New Zealand has clinched its sixth consecutive title at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship.
The final match of the 2024 tournament showcased the two leading teams, both of which had impressive performances, scoring the most goals without conceding any, while demonstrating skill and dominance on the field. Samoa made history during the tournament, but New Zealand faced mounting pressure as the competition within Oceania tightened, with many eyes anticipating a potential upset.
The match began with both teams vying for control in the midfield. New Zealand’s captain, Katie Pugh, made an immediate impact with a physical engagement against Samoa’s Breanna, while playmaker Pia Vlok worked to advance New Zealand’s offense and disrupt Samoa’s attacks.
New Zealand struck first, with Pugh finding the net after a well-placed header from Kara McGillivray set her up for a powerful shot that put Samoa on the back foot for the first time in the tournament. Just before halftime, Vlok extended the lead with a superb goal, receiving a pass from Pugh before accurately finishing past Samoa’s goalkeeper, Margaret Fagasuisui Tuii, much to the delight of her team.
At halftime, both coaches made strategic substitutions; Chang brought in Mikayla Afoa for Kealia Nansen, while Alana Gunn substituted goal-scorers Pugh and Natalie Young for Kya Solomon and Piper O’Neill. Samoa returned to the pitch with renewed determination, and midfielder T Devoux facilitated a dangerous cross, but Brielle Tautua narrowly missed connecting with the ball.
New Zealand effectively sealed the outcome with a third goal shortly before the hour mark. Mikaela Bangalan, after winning possession in midfield, passed to Vlok, who skillfully maneuvered around a defender to finish from a tight angle.
Samoan captain Lynn Aiono Sagiao continued to lead her team, attempting to spark a comeback with a long-range free kick that New Zealand’s goalkeeper, Harriet Muller, managed to field cleanly despite the crowd in the penalty area.
Laura Bennett capped off the scoring for New Zealand with her sixth goal of the championship, courtesy of an excellent setup by Grace Duncan.