Dominant New Zealand Win OFC U-16 Women's Championship 2025
New Zealand started the second half picking up where they left off in the first, setting up camp in Samoas half comfortably, and were almost immediately rewarded after a lovely turn and shot from Robson that she was unfortunate to see rebound …
Samoa's hopes of making history on home soil were dashed by three first half goals from a determined New Zealand side.
New Zealand perhaps didn't come into this game as the clear-cut favourites like they had done in previous years, having been put under immense pressure by New Caledonia in the semi-final, going into half time 1-1 before eventually prevailing 4-2. Samoa, meanwhile, had enjoyed a dominant win over Solomon Islands in their semi-final, which saw them enter the final as the only team at the tournament not to have conceded a goal.
It took minutes for New Zealand to put paid to that record, as Lania Fili became the first player to breach the Samoan net receiving the ball with acres of space and time outside the Samoan penalty area she was able to pick out the top corner leaving Margaret Fagasuisui Tuii stranded.
Undeterred, Samoa pressed back, with Cali Willis, a stalwart of the hosts' 2024 history-making side, particularly dangerous down the left flank.
New Zealand, however, were keen to put the game beyond doubt as soon as possible, and took that opportunity in the 17th minute through a swift counterattack, ultimately producing a penalty after Mia Humphrey was obstructed in the penalty area. Captain Amelia Hitchcock duly stepped up to double her side's lead from the spot.
New Zealand's third came courtesy of a well-worked corner routine, with Ariana Vosper's corner finding Isla Robson at the near post, and the forward glanced her header past Fagasuisui Tuii to take her side into the first half's cooling break comfortably in control.
New Zealand started the second half picking up where they left off in the first, setting up camp in Samoa's half comfortably, and were almost immediately rewarded after a lovely turn and shot from Robson that she was unfortunate to see rebound off the crossbar.
Samoa upped the ante, and Brielle Tautua was unlucky not to pull back a goal for Samoa on the hour mark, herself finding the goalframe off a corner.
Aaliyah Johnson then took up the mantle to try and drag Samoa back into the game, with her strength and determination fashioning several opportunities for herself from range, but she was unable to hit the target.
Ultimately, New Zealand's first half goals were insurmountable for a persistent Samoa side to overcome, and the holders sealed a seventh straight win in the OFC U-16 Women's Championship.
HT: 0-3
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
35 minutes ago
- Scoop
The OFC U-16 Men's Championship Is Ready For Kick Off In Solomon Islands
Press Release – OFC Defending champions New Zealand arrive with a squad well-prepared after testing themselves against elite opposition at a FIFA-hosted tournament in Switzerland earlier this year. The stage is set in Honiara, Solomon Islands, for the OFC U-16 Men's Championship 2025, as eight nations from across Oceania battle for three coveted spots at the FIFA U-17 Men's World Cup 2026 in Qatar. The host nation enters the tournament on the back of significant investment in youth development through local academies and national competitions. Head coach Henry Fa'arodo says his side is ready to make the most of the opportunity. 'I want this team to compete. That's my challenge to the players, to approach every single game with determination, and to inspire the youth of the Solomon Islands. Football has a big impact here, and I believe we can spark the next generation to dream big.' Defending champions New Zealand arrive with a squad well-prepared after testing themselves against elite opposition at a FIFA-hosted tournament in Switzerland earlier this year. 'Preparation has gone pretty well,' said head coach Martin Bullock. 'Switzerland was a great experience, it brought us together earlier than usual and helped identify this group. We know the conditions will be challenging, but if these boys want to become All Whites, they need to embrace every environment and enjoy the ride.' For many players, this championship is the first step on their professional football journey, and for some, their first time overseas. Fiji head coach Sunil Kumar knows the challenge is significant but is aiming high. 'We've been following the progress of teams across Oceania and know how fast they're developing. Our dream is to qualify for back-to-back World Cups, that's our aim.' New Caledonia, a regular contender at youth level, sees this tournament as the product of long-term investment. 'This is the result of over ten years of work,' said coach Frances Watrone. 'Each generation builds on the last, and we're proud of what we've achieved.' Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, and Samoa have also brought squads full of promise, each seeing the tournament as a vital development platform and cultural experience. 'Preparation has been good, last year we had two sessions before the first game, this time we've had six,' said Samoa head coach Valerio Raccuglia. 'In Papua New Guinea, our new U-16 youth national league is a great pathway for football development,' added Papua New Guinea head coach Mathew Witu. At the pre-tournament media conference, a consistent message rang out from all eight teams: this championship is about growth, opportunity, and inspiring the next generation of Oceania footballers. The OFC U-16 Men's Championship 2025 kicks off tomorrow at Lawson Tama Stadium:
