New Zealand has clinched its sixth consecutive title at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, showcasing their dominance in the final edition for 2024. The match featured two of the tournament’s top teams, both of which had impressive run scores and went into the contest without conceding any goals.
Samoa made strides during the tournament, signaling its growth, while New Zealand felt the mounting pressure as competitors in Oceania aimed to challenge their supremacy.
From the outset, both teams fought fiercely for control in the midfield. New Zealand’s captain, Katie Pugh, quickly made her mark in a physical encounter with Breanna, while Pia Vlok was pivotal in advancing New Zealand’s play while also thwarting Samoa’s attempts.
New Zealand opened the scoring first, with Pugh finding the net after a long free kick from Kara McGillivray was headed into her path, allowing her to strike the ball home and put Samoa behind for the first time in the tournament.
Just before halftime, Vlok doubled the lead with a brilliant finish. After receiving a pass from Pugh outside the box, she calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Margaret Fagasuisui Tuii, sending New Zealand into a comfortable lead as they headed into the break.
At halftime, substitutions were made by both coaches, with Chang bringing in Mikayla Afoa for Kealia Nansen, while Alana Gunn replaced Pugh and Natalie Young with Kya Solomon and Piper O’Neill.
Samoa emerged from the break intent on making a comeback. T Devoux, their influential midfielder, created an opportunity with a dangerous low cross intended for Brielle Tautua, but she could not make contact as the ball passed by goalkeeper Harriet Muller.
New Zealand sealed their victory with a third goal shortly before the hour mark when Mikaela Bangalan won possession in midfield and passed to Vlok. She skillfully maneuvered past a defender and scored from a tight angle.
Samoa’s captain, Lynn Aiono Sagiao, aimed to pull her team back into contention by attempting a powerful free kick from distance, but Muller was well-positioned to stop the shot in a crowded box.
The scoring was finalized by New Zealand’s Laura Bennett, who netted her sixth goal of the tournament, thanks to a well-placed pass from Grace Duncan.