All Whites dominates Tahiti to confirm favouritism and clinch berth at OFC Nations Cup grand final

New Zealand dominated Tahiti with a resounding 5-0 victory in the semi-final of the OFC Men’s Nations Cup at VFF Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila on Thursday, securing their place in the final. Coach Darren Bazeley made only one change to the squad that beat Vanuatu 4-0, reintroducing Ben Waine to replace Max Mata. Tahiti, under Samuel Garcia, had to make one forced change due to an injury to Eddy Kaspard, with Kevin Barbe stepping in, while Matatia Paama missed the match due to suspension.

Tahiti last triumphed over New Zealand in 1995, but their recent close encounter, a narrow 0-1 loss during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, had given them some confidence. However, New Zealand swiftly took control of the match. Liberato Cacace’s early free-kick hit the post, allowing Finn Surman to score his first international goal in the eighth minute. Cacace continued to pressure Tahiti’s defense but was twice denied by the post.

Tahiti’s first real threat came after nearly 20 minutes when Tyler Bindon cleared a corner off the line, and Tauhiti Keck’s long-range effort went wide. New Zealand doubled their lead just before halftime, with Waine scoring from a Kostas Barbarouses assist. Barbarouses himself scored in injury time, ensuring New Zealand’s dominance.

In the second half, Tahiti showed some resistance, with captain Teaonui Tehau coming close to scoring. However, New Zealand extended their lead further when Cacace set up Waine for his second goal, and Barbarouses added another, capitalizing on a rebound from an Alex Grieve attempt. Despite creating more chances, New Zealand couldn’t add to their tally, thanks to some last-ditch defending by Tahiti.

New Zealand now awaits the winner of the Fiji-Vanuatu semi-final to determine their opponent in the final on Sunday.