New Zealand have won the OFC Men’s Nations Cup 4-2 on penalties, after playing to a goalless draw with host Papua New Guinea. It is the fifth Oceania title for New Zealand, who qualify for next year’s Confederations Cup.

Entering the tournament, the Kapuls had won one match out of nine played at Men’s Nations Cups and had never advanced beyond the group phase. But a narrow semifinal victory over the Solomon Is earned PNG a place in the final against the favoured All Whites.

The final was a tense affair throughout, and a disciplined New Zealand defense limited PNG’s attacking chances. After 120 goalless minutes, the penalty shootout went to the Kiwis. Stefan MARINOVIC saved Koriak UPAIGA’s opening attempt for the Kapuls, and in the fifth round, Marco ROJAS scored New Zealand’s fourth.

With the win, New Zealand will represent the OFC at the Confederations Cup next year in Russia. Both teams have already advanced to the OFC final round of Men’s World Cup qualifiers, along with Fiji, New Caledonia, the Solomon Is, and Tahiti.