New Caledonia

In the second half it was all New Caledonia as PNG tried to survive chances to Watrone and Ausu to preserve their lead.

In the 56^th minute New Caledonia found a perfect combination when Lakae failed to collect a loose ball as New Caledonians leveled the scores at 1 all.

Minutes later New Caledonia found a chance to extend their lead from a direct penalty when Bran Ausu was brought down in the box before Thomas Gope-Fenepej duly converted the penalty as NCL took the lead for the first time, 1-2 in the second half.

New Caledonians gave All whites a tough battle until a penalty in the 48th minute right after time broke the deadlock.

Woods fired a banana kick just outside the 18 yards over the NCL  defence that slipped off the goal keepers hands and into the net behind.

New Zealand now secures the first spot for the finals as they await the winner of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Island encounter tonight at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.

Kapuls held off the New Caledonian’s strong side in the opening minutes through goalkeeper Ronald Warisan, despite their rivals’ many attempts to score.

Warrisan worked hard to defend the goal before a dangerous jump outside the box got him a yellow card.

However, PNG regrouped and it was once again a quick footy from skipper David Muta, with just 10 minutes before half-time, that sends in PNG’s utility Tommy Semmy who moved past the NC stopper Judikael Ixoee, to power a right foot to the back of the net.

The match will take place at QBE Stadium Auckland, New Zealand this afternoon.

The 2010 champions failed to progress to the semis last year after finishing second behind Team Wellington in their group.

Hekari is placed in Group B alongside Team Wellington (NZL), Suva FA (FIJ) and AS Lossi (NCL).

David Muta is one of the most experienced players in this side and a born leader.

The captain is a rock in the centre of the park, halting attacks while also proving a constant attacking threat himself.

The late goal at extra time was scored by Robertlynn Kig who also scored PNG’s first goal.

PNG was the first to score when Kig floated home a free kick into the top corner of the goal and found the net four minutes into the game.

New Caledonia struggled to escape PNG’s defensive half but couldn’t get past the strong backline as they attempted to score on several occasions.

Our girls pushed through the first half to hold a 1-0 lead over New Caledonia at halftime.

This match will get underway today at the CIFA Academy at 1pm (PNG time).

PNG and New Zealand are the only teams to go through pool play without a defeat.

But after a first-up 7-1 drubbing of Vanuatu, PNG struggled a little, edging Cook Islands 2-1 before the draw with Fiji on Match Day 5.

Our girls will be banking on top striker in the tournament Belinda Giada to help them secure a win.

Giada scored a total of eight goals so far in the tournament, four goals against Vanuatu, two goals against Cook Islands and another two against Fiji.

The stoppage began last night and will end tomorrow.

The French High Commission has used its powers to order a skeleton service to maintain some flights in and out of Noumea.

However, the looming strike prompted the territory's international carrier, Aircalin, to bring some flights forward.

Earlier this week, the carrier decided to take legal action against the controllers' recent weekend strikes, with its director saying the strikes were timed to only disrupt Aircalin flights.

Last night a rescue operation was underway to recover the victim who was helping to douse the flames of a fire at Voh in the north of the territory.

Homes were evacuated and the main highway was cut on Sunday when fire engulfed bush in the area.

About 200 hectares of vegetation was burnt and about 20 homes threatened.

Three helicopters were brought in to help fight the fire which also involved security personnel who led convoys of motorists to safety.

Though best known for its stunning lagoon, pristine beaches and diverse wildlife, New Caledonia's economy actually relies heavily on nickel, discovered here in the 19th century.

The price of nickel -- essential to the manufacture of stainless steel -- has plunged 35 percent so far this year to a six-and-a-half year low of less than US$10,000 (9,000 euros) a tonne.

A slowdown in economic growth in China, the world's biggest consumer of nickel, and stockpiles of the metal amounting to more than 450,000 tonnes, have depressed the market.

The Junior Football Ferns led 17-0 at half-time at the Oceania Under-20 Women's Championship in Nuku'alofa, with striker Emma Rolston scoring 11 goals before the break.

Coach Leon Birnie's side again underlined their strength at the Loto-Tonga Soka Centre as eight further goals came in the second half.

Grace Jale and Paige Satchell each scored hat-tricks while captain Jasmine Pereira scored six.

Goals to substitutes Jade Parris, Michaela Robertson and Isabella Richards completed the scoring.

The Ferns thumped Tonga 15-0 first up on Thursday.