New Zealand launched their title defense in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship with an impressive 8-0 win over New Caledonia at HFC Bank Stadium today. The Kiwis displayed their dominance from the outset, despite New Caledonia’s initial attempts to find their footing in the game.
Keira Tichbon opened the scoring in the fifth minute after executing a smooth play with Pia Vlok. New Caledonia nearly equalized shortly thereafter, but their attempt just missed the target, allowing New Zealand to maintain their advantage.
Laura Bennett quickly doubled the Kiwis’ lead in the 12th minute, scoring off a rebound. Grace Duncan extended the lead with a precisely placed shot, receiving another assist from Vlok, who played a crucial role in the first half.
While New Caledonia made several efforts, including a close chip shot by Kinë Hmaen that sailed over the crossbar, New Zealand continued to control the game. Bennett scored again, converting a well-placed cross from Vlok into the net, and the Kiwis ended a dominant first half with Tichbon and Duncan teaming up for a goal, leading 5-0 at halftime.
New Caledonia’s determination was evident, highlighted by a goal-line save from Taylh Byers to deny them a potential consolation goal. In the second half, Bennett secured her hat-trick and scored a fourth, maneuvering through the defense effortlessly.
Duncan delivered the standout goal of the match, executing a spectacular free-kick into the top corner, culminating in a commanding victory for New Zealand. This win sets a high benchmark for the defending champions, emphasizing their depth and offensive capabilities as they aim to retain their championship title in the tournament.