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New Zealand’s Tyler Bindon has a chance to score. 2024 OFC Men’s Nations Cup, Group A, Vanuatu vs New Zealand, VFF Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila, Friday 21 June 2024.
photo: Shane Wenzlick/Phototek.nz
Vanuatu have reached their first Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Nations Cup final after winning their semi-final at home.
They will face New Zealand in the final on Sunday.
On Thursday, Vanuatu beat Fiji, who had previously been unbeaten in the tournament, 2-1, with goals from Johnathan Spookyjack and Jason Thomas.
Fiji started strongly but Vanuatu had an early penalty opportunity but Bongkalo’s shot went wide and hit the outside of the post.
According to OFC Media, Fijians in Port Vila flocked to the stadium, while many Vanuatu businesses closed their doors to allow locals to go to the VFF Freshwater Stadium to cheer on the home team.
Vanuatu’s previous best finish in the Oceania Nations Cup was fourth place in 2000, 2002 and 2008.
The Oceania Football Confederation Men’s Nations Cup was first held in 1973, with the host New Zealand team winning the inaugural championship.
The last tournament won by New Zealand was in 2016-2020, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
They have won the title five times.
In the semi-final against Tahiti, Costa Barberos and Ben Wynne scored two goals each as New Zealand won 5-0.
New Zealand and Vanuatu also faced off in the group stage, with the All Whites winning 4-0.
Sunday’s final will be held at the VFF Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila. Kick-off time: 3pm Vanuatu time.
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