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 thrilling 3-2 victory over the Solomon Islands in Port Moresby today.
The match began with New Caledonia’s Joseph Athale scoring the opening goal through a penalty kick just six minutes into the game. However, the Solomon Islands responded swiftly, with Rafa Le’ai equalizing almost immediately after the restart. The excitement continued as Javin Alick’s well-placed header from a corner-kick just before halftime allowed the Solomon Islands to take a 2-1 lead into the break.
New Caledonia’s resilience shone through when they earned a second penalty midway through the second half due to lapses in discipline from the Solomon Islands’ defense. Athale successfully converted the penalty in the 59th minute, tying the game at 2-2. The turning point came when super substitute Gerard Waia netted the winning goal for New Caledonia in the 69th minute, sealing the victory for his team.
This performance not only brings New Caledonia closer to their World Cup aspirations but also highlights their determination and ability to fight back after falling behind. They will carry this momentum into their future matches, instilling hope among fans who dream of seeing their team compete on the world stage. Such resilience reflects the spirit of sports, showcasing how teams can rise above challenges and create thrilling moments in their pursuit of glory.
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