New Zealand’s All Whites get the chance on Tuesday to take control of Group B at the Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifiers after they and Fiji both registered wins in their opening games.
New Zealand beat Papua New Guinea 1-0, thanks to a goal from debutant Ben Waine (20) who scored within 10 minutes of his introduction from the subs’ bench.
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Video replay: Ben Waine’s winning goal
In the second Group B game, Fiji secured a late 2-1 win against New Caledonia when Sairusi Nalaubu grabbed the winner in the 89th minute.
He had given Fiji the lead in the 11th minute but Jordan Wetria levelled for New Caledonia after 78 minutes.
Video replay: Fiji’s Sairusi Nalaubu grabs a double
Next game
New Zealand play Fiji at the Qatar SC Stadium on Tuesday (6am NZT).
The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports 7.
Papua New Guinea meet New Caledonia on Tuesday (3am NZT).
Group A
A decision is expected today (Saturday) on the fate of Vanuatu who were unable to field a team in their opening game against Tahiti.
Most of the team tested positive to COVID-19 before their bus left for the stadium.
Oceania Football Confederation and FIFA are deliberating over what happens next.
Meanwhile, Solomon Islands took advantage with a 2-0 win against Cook Islands on Friday.
The next Group A games are set for Monday (NZT).
Standings
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