New Zealand clinch OFC; Kenya win; South Africa eliminated from 2010 qualifiers

“Vanuatu will definitely have more experience than us. However, playing at home, we know our side will do well.” -Juan Carlos Buzzetti, coach of Fiji

Vanuatu took a trip to tropical Fiji to play their penultimate qualifier of the 2010 cycle. Both teams had already reduced to playing for pride, but the Fijians had to play well today to appease their fans. An early goal for the home side was the only score for eighty minutes, but Fiji were able to knock home another just shy of time being called, and they won their first qualifier of Oceania's second round in shutout style, 2-0. Fiji next travel to Vanuatu for the return fixture.

"We all believe it's still possible, because there is still a chance, however small. But we're realistic, and we know that a huge feat will be needed if we are to continue the adventure. Man for man, technically, we can match New Zealand, but how we measure that collectively over the two matches is harder to assess." -Didier Chambaron, coach of New Caledonia

New Zealand went to Nouméa to settle the matter of who would represent Oceania in the 2009 Oceania/Asia inter-continental playoff. Their hosts New Caledonia realized that a single loss in their home-and-away series would give the New Zealanders the glory of being Oceania Nations Cup champions. New Zealand, in spite of the abscence of Chris Killen, were the team that grabbed the quick lead by scoring after one quarter hour. In the second half, the Caledonians equalized, but the 1-1 tie was quickly answered by two rapid New Zealand goals, and New Zealand won 3-1. New Zealand clinch the OFC Nations Cup and a spot in the inter-continental playoff, meaning that their two remaining qualifiers are just tune-ups for the all-important home-and-away tie they will be facing to qualify for South Africa 2010.

Tanzania visited Mauritius in a match between two teams playing simply for pride. All five goals were scored in the first half. The teams traded the first two goals one minute apart from each other, but Tanzania would score the next three for a 4-1 victory in Curepipe.

Burundi needed a win in Seychelles to keep hope alive for their progression. A 1-0 halftime lead ballooned to 2-0 in the second period, but a Seychelles goal midway through the second half put a scare into Burundi. Burundi were able to escape any further damage, however, and left with a 2-1 victory.

Namibia visited Group B leaders Kenya. Namibia looked to be going into the break with a tie in hand, but a strike right before the whistle gave the Kenyans a 1-0 lead, which they would onto for a 1-0 win and points eight, nine, and ten in their quest for the second round. Kenya are assured of at worst second place in the group, and a tie in Guinea in October will give them the group title. Namibia are eliminated from World Cup contention, but still have to face Zimbabwe at home.

"This was the best performance by South Africa since I took charge and we could have scored six or seven goals." -Joel Santana, coach of South Africa

Nigeria, the first team to qualify for Round Two, visited South Africa, who were without Aaron Makoena in Port Elizabeth. Still, the Nigerians were missing Joseph Yobo, Nwankwo Kanu, John Obi Mikel, and Obafemi Martins. With quotes like that, one would have though South Africa would have won the match. Nevertheless, the South Africans appear to be addicted to losing in spite of facing a depleted, likely complacent squad. Constant failures to convert opportunities burned South Africa, and Nigeria are now five for five in terms of victories after a goal in the middle of the second half gave them a 1-0 win. South Africa suffer the ignominy of failing to qualify for their own World Cup. It's actually unfortunate that they still have to participate in the tournament after this astonishing embarassment.

Goal scorers:
Fiji: Kumar 7; Dunadamu 87

New Zealand: Nelson 15; Smeltz 66, 76

New Caledonia: Hmae 57

Tanzania: Nsajigwa 12; Khalfan 19; Tegete 30, 34

Mauritius: Marquette 13

Burundi: Mbazumutima 27; Nahimana 58

Seychelles: Zialor 63

Kenya: Jamas 43

Nigeria: Uche 71