Scoop
2 hours ago
- Scoop
The OFC U-16 Men's Championship Is Ready For Kick Off In Solomon Islands
The stage is set in Honiara, Solomon Islands, for the OFC U-16 Men's Championship 2025, as eight nations from across Oceania battle for three coveted spots at the FIFA U-17 Men's World Cup 2026 in Qatar. The host nation enters the tournament on the back of significant investment in youth development through local academies and national competitions. Head coach Henry Fa'arodo says his side is ready to make the most of the opportunity. 'I want this team to compete. That's my challenge to the players, to approach every single game with determination, and to inspire the youth of the Solomon Islands. Football has a big impact here, and I believe we can spark the next generation to dream big.' Defending champions New Zealand arrive with a squad well-prepared after testing themselves against elite opposition at a FIFA-hosted tournament in Switzerland earlier this year. 'Preparation has gone pretty well,' said head coach Martin Bullock. 'Switzerland was a great experience, it brought us together earlier than usual and helped identify this group. We know the conditions will be challenging, but if these boys want to become All Whites, they need to embrace every environment and enjoy the ride.' For many players, this championship is the first step on their professional football journey, and for some, their first time overseas. Fiji head coach Sunil Kumar knows the challenge is significant but is aiming high. 'We've been following the progress of teams across Oceania and know how fast they're developing. Our dream is to qualify for back-to-back World Cups, that's our aim.' New Caledonia, a regular contender at youth level, sees this tournament as the product of long-term investment. 'This is the result of over ten years of work,' said coach Frances Watrone. 'Each generation builds on the last, and we're proud of what we've achieved.' Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, and Samoa have also brought squads full of promise, each seeing the tournament as a vital development platform and cultural experience. 'Preparation has been good, last year we had two sessions before the first game, this time we've had six,' said Samoa head coach Valerio Raccuglia. 'In Papua New Guinea, our new U-16 youth national league is a great pathway for football development,' added Papua New Guinea head coach Mathew Witu. At the pre-tournament media conference, a consistent message rang out from all eight teams: this championship is about growth, opportunity, and inspiring the next generation of Oceania footballers. The OFC U-16 Men's Championship 2025 kicks off tomorrow at Lawson Tama Stadium: Cook Islands v Papua New Guinea – 12:00pm Fiji v Tahiti – 3:00pm
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Dominant New Zealand Win OFC U-16 Women's Championship 2025
Press Release – Oceania Football Confederation New Zealand started the second half picking up where they left off in the first, setting up camp in Samoas half comfortably, and were almost immediately rewarded after a lovely turn and shot from Robson that she was unfortunate to see rebound … Samoa's hopes of making history on home soil were dashed by three first half goals from a determined New Zealand side. New Zealand perhaps didn't come into this game as the clear-cut favourites like they had done in previous years, having been put under immense pressure by New Caledonia in the semi-final, going into half time 1-1 before eventually prevailing 4-2. Samoa, meanwhile, had enjoyed a dominant win over Solomon Islands in their semi-final, which saw them enter the final as the only team at the tournament not to have conceded a goal. It took minutes for New Zealand to put paid to that record, as Lania Fili became the first player to breach the Samoan net receiving the ball with acres of space and time outside the Samoan penalty area she was able to pick out the top corner leaving Margaret Fagasuisui Tuii stranded. Undeterred, Samoa pressed back, with Cali Willis, a stalwart of the hosts' 2024 history-making side, particularly dangerous down the left flank. New Zealand, however, were keen to put the game beyond doubt as soon as possible, and took that opportunity in the 17th minute through a swift counterattack, ultimately producing a penalty after Mia Humphrey was obstructed in the penalty area. Captain Amelia Hitchcock duly stepped up to double her side's lead from the spot. New Zealand's third came courtesy of a well-worked corner routine, with Ariana Vosper's corner finding Isla Robson at the near post, and the forward glanced her header past Fagasuisui Tuii to take her side into the first half's cooling break comfortably in control. New Zealand started the second half picking up where they left off in the first, setting up camp in Samoa's half comfortably, and were almost immediately rewarded after a lovely turn and shot from Robson that she was unfortunate to see rebound off the crossbar. Samoa upped the ante, and Brielle Tautua was unlucky not to pull back a goal for Samoa on the hour mark, herself finding the goalframe off a corner. Aaliyah Johnson then took up the mantle to try and drag Samoa back into the game, with her strength and determination fashioning several opportunities for herself from range, but she was unable to hit the target. Ultimately, New Zealand's first half goals were insurmountable for a persistent Samoa side to overcome, and the holders sealed a seventh straight win in the OFC U-16 Women's Championship. HT: 0-3
