New Caledonia have secured their place in next year’s U17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, marking back-to-back qualifications at this age group, after a dramatic semi-final win over Fiji in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Honiara.
With three spots available for Oceania, both teams knew a win would guarantee their ticket to Qatar.
The first half saw a tight contest, with both sides sharing chances and possession. After 45 minutes, the score remained locked at 0-0.
Fijian skipper Maikah Dau broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, converting a penalty to give the Junior Bula boys the lead.
New Caledonia responded strongly, pressing high and earning an equalizer in the 70th minute when Lenddy Wede struck a left-foot volley.
With the score tied 1-1, neither side could find a winner in regular time, sending the match to a penalty shootout.
New Caledonian captain and goalkeeper Sylvain Ipeze became the hero, saving two penalties to secure his team’s historic consecutive World Cup qualification.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
