New Caledonia football

New Caledonia have opted to take an U-21 team to compete in the games, and still believe they’ll be a threat despite coming up against senior opponents.

The squad is built around the players which competed in the OFC U-20 Championship in 2016, a side which made it all the way to the semi-finals, and midfielder and captain Pothin Poma believes that has provided the team with a good structure.

The Melbourne Victory forward netted from close range in the 42nd and 72nd minutes as Oceania Champions New Zealand now take an three point lead in Group A heading into the return encounter with Les Cagous in Kone on Tuesday.

New Zealand dominated the match in large patches and were good value for their first half lead, having been denied twice by the woodwork – first Chris Wood then Kosta Barbarouses – before Rojas finally broke the deadlock.