New Zealand claimed the title of the inaugural OFC Women’s Futsal Nations Cup in the Solomon Islands, defeating Fiji 7-1 in the final match.
Fiji displayed potential in the first half, but struggled in the second half, allowing New Zealand to take control and dominate the game. The Kiwis, led by Hannah Kraakman, swiftly took the lead with a goal just two minutes into the match. Shortly after, Libby Boobyer added another goal with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, exploiting a moment when Fiji’s goalkeeper, Mereoni Tinaimakubuna, strayed off her line.
Fiji managed to find the net just before halftime when Koleta Likuculacula scored a well-placed left-footed shot, narrowing the gap to 2-1.
In the second half, despite Fiji’s efforts to equalize, New Zealand’s offense proved too strong, with goals from Tessa Leong, Libby Boobyer, and Jordana Bremner extending their lead to 4-1. Kraakman netted her second goal late in the match after intercepting the ball from Stella Naivalulevu and slipping it past the goalkeeper. Dayna Manak then added another for the Kiwis, before an own goal by Sofi Diyalowai, who inadvertently redirected Jemma Catherwood’s cross into her net, capped off the scoring.
This decisive victory not only crowned New Zealand as champions but also secured them a spot in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, set to take place in the Philippines.