Following their 3-0 win over Fiji, New Caledonia are snapping closely at the Kiwis heels, while hosts Vanuatu were held to a 1-1 draw with Papua New Guinea in the final match of the tournament’s opening day.
The Young All Whites did not wait long before beginning their punishment of OFC U-17 Preliminary winners the Cook Islands, with Monty Patterson’s corner being forced home for an own goal six minutes into the match. Patterson was soon on the board himself when he fired a low shot past Cook Island keeper Keegan Inia in the tenth minute. His brace came in the 22nd minute when he slotted home a penalty to give New Zealand a 3-0 lead. One minute later and Stuart Holthusen was on the board before Patterson got his hat-trick in the 31st minute. Holthusen soon had two of his own after scoring three minutes later, before Alex Rufer netted the Kiwis seventh goal just ahead of the break.
New Zealand finished the second half with two more when substitute Meysum Shafahi netted first in the 84th minute before marking the Kiwi’s ninth and final goal in injury time. The Cook Islands found themselves unable to respond to the onslaught of goals from the Young All Whites to finish the match 9-0.
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley says the win was a good start for his side which performed as he had asked and got the result they wanted.
“We created a lot of good chances and we’ve come through the game unscathed,” Bazeley says. “We told the boys to relax and play because we knew if we did everything right then the goals would come. At half-time we decided to keep the ball more and we did maybe take our foot off the pedal a bit but we stepped it up again and got a couple of goals at the end.”
Cook Islands coach Tuka Tisam says his side received a hammering in the first half where they conceded seven goals.
“We came out really firing in the second half and I’m happy that we only let in two more goals,” he says. “Our goalkeeper had a great game and saved us a lot of goals.”
In the second match of the day, New Caledonia attempted to assert early dominance over Fiji, sticking to a low passing game as they searched for an early lead. They finally opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Valentin Nykeine before he struck low and hard to earn his brace in the 30th minute. Five minutes later and Antony Kai was on the scoreboard taking the teams into the break with the Francophone side leading 3-0.
The second half saw the two sides swapping possession as Fiji tried to bring themselves back into the match, while the young Cagous continued to apply pressure and extend their lead. However neither side had any luck in the second period as the match ended at 3-0.
New Caledonia coach Kamali Fitialata says it is very satisfying to get the tournament underway with a solid victory.
“It was maybe one of the most difficