New Zealand claimed the title of the inaugural OFC Women’s Futsal Nations Cup in the Solomon Islands, decisively defeating Fiji 7-1 in the final match.
Fiji displayed promise during the first half, but faltered after halftime, allowing New Zealand to take full control of the game. The Kiwis quickly took the lead, with Hannah Kraakman scoring early on, just two minutes into the match. Shortly after, Libby Boobyer added to their tally with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area, capitalizing on a misstep by Fiji’s goalkeeper, Mereoni Tinaimakubuna.
As the first half neared its conclusion, Fiji managed to respond when Koleta Likuculacula scored with a well-placed left-footed shot that found the net, bringing the score to 2-1.
In the second half, despite Fiji’s attempts to rally, they were met with a relentless New Zealand team. New Zealand extended their lead with goals from Tessa Leong and Jordana Bremner, making it 4-1. Kraakman, who already had a goal to her name, scored again in the last seven minutes after intercepting the ball from Stella Naivalulevu in her own half.
Dayna Manak then added another goal for New Zealand, before the scoring was capped off by an own goal from Sofi Diyalowai, who inadvertently turned Jemma Catherwood’s cross into her own net.
This victory not only secured New Zealand the championship but also granted them a place in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, set to take place in the Philippines.