Oceania world cup qualifiers

The game was played in unusual circumstances, with both teams assured of making the semi-finals, due to the Cook Islands and Vanuatu unfortunately having to pull out of the tournament during the week.

Executive of Vanuatu Football Federation announced the withdrawal on social media this afternoon.

Vanuatu’s first game against Tahiti yesterday was cancelled, after Vanuatu was unable to field a squad due to several Covid-19 cases in the team.

The Oceania Football Confederation said majority of the squad had tested positive after rapid antigen tests were conducted prior to the Vanuatu squad’s departure from their team hotel for the stadium.

“Vanuatu would not have had enough players to field a team,” OFC said.

With only three other teams in the pool, Vanuatu didn’t need extra motivation as they displayed a clinical performance, putting 8 goals past Tonga to follow up on their opening win and secure a spot in the play-off with full match points from two matches.

The Etienne Mermer coached  side were rewarded in the 28th minute with Bong Kalo putting Vanuatu in front with a nice finish in the box.

Kalo followed up with his second, a minute later in a similar style, before Jonathan SpokeyJack connected a cross from Bethuel Ollie for an early three goal lead two minutes later.