Soccer: New Caledonia thump Solomon Islands

France-based striker Georges Gopes-Fenepej scored four goals as New Caledonia won 6-2 away to the Solomon Islands today in an Oceania regional World Cup qualifying match.

Gopej-Fenepej, who recently signed for French Ligue 1 newcomers Troyes, headed his first goal on halftime, then added three in the second half as New Caledonia posted its second win from three matches in the third stage qualifier.

New Zealand currently leads the four-team qualifying tournament with wins over New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands and is due to play Tahiti on Saturday.

Teams meet in home and away matches until April. The tournament winner then plays a South American qualifier for a place in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.