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The soccer World Cup qualifier match between Vanuatu and New Zealand on November 17 has been given the go-ahead after an inspection of the Port Vila Stadium.
Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) competitions head Seamus Marten signed off on the match, which doubles as an OFC Nations Cup match, after an initial visit in September highlighted the need for pitch and facility restoration and improved stadium security.
"Through the co-operation of the Vanuatu government, Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF), New Zealand High Commission and local business, Port Vila Stadium has undergone significant stadium renovation to ensure the three areas have been improved satisfactorily for the fixture between Vanuatu and New Zealand to go ahead," Marten said today.
Vanuatu begin their campaign against New Zealand after earning a bronze medal at the South Pacific Games football tournament in Samoa.
The match will be New Zealand's second fixture in the OFC Nations Cup/World Cup qualifier Stage 2 following a 2-0 victory over Fiji in Lautoka last month.
- NZPA
