Champions New Zealand kicked off their title defense with a comfortable 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 pivotal role in setting up the second goal as well, beating a defender and laying the ball into the path of 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 will now face host Samoa in their next match on Tuesday, while New Caledonia will compete against Papua New Guinea.