Solomon Islands 2 - Tahiti 0; New Zealand 2 - New Caledonia 0

Tahiti returned to the site of their greatest triumph, the Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara, where Tahiti won the 2012 OFC Nations Cup.  Their hosts today were Solomon Islands.  The host Bonitos had payback on their minds after suffering a 1-0 loss in the semifinals of the Nations Cup at home to this very Tahiti side.  Solomon Islands took a lead just beyond the quarter hour when a Benjamin Totori cross found captain Henry Fa'arodo, who finished for 1-0.  At the tail end of the first period in minute 43, Tahitian captain Nicolas Vallar was ejected from the match for a tackle he made as the last defender.  Goalkeeper Samson Koti made two diving saves to protect the Bonitos goal in the first half.  The Bonitos led 1-0 at the break.

Alvin Tehau found himself with a one-on-one chance to equalize early in the half, but he chopped his shot straight into Koti's chest.  On the hour mark, Himson Teleda and Fa'arodo completed a nice interplay of passing that led to the second Bonitos goal.  James Nawo was dangerous later in the half and nearly made it three goals to the good for his side, but his excellent service on corner kicks was not met with the headers they deserved.  Nelson Sale made a crucial block inside his own box to preserve the hosts' two-goal margin.  Solomon Islands win 2-0 and take the early lead in the OFC Third Round.

New Caledonia were looking to make it two straight wins against New Zealand as they welcomed the Kiwis to Noumea.  The Kiwis wanted to reverse their fortunes after a 2-0 loss to Les Cagous at the 2012 OFC Nations Cup.  Goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine looked to be repeating his heroics from the Nations Cup after he parried away an early shot, but the Kiwis were rewarded for their early pressure.  Nyikeine pushed away a Chris Wood shot, but the resultant rebound was chipped by Shane Smeltz into the net for a 1-0 All Whites lead.  Les Cagous pushed back, but their efforts were either off target or weak.  A poorly cleared Kiwi corner found its way to Michael McGlinchey, who chipped a ball to Smeltz, who nodded into Wood's path. Wood headed home from two yards to give New Zealand a 2-0 lead at the break.

In the second period, New Zealand were calm and composed and kept control of the ball.  Les Cagous had one chance with less than five minutes to play, but the loose ball in the box was pushed softly wide of goal.  New Zealand win 2-0 and next face Solomon Islands at home for the group lead on Tuesday.

Goals
Solomon Islands
Henry Fa'arodo 16
Himson Teleda 60

New Zealand
Shane Smeltz 12
Chris Wood 40

Match Reports:
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/76c6641d-ef09-4770-9fc9-69fb4263fc3d/language/en-US/Default.aspx
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/ce28daa5-28cc-49ab-b930-dc7c7c0ee983/language/en-US/Default.aspx
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/438d1bb1-3576-41d4-a944-dacee2eb40b7/language/en-US/Default.aspx
http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/football/225037/football-all-whites-avenge-loss-new-caledonia
http://tvnz.co.nz/football-news/all-whites-buoyed-gritty-away-win-5069736

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URqSxrDnuqo&feature=g-all-u (Solomon Islands v. Tahiti)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0IIw0TA86Y&feature=g-all-u (New Zealand v. New Caledonia)