8 Jun 2012

Shock loss for All Whites at Oceania Nations Cup

10:55 pm on 8 June 2012

New Zealand is out of the Oceania Nations Cup after a shock 2-0 loss to New Caledonia.

The All Whites had been overwhelming favourites at the tournament in the Solomon Islands on Friday.

But a breakaway goal to Georges Gope-Fenepej in extra time and a 60th minute goal from Jacques Haeko gave New Caledonia their first win over New Zealand in 36 years.

Both sides wasted plenty of chances in the semifinal match in Honiara.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert said could not recall feeling this bad about a result, but admitted his team had not played well throughout the tournament.

Herbert said New Caledonia worked hard and the better side won on the day.

New Caledonia play Tahiti in the final on Sunday, after Tahiti earlier beat the Solomon Islands 1-0.

The winner represents Oceania in next year's Confederations Cup in Brazil.

By making the semis, the All Whites had already qualified for the next stage of World Cup qualifying which begins in September.