New Caledonia score crushing 9-3 win

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Source:

The National, Thursday 28th March 2013

 By WAISEA NASOKIA of Fiji Sun

THE Matthieu Delcroix-co­ached New Caledonia side came from behind to thump a 10-man Papua New Guinea 9-3 in the OFC U20 World Cup qualifier at Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji, yesterday.

PNG, who took a fourth minute lead via midfielder Papalau Awele and added to that in the 19th minute though forward and captain Alwin Komolong, failed to hold New Caledonia at bay after that.

New Caledonia midfielder Jor­dy Xalite scored with a 24th minute penalty after Awele was sent off by referee Gerald Oiaka for a deliberate hand ball in the box. 

New Caledonian midfielders Jean-Pierre Bob and scored in the 28th and 30th minutes to take the lead.

PNG then equalised through Emmanuel Airem in the 39th minute to tie the game 3-3 at halftime.

In the second half, Fonzy Ranchain (2), Dedric Decoire, Renaldo Nonmeu, Bob and David Wadra added their names on the score sheet for New Caledonia.

Delcroix admitted if Awele had not been sent off the game would have a different story. 

“We are happy with our first of the win of the championship, the boys did good job,” he said.

“If there was no red card then the game would not be that easy, but we did respect PNG for giving us a good match.” 

PNG coach Wesley Waiwai was gracious in defeat.

“There was a different mindset in the game as we lost our focus after the red card,” Waiwai said. PNG’s last is against Fiji tomorrow.