18 Jan 2011

New Caledonia end U17 champs in style as Vanuatu prepare for 3rd place match

11:47 am on 18 January 2011

It wasn't enough to prolong their run in the competition but New Caledonia ended their Oceania Under 17 Football campaign in style, yesterday, outclassing Tonga 17-0.

That wasn't enough to pip Solomon Islands into second spot in Group B, however, after the Katukatus sealed their spot in the third place playoff with a 4-1 win over Cook Islands.

The Solomons will play Group A runners-up Vanuatu tomorrow afternoon

and Vanuatu coach Wilson August says his team's proud to have made it this far.

"It's a good result for the boys and the whole of Vanuatu. We're so happy with their performance. They've got some good players there but some of my boys played them last year in one of the tournaments in Vanuatu, so maybe we can give them a good run."

Wilson August - the championship final between New Zealand and Tahiti kicks off at four o'clock, with the winner qualifying for the World Cup in Mexico in June.