New Zealand triumphed in the first-ever OFC Women’s Futsal Nations Cup held in the Solomon Islands, decisively defeating Fiji 7-1 in the final match.
Fiji started strong in the first half, demonstrating promise, but struggled after halftime as New Zealand took control of the game. The Kiwis, led by Hannah Kraakman, scored early, finding the net within the first two minutes of play. Shortly after, Libby Boobyer fired a powerful shot from the edge of the box, taking advantage of an opportunity as Fiji’s goalkeeper, Mereoni Tinaimakubuna, ventured too far from her goal.
Fiji managed to get on the scoreboard right before the end of the first half when Koleta Likuculacula scored with a well-placed left-footed shot, cutting the lead to 2-1.
In the second half, Fiji maintained their efforts but were met with a relentless New Zealand team. Key contributions came from Tessa Leong, Libby Boobyer, and Jordana Bremner, who helped extend New Zealand’s lead to 4-1. Kraakman, who had opened the scoring, added another goal late in the match after intercepting the ball from Stella Naivalulevu and slipping it past Tinaimakubuna.
Dayna Manak soon followed with New Zealand’s sixth goal, and the scoring was capped off with an unfortunate own goal by Sofi Diyalowai, who deflected a cross from Jemma Catherwood into her own net.
This victory not only crowned New Zealand as champions but also secured their qualification for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 in the Philippines.