The All Whites clinched their place in the OFC Nations Cup final with a commanding 5-0 victory over Tahiti in the semi-final held in Port Vila on Thursday.
New Zealand, under coach Darren Bazeley, made only one change to their lineup from the previous 4-0 win against Vanuatu, with Ben Waine stepping in for Max Mata.
The New Zealanders dominated the match from the outset. Liberato Cacace’s early free-kick led to Finn Surman’s opening goal, followed by Ben Waine’s third goal of the tournament just before half-time, assisted by Kostas Barbarouses. Barbarouses then added a goal of his own in injury-time, securing a comfortable lead going into the break.
Tahiti showed brief moments of fight, but the All White’s relentless pressure paid off in the second half.
Cacace, named player of the match, provided another assist for Waine’s second goal, and Barbarouses completed his brace shortly after. They now await the winner of the Fiji vs. Vanuatu semi-final to determine their final opponent.
