The All Whites have won their sixth OFC Men’s Nations Cup title after a 3-0 win over a tough Vanuatu side in Port Vila.

The home side had been defeated 4-0 by the All Whites in a comfortable win in the group stage, but it was a much tougher test for Darren Bazeley’s side against the hosts in front of a packed VFF Freshwater Stadium and thousands of fans watching from cars and rooftops in view of the pitch.
 

Vanuatu had already made football history before a ball was kicked by reaching their first-ever OFC Men’s Nations Cup final to mark the federation’s 90th anniversary.

Bazeley made only one change to the side that defeated Tahiti 5-0 in the semi-final, with Sam Sutton replacing the injured Tim Payne.

The All Whites started quickly and took the lead within 2 minutes. Auckland FC’s Cam Howieson was first to a deflected Kosta Barbarouses shot and fired in a powerful shot from the edge of the box to open the scoring.

But Vanuatu didn’t let going a goal down discourage them and fought well against Darren Bazeley’s side.

Despite a number of good chances, it took until the 83rd minute for the All Whites to double their lead, with substitute Jesse Randall scoring his first for the senior national team after a rapid counter.

Ten minutes later, it was three with Max Mata getting his second of the tournament to put the game beyond the reach of the home team.

Following the game, Max Crocombe was awarded the tournament’s Golden Glove award, and Liberato Cacace was given Player of the Tournament.

Final Score: 

New Zealand: 3 (Cam HOWIESON 2’, Jesse RANDALL 83’, Max MATA 90+3’)
Vanuatu: 0

Article added: Sunday 30 June 2024