New Zealand has booked its spot alongside Samoa in the final of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, and next year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, after a hard-fought 4-2 victory over New Caledonia.
It was a rare occasion where a New Zealand side in OFC competition felt relief at full-time, with Alana Gunn’s team pushed to the limit by a spirited New Caledonia outfit. The Kiwis took the lead in the 15th minute when Isla Robson pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area.
However, New Caledonia grew into the match after their first shot on target from Kinë Hmaen in the 21st minute. Hmaen was a constant threat and levelled the scores in the 29th minute with a stunning left-foot strike from distance.
She then set up Haw Ijelipa just before the break, but New Zealand goalkeeper Nienke Lemmens produced a fine save to keep it 1-1 at halftime. New Caledonia maintained the pressure after the restart, but the match turned when Amelia Hitchcock unleashed a superb 25-metre strike in the 52nd minute. Three minutes later, Mia Humphrey broke down the right and finished clinically to make it 3-1.
With breathing space, New Zealand controlled the tempo, and Humphrey netted her second goal in the 88th minute. Emmanuelle Buama pulled one back for New Caledonia in injury time, but the
Kiwis held firm.
New Zealand will now meet Samoa on Thursday in a repeat of last year’s final, while New Caledonia face the Solomon Islands in the third-place playoff . Fiji was bundled out in the pool stages