New Caledonia achieved their first victory in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship with a 2-1 win over the Solomon Islands, keeping their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.
The match kicked off with New Caledonia’s Kinë Hmaen scoring in the ninth minute after capitalizing on a defensive error. The Solomon Islands quickly equalized when Gracester Kini took advantage of a goalkeeping mistake.
The game was competitive, with opportunities for both teams. New Caledonia regained the lead in the second half when Hmaen scored her second goal of the match after a quick solo run, rounding the goalkeeper.
Despite their efforts to find a second equalizer, the Solomon Islands struggled to penetrate New Caledonia’s defense. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Aben made vital saves that preserved the lead, notably stopping a long-range shot from Yakida Waïa.
As the final minutes ticked down, the Solomon Islands pressed forward, yet New Caledonia maintained their advantage to secure the victory, which adds excitement to their campaign.
This outcome alters the dynamics of the group, paving the way for an exhilarating finish to the group stages with several teams still vying for a spot in the semi-finals.