New Zealand has claimed their sixth consecutive title in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship. The final match of the 2024 edition featured two top teams that had showcased impressive performances throughout the tournament, with New Zealand scoring the most goals and conceding none.
During the tournament, Samoa made notable strides, while New Zealand faced mounting pressure as other teams in Oceania sought to challenge their dominance. Both teams aimed to assert their control from the outset, engaging in a fierce midfield battle. Captain Katie Pugh quickly established her impact, while Pia Vlok contributed significantly to New Zealand’s offensive play and defensive efforts against Samoa.
New Zealand struck first, with Pugh finding the net after Kara McGillivray headed a long free kick to her. Pugh’s precise shot put Samoa at a disadvantage for the first time in the competition. Just before halftime, Vlok extended the lead with a stunning goal, set up by Pugh, as she expertly fired past goalkeeper Margaret Fagasuisui Tuii.
At halftime, both coaches made tactical changes, with Samoa’s Chang substituting Kealia Nansen for Mikayla Afoa, while New Zealand’s Alana Gunn replaced goal scorer Pugh and Natalie Young with Kya Solomon and Piper O’Neill. Samoa emerged from the break with renewed determination, but an opportunity early in the second half saw Holly Leapai’s low cross go unconnected by Brielle Tautua.
New Zealand effectively secured their victory with a third goal just before the hour mark. Mikaela Bangalan won possession in midfield and passed to Vlok, who skillfully slotted the ball home from a difficult angle.
Samoa’s captain, Lynn Aiono Sagiao, sought to rally her team with a powerful free kick, but New Zealand’s goalkeeper, Harriet Muller, demonstrated great awareness in handling the attempt. New Zealand’s Laura Bennett capped off the scoring with her sixth goal of the championship, courtesy of an assist from Grace Duncan.