Defending champions New Zealand began their title defence with a decisive 3-0 win over New Caledonia in the opening Group B match of the OFC Men’s U-19 Championship in Apia, Samoa, today.
Auckland City attacker Stipe Ukich opened the scoring in the 18th minute from the penalty spot after New Caledonian defender Jythrim Upa was penalized for a handball in the box.
Ukich then played a crucial role in the second goal, skillfully evading a defender and setting up Ryan Watson for a straightforward tap-in.
New Zealand led 2-0 at halftime, and Keegan Kelly secured their third goal early in the second half.
The Junior All Whites will now face host Samoa in their next match on Tuesday, while New Caledonia will go up against Papua New Guinea.