New Zealand battled back from a goal behind to secure a 3-1 win over New Caledonia, and with it their place in the final of the OFC U-20 Championship.
Host Vanuatu also clinched a 2-1 win over a 10-man Solomon Islands side to book a ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time in its history.
The first semi-final of the OFC U-20 Championship kicked off in Luganville Soccer Stadium between a side that has five titles behind it, and another chasing a place at their first ever FIFA tournament.
New Caledonia took the lead on the 19th minute mark through Cyril Nyipe, who absolutely hammered a set piece into the back of the net to open the scoring.
The celebrations against New Zealand, were short-lived, as an organised attack four minutes later saw Moses Dyer beat the defender and strike past Ulil. Soon after, a corner was delivered in front of the goal mouth to a waiting mass of players from both sides.
It pin-balled around before finally finding its way over New Caledonia’s goal line. In the 71st minute New Zealand all but sealed their place at Korea 2017 when another own goal sent them 3-1 up.
In the other tense semi-final encounter Solomon Islands took an early lead in the 21st minute when Joe Gise laced a swirling free kick past Willie Dick.
However, Vanuatu drew level when Godine Tenene picked out by a beautiful ball towards the back post, before sending his half-volley past Desmond Tutu.
With the scores locked at 1-1 for the entire second half, the game looked to be heading for extra time, but Vanuatu captain Bong Kalo unleashed a shot that goalkeeper Harold Nauania could only parry into the path of Massing who tapped it in to send an already vocal home crowd into absolute frenzy.
While the victory sparked wild celebrations in Port Vila, the Vanuatu team won’t have long to enjoy it as they must re-group for the chance to claim a regional crown when they take on New Zealand in the OFC U-20 Championship final on Saturday.
