New Caledonia achieved their first victory in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, defeating the Solomon Islands 2-1 and keeping their hopes for a semi-final berth alive.
The match kicked off with excitement as New Caledonia’s Kinë Hmaen took advantage of a defensive mix-up to score in the ninth minute. The Solomon Islands quickly responded, with Gracester Kini capitalizing on a goalkeeping mistake to equalize.
The game was closely contested, with both sides creating scoring opportunities. In the second half, New Caledonia regained the lead when Hmaen showcased her skill with a solo effort, skillfully rounding the goalkeeper to notch her second goal.
Despite their efforts to find an equalizer, the Solomon Islands struggled to penetrate New Caledonia’s defense again. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Aben made vital saves to preserve the advantage, especially denying Yakida Waïa’s long-range shot.
As the match drew to a close, the Solomon Islands intensified their attack, but New Caledonia managed to maintain their lead, securing a victory that brings excitement to their campaign.
This result has altered the dynamics of the group, paving the way for an exhilarating conclusion to the group stages, with several teams still in the running for semi-final spots.