For the first time, the OFC Nations Cup has gone to a team that is neither Australia nor New Zealand. Tahiti were crowned champions of Oceania with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia.

The irregularities began in the semifinals, as the Solomon Is, tournament hosts, fell to Tahiti on a first half goal from Jonathan TEHAU. Then, the All Whites, fresh off their first place performance in Group B, took on New Caledonia. Bertrand KAI put the French territory ahead in the second half, and barely ten minutes later, Michael MCGLINCHEY saw his potential equaliser rattle off the crossbar. Georges GOPE-FENEPEJ added a second in stoppage time to seal the memorable 2-0 win.

After a wild third place match that went 4-3 to New Zealand, Steevy CHONG HUE scored just ten minutes into the final, and Tahiti held on to become OFC champions and earn a place at next year’s Confederations Cup. Before that, the same four teams will take part in the OFC final round of qualifiers for the 2014 Men’s World Cup.