Solomon Islands and All Whites to clash in Oceania qualifying final … – Stuff.co.nz

Last updated21:04, June 13 2017

PETER MEECHAM

All Whites striker Chris Wood makes a run against the Solomon Islands during a clash in Auckland in 2012. New Zealand will meet the same opponent in the Oceania qualifying final.

The Solomon Islands stand between the All Whites and a place in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

New Zealand's opponent for the two-legged Oceania qualifying final was determined after the Solomon Islands won their final game in Pool B, overcoming Papua New Guinea 2-1in Port Moresby on Tuesday night.

The two legged final will be contested over August 28 and September 5 with New Zealand overwhelming favourites.

Should the All Whites account for Solomon Islands they would face the fifth placed team in Conmebol (South America) over two legs in November for a spot at next year's Fifa World Cup.

READ MORE: *All Whites have pressing concerns *All Whites poor in Belarus loss *All Whites eye a win against Belarus

Tahiti, who started the day level on points with Solomon Islands, but with no games remaining, were given a glimmer of hope when Papua New Guinea opened the scoring through Raymond Gunemba, who turned out for Hamilton Wanderers in the national league this past season.

The key moment in the game came when PNG central defender Felix Komolong, who played for Canterbury United this summer, was shown red in the 31st minute.

Henry Fa'arodoscored from the resulting penalty to level the scorefor the Solomons. They then went ahead in first half added time through Jerry Donga, which proved to be the decisive goal.

AT A GLANCE:

Group A final points (four rounds):

New Zealand 10, New Caledonia 5, Fiji 1.

Group B final points (four rounds):

Solomon Islands 9, Tahiti 6, Papua New Guinea 3.

-Stuff

Read the original:

Solomon Islands and All Whites to clash in Oceania qualifying final ... - Stuff.co.nz