New Zealand secured the title of the first-ever OFC Women’s Futsal Nations Cup in the Solomon Islands, triumphing over Fiji with a decisive 7-1 scoreline in the final match.
Fiji demonstrated potential in the first half but faltered after halftime, allowing New Zealand to take control and turn the match into a one-sided contest. The Kiwis, led by Hannah Kraakman, got on the scoreboard quickly, finding the net just two minutes into the game. Libby Boobyer then added a powerful goal from outside the box shortly thereafter, following an advancement by goalkeeper Mereoni Tinaimakubuna.
Fiji managed to respond just before the end of the first half when Koleta Likuculacula executed a precise left-footed shot past New Zealand’s goalkeeper, reducing the margin to 2-1.
In the second half, despite Fiji’s continued efforts, they could not withstand New Zealand’s relentless attacking play. Tessa Leong, Libby Boobyer, and Jordana Bremner scored to extend New Zealand’s lead to 4-1. Kraakman, who opened the scoring, netted again with just seven minutes remaining after intercepting the ball in her own half and slotting it past Tinaimakubuna.
Shortly afterward, Dayna Manak contributed the sixth goal for New Zealand, followed by an own goal from Sofi Diyalowai, who inadvertently redirected Jemma Catherwood’s cross into her own net, finalizing the score at 7-1.
With their victory, New Zealand not only claimed the championship title but also secured a spot in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, set to take place in the Philippines.