New Zealand secured its record-breaking ninth OFC U-16 Men’s Championship title at Stade Pater in Papeete today, defeating a determined Fijian team 3-1 in a thrilling final.
The team, coached by Martin Bullock, took an early lead in the 3rd minute with a goal from Nathan Martin. Fiji responded with an equalizer in the 28th minute when Farhaan Khan launched a long free kick from just inside New Zealand’s half, which New Zealand goalkeeper Joseph Chalabi miscalculated, allowing the ball to sail over his head and into the net. The first half ended in a 1-1 draw.
The match saw both teams reduced to ten players when Fiji’s Veleni Rasorewa and New Zealand’s Nathan Martin were sent off by Papua New Guinea referee David Yareboinen during a confrontation in the 56th minute.
New Zealand regained the lead just five minutes later. After Fiji failed to clear the ball from a corner, Luke Brooke-Smith took advantage and headed the ball into the net. Justin Cardoso later secured the victory for New Zealand with a precise shot that left Fijian goalkeeper Isoa Lutui with no chance.
Both teams will advance to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar next year.