Vanuatu recently secured its first final spot on home soil. It aims to defeat the five-time champions All Whites in its first OFC Nations Cup final and make history.
New Zealand advanced easily with a 5-0 win over Tahiti, while Vanuatu narrowly beat Fiji 2-1 in a tough semi-final to reach their first-ever final.
Both teams made it through Group A, but both coaches believe that New Zealand’s 4-0 win in the group stage should not impact the upcoming final at VFF Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila.
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley mentioned that it will be a challenging game for his team, considering their talent and professionalism.
Vanuatu coach Juliano Schmeling stated that New Zealand has been the strongest team in the competition and it’ll take a special performance from his team to defeat the defending champions. He believes that the players have learned from their previous encounters and sees it as a bonus to play against New Zealand again in the final, a factor that could significantly influence the game.
Vanuatu may face a significant challenge as they could be without playmaker Bong Kalo, who left the field with an injury against Fiji, and Tim Payne, who is racing against time to recover from a hamstring injury that forced him off in the semi-final for the All Whites.
Bazeley commended Vanuatu’s performance in the semi-final, highlighting their ability to play out from the back, through the thirds, and utilize their tricky wingers.
Following the exhausting victory over Fiji, Vanuatu celebrated as though they had already won the trophy, but Schmeling is not worried about his players’ ability to recharge for the final.
