New Zealand has comfortably advanced to the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship final and secured a place in the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup by defeating Tonga 8-0 in the semifinals held in Suva. This victory allows New Zealand to join Samoa, who qualified earlier, in the finals of the tournament.
New Zealand asserted their dominance right from the kickoff, with Laura Bennett scoring the opening goal. Katie Pugh quickly followed by taking advantage of a defensive mistake to net the second goal. Grace Duncan and Pia Vlok contributed to the scoreline, pushing it to 4-0 by halftime.
Despite Tonga’s determined efforts, New Zealand maintained their offensive momentum in the second half. Goals from Kara McGillivray and Charley Marsh increased the score, with Derelle Avery also joining the scoresheet late in the game. Duncan capped off the match with a precise free-kick, bringing the final tally to eight and confirming a decisive victory for New Zealand.