Knowing only a win would be enough to see them advance to the last four, Samoa were the more dangerous side for much of
the first period yet found themselves trailing 2-1 at the break.
The home crowd were given something to cheer early on, when Kingston Vaitusi finished from close range to break the
deadlock, just past the quarter hour mark.
Samoa pushed hard for a second and came within inches of getting that two-goal cushion. Pharrell Trainor spun well at
halfway and his through ball found Juan Gobbi. The midfielder executed a delicate first-time lob over goalkeeper Gabin
Rachel, only to see the ball thud off the bar.
Pierre Wajoka's side began to turn the match in their favour as the half wore on, with Louis Brunet in particular to the
fore.
The match turned over the course of seven, first-half-minutes, as New Caledonia completed a remarkable opening period
comeback.
A long ball over the top of the backline caused panic in the Samoa defence, with goalkeeper Joel Bartley failing to
clear when rushing out. The ball subsequently fell to Jythrim Upa, who made no mistake in tucking the ball into an empty
net from the edge of the area.
Minutes later and New Caledonia grabbed a crucial lead with virtually the last kick of the half.
Paul Qaeze continued his impressive tournament with a surging run into the box, eventually laying the ball back to the
supporting Louis Brunet, who fired home to make it 2-1.
Both sides upped the intensity in the second forty-five, with a noticeable increase in tempo and physicality -
understandable with so much at stake.
The physical nature of the half hampered creative efforts to an extent, with neither side being able to sustain periods
of pressure, as they had done so in the first half.
Qaeze came agonisingly close to putting the result beyond doubt, but his low effort having raced past the defence
smacked against the base of the post.
With a semi-final place confirmed, New Caledonia now begin preparations for a clash with Group A toppers Solomon Islands
next week. Samoa will still have an opportunity to play in front of their fans in Apia, when they meet Tahiti in the
Playoff for 5th place.
New Caledonia: 2 (Jythrim UPA 41’, Louis BRUNET 45+3')
Samoa: 1 (Kingston VAITUSI 16’)
HT: 2-1