New Zealand are almost certain to face New Caledonia in the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship on Monday.
New Caledonia have clinched second place in Group A at the eight-team tournament in Samoa, meaning they’ll play the winners of Group A.
New Zealand lead Group A and only a catastrophic result against American Samoa on Friday would prevent them staying at the top of their pool.
The winners of Monday’s two semi-finals will automatically qualify to represent Oceania at next year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The other semi-final will be between unbeaten Samoa, who have topped Group A, and the runners-up in Group B
Main photo: New Caledonia’s Kinë Hmaen scored a double in their 6-0 win. Photo credit: OFC Media / Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
New Caledonia … through to the last four at the tournament. Photo credit: OFC Media / Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
New Caledonia storm into semi-finals with big win against Fiji
New Caledonia secured their OFC U-16 Women’s Championship semi-final spot in emphatic fashion, overwhelming Fiji 6-0 in Apia.
Coach Kenji Vendegou’s side dominated the match with their relentless attacking play, spearheaded by the dangerous trio of Kinë Hmaen, Shana Nemoinon and Heidra Adjouhgniope.
The three players constantly probed Fiji’s defence with quick combinations and sharp runs down the flanks.
Despite Fiji’s attempts to counter through the lively Shania Singh and Adi Reva, New Caledonia’s organised backline stood firm, cutting out threats and maintaining control.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Hmaen, who was a constant threat, latched onto a pass and fired home, before she added a second goal in first-half stoppage time with another composed finish.
Just when Fiji looked to regroup, Heidra Adjouhgniope delivered the decisive blow on the stroke of half-time with a clinical strike, which put New Caledonia in total control.
New Caledonia maintained their relentless pressure in the second half.
Fiji’s Kalisi Dama. Photo credit: OFC Media / Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Fiji tried to show more intent on the counter, but they struggled to break through a resolute defence.
The result was put beyond doubt when New Caledonia captain Matha Bako calmly slotted home from close range, 11 minutes into the second half. The goal was followed swiftly by Sélapalé Sameke, adding a fifth a minute later.
Deep into injury time, Fiji’s humiliation was complete as Bernadette Nyikeine scored a sixth goal to complete a brilliant performance from New Caledonia.
The heavy defeat will see Marika Rodu’s side playing off for the minor placings.
Samoa top group with third win at tournament
Samoa clinched top spot in Group A at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Apia after a 1-0 win over Tahiti in the final pool match.
Knowing his side were safely in the semi-finals with a game to spare, and with a vastly superior goal difference to second-placed New Caledonia, coach Juan Chang Urrea had the luxury of resting eight players from the side which thumped Fiji in their second Group match.
The first half was largely devoid of genuine, clear-cut scoring opportunities, and as the weather deteriorated, it made it tougher for players underfoot.
Seven minutes into the second spell, with pools of water appearing all over the pitch, referee Michael Urui of the Solomon Islands made the decision to postpone the match for 30 minutes.
Pools of water forced a half-hour delay of play in the second half. Photo credit: OFC Media / Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Remarkably, the rain stopped and the drainage at the ground worked a treat. Play resumed approximately 40 minutes after the players left the field.
Substitute Madison Cahill had a golden opportunity to open the scoring for Samoa in the 63rd minute after a beautiful cross from the right by Taliyah Taaga. Arriving at the six-yard box, Cahill couldn’t get a solid connection on the ball and her shot went wide.
Coach Chang Urrea made several changes, including bringing on star attacker Cali Willis, to try to break the deadlock.
Samida Tumanuvao forced a strong save from Tahiti keeper Kalea Torohia and then Willis turned provider in the 81st minute when she swung in a cross from the left for Tova Auvaa to fire in a superb right-footed effort into the corner of the net.
Samoa await the runners-up in Group B in Monday’s semi-finals while Tahiti will play off for 7th and 8th on Tuesday.
Acknowledgement
We thank OFC Media for providing information for this story.
Results
Games played on Thursday August 7, 2025 (NZT)
Group A
New Caledonia 6 (New Caledonia 6 (Kinë Hmaen 28’, 45+2′, Heidra Adjouhgniope 45+5′, Matha Bako 56’, Sélapalé Sameke 57’ Bernadette Nyikeine 90+6′)
Fiji 0
Tahiti 0
Samoa 1 (Tova Auvaa 81′)
Fixtures
Games to be played on Friday August 8, 2025 (NZT)
Group B
Tonga v Solomon Islands
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 10am (NZT)
American Samoa v New Zealand
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 2pm (NZT)
Knockout stages
Semi-finals will be played on Monday August 11 (NZT).
Play-offs for 5th and 7th will be played on Tuesday August 12 (NZT).
The play-off for 3rd and the final will be played on Thursday August 14 (NZT).
This story was first published on August 7, 2025.