New Zealand have initiated their title defence with a decisive 3-0 victory over New Caledonia in the opening Group B match of the OFC Men’s U-19 Championship in Apia, Samoa.
Auckland City attacker Stipe Ukich opened the scoring in the 18th minute from the penalty spot after defender Jythrim Upa was penalized for a handball in the box.
Ukich played a key role in setting up the second goal as well, beating a defender and passing to Ryan Watson for an easy tap-in.
New Zealand led 2-0 at halftime and Keegan Kelly added their third goal early in the second half.
The Junior All Whites are set to face host Samoa in their next match on Tuesday, while New Caledonia will go up against Papua New Guinea.