New Caledonia is on the brink of reaching 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 kicked off with a penalty awarded to New Caledonia, which Joseph Athale converted successfully just six minutes in. The Solomon Islands responded quickly, with Rafa Le’ai leveling the score shortly after. As momentum swung, Javin Alick put the Solomon Islands ahead with a powerful header from a corner kick just before halftime, bringing the score to 2-1 in favor of the Solomons.
However, New Caledonia’s persistence paid off when, midway through the second half, they were awarded another penalty due to defensive errors from their opponents. Athale confidently stepped up to the spot once more and equalized in the 59th minute. The decisive moment of the match came in the 69th minute when substitute Gerard Waia entered the fray and scored the winning goal, sealing the victory for New Caledonia.
This match not only showcases the resilience and skill of the New Caledonian team but also sets them up with strong momentum as they aim for a spot in the World Cup semi-finals. The performance highlights their potential and determination, offering a hopeful outlook for their journey ahead in the qualifiers.
In summary, New Caledonia’s hard-fought victory against the Solomon Islands marks a significant step toward qualification, showcasing their tenacity and strategic play amidst a challenging match environment.
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