2011 semi-finalists Vanuatu are hoping to go at least one better in Noumea under coach Richard Lehi, who has picked a young side that will be bolstered by Vanuatu’s U-23 duo Ronaldo Wilkins and Azariah Soromon, both of whom have just returned from the OFC Olympic qualifiers in Fiji.
One of the country’s greatest ever futsal players Ben Hungai will also be keen to turn on the style in what will be likely his last ever international tournament.
Vanuatu will also be aided by the services of Adelaide Fusion Futsal club head coach Joshua Smith from Australia who will be assisting Lehi with formulating the team’s game-plans and strategies.
Facing New Caledonia in the fourth and final match of the opening day, Lehi is expecting a closely contested affair.
“We need to pay extra attention to the hosts,” the Vanuatu coach said.
“I am not going to predict what the result will be, but we hope to put on a good challenge against New Caledonia.
“From what I have seen they have strong players just like my players too and I have confidence in my boys,” he added.
This video is published by Oceania Football Confederation.
