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New Caledonia Storm Into Semi-finals With Dominant Victory Over Fiji

New Caledonia Storm Into Semi-finals With Dominant Victory Over Fiji

Scoop5 days ago
Press Release – OFC
Despite Fijis attempts to counter through the lively Shania Singh and Adi Reva, New Caledonias organised backline stood firm cutting out threats and maintaining control.
New Caledonia have secured their OFC U-16 Women's Championship semi-final spot in emphatic fashion, overwhelming Fiji 5-0 in Apia.
Kenji Vendegou's side dominated the match with their relentless attacking play, spearheaded by the dangerous trio of Kinë Hmaen, Shana Nemoinon and Heidra Adjouhgniope.
The three players constantly probed Fiji's defense with quick combinations and sharp runs down the flanks.
Despite Fiji's attempts to counter through the lively Shania Singh and Adi Reva, New Caledonia's organised backline stood firm cutting out threats and maintaining control.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Hmaen who was a constant threat, latched onto a pass and fired home, before she before added a second in first half stoppage time with another composed finish.
Just as Fiji looked to regroup, Heidra Adjouhgniope delivered the decisive blow on the stroke of half-time with a clinical strike, that put New Caledonia in total control.
New Caledonia maintained their relentless pressure in the second half. Fiji tried to show more intent on the counter, but they struggled to break through a resolute defense.
The result was put beyond doubt when New Caledonia captain Matha Bako calmly slotted home from close range, 11 minutes into the second half. The goal was followed swiftly by Sélapalé Sameke adding a fifth a minute later.
Deep into injury time, Fiji's humiliation was complete as Bernadette Nyikeine scored a sixth goal to complete a brilliant performance from New Caledonia.
The heavy defeat will see Marika Rodu's side playing off for the minor placings.
The victory sends New Caledonia into Monday's semi-finals, most likely as Group A runners up behind Samoa.
Fiji 0
HT: 3-0
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