U 16 OFC Women's Championship

NZ and New Caledonia into final

Both teams secured their final spot after defeating their opponents in the semi-final yesterday.

New Zealand secured their place earlier with a strong win, dominating Cook Islands 9-0 despite an impressive game from the knockout debutants.

The defending champions had to struggle to find a gap in the crowded Cook Islands backline in the early minutes before Kelli Brown broke through to open the scoring in the 18th minute.

Not long after Maggie Jenkins extended it up with two quick goals and Brown slotted in two more to bring New Zealand’s tally to five.

Semi-final showdown today

Both teams advanced to the semi-final after finishing top in the Pool A group match.

New Zealand finished on top with nine clear points and were unbeaten in their pool games while New Caledonia secured second spot with six points.

The defending champions who also won the recent OFC U-19 Women’s Champion are vying to add another title in the U-16 category.

However, Cook Islands U-16 cannot be underestimated as they are eyeing for the final spot.

The second final will feature Fiji against New Caledonia at 8pm today.