Two months before they are due to compete at Morocco 2025, New Zealand and Samoa have secured their places at the following edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™.
The continental powers booked their places at the global finals with dominant wins in the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Apia.
Hosts Samoa got things going in the first semi, dispatching the Solomon Islands 5-0. Having taken the lead via an early own-goal, a back post header from captain Breanna Kitiona sent them to the break two to the good on a Father’s Day public holiday in the nation.
A cool Aaliyah Johnson finish just shy of the hour extended the lead before a second own goal and a Tova Auvaa strike confirmed the dominant win.
New Zealand were made to work hard for things early in the second semi, having seen a fine solo effort from New Caledonia’s Kine Hmaen cancel out Isla Robson’s 15th minute opener as the sides headed to the break locked at 1-1.
That was the first goal that New Zealand had conceded at the tournament but it took them just six second-half minutes to restore the lead via a long-range effort from Amelia Hitchcock.
Two minutes later Mia Humphrey finished from a tight angle to extend the advantage and the Eastern Suburbs forward grabbed a second in the 88th minute to put them out of sight. A stoppage time consolation from New Caledonia’s Emmanuelle Buama then rounded out the 4-2 scoreline.
New Zealand and Samoa will now meet for the second consecutive time in the continental decider, in Apia on 14 August.
“It’s massive to have the chance to represent Samoa here at home. I’m super happy for the girls, they worked so hard and clinching another World Cup qualification is not an easy task. We’re just blessed, happy and full of emotions because we know what this represents for our beautiful country.”
Juan Chang Urrea, Samoa head coach
“I’m relieved, pleased and really happy for the players [to have qualified for the World Cup]. It’s fantastic and it will inspire the girls to keep working hard, training hard and give themselves something to look forward to next year.”
Alana Gunn, New Zealand head coach
Images: OFC Media via Phototek
