Vanuatu qualifies for FIFA U20 World Cup with NZ

Vanuatu’s Frederick Massing scored deep into injury time to clinch a 2‑1 win over a 10‑man Solomon Islands in the semifinal of the OFC U20 Championship and send his nation to the FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time in its history.

With scores locked at 1‑1 for the entire second half, Massing unleashed a shot that took Vanuatu into the lead.

It is the first time Vanuatu has ever qualified for a FIFA event and they join New Zealand who beat New Caledonia 3‑1 in the other semi‑final.

They are among 24 teams who play in Korea next year.

The Vodafone Fiji Under 20 soccer team failed to qualify for the semifinals of OFC U20 Championship after a 1‑all draw with Papua New Guinea in its last group match.