New Caledonia made significant strides toward securing a spot in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 26 Oceania Qualifiers with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Solomon Islands in Port Moresby.
The match kicked off with an early advantage for New Caledonia, as Joseph Athale successfully converted a penalty just six minutes into the game. However, the Solomon Islands quickly responded, with Rafa Le’ai finding the back of the net shortly after the restart to equalize.
As the first half progressed, Javin Alick put the Solomons ahead with a precise header from a corner kick just before halftime, showcasing their aerial threat.
New Caledonia’s defensive lapse led to a second penalty for the Solomons midway through the second half. Athale once again took responsibility and converted flawlessly in the 59th minute, evening the score.
The turning point came when substitute Gerard Waia, making an impact off the bench, secured the win for New Caledonia with a decisive goal in the 69th minute.
This victory places New Caledonia in a promising position as they aim for a semi-final berth, highlighting their determination and resilience in the tournament. With strong performances like today’s, the hopes for New Caledonia to advance remain high.
In summary, New Caledonia triumphed in a closely contested match, overcoming early setbacks and showcasing their fighting spirit, reflecting a bright future in the ongoing qualifiers.
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