory over the Solomon Islands in Port Moresby. The match showcased an exciting back-and-forth battle between the two teams.
Joseph Athale opened the scoring for New Caledonia just six minutes into the game with a well-placed penalty kick. However, the Solomon Islands responded almost immediately with Rafa Le’ai finding the equalizer shortly after the restart. As the game progressed, the Solomon Islands took the lead when Javin Alick capitalized on a corner kick, scoring with a well-timed header before halftime.
New Caledonia faced a challenge as they struggled with discipline in defense, leading to a second penalty for the Solomon Islands. Athale once again stepped up for New Caledonia, successfully converting the penalty in the 59th minute to level the score. The decisive moment came when super substitute Gerard Waia found the back of the net in the 69th minute, sealing the victory for New Caledonia.
This win not only strengthens New Caledonia’s position in the qualifiers but also highlights their resilience and ability to overcome challenges in high-pressure situations. Fans can look forward to seeing how New Caledonia performs in the next stage of the qualifiers, with hopes of advancing further in the tournament. With determination and skill on display, the team’s journey continues to inspire optimism among its supporters.
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