New Zealand secured its record ninth title in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship at Stade Pater in Papeete today, defeating a determined Fijian team 3-1 in a thrilling final.
Coached by Martin Bullock, New Zealand took an early lead in the 3rd minute with a goal from Nathan Martin. Fiji equalized in the 28th minute when Farhaan Khan launched a long free kick from just inside New Zealand’s half, which misjudged by goalkeeper Joseph Chalabi and sailed into the net over his head.
The teams went into halftime tied at 1-1. Both sides had a player sent off in the 56th minute following a confrontation, with Fiji’s Veleni Rasorewa and New Zealand’s Nathan Martin receiving red cards from Papua New Guinea referee David Yareboinen.
Just five minutes later, New Zealand regained their lead as Fiji failed to clear a corner, allowing Luke Brooke-Smith to score with a header. Justin Cardoso then secured the victory with a precise strike that left Fiji’s goalkeeper Isoa Lutui unable to respond.
Both teams are now set to represent their nations at next year’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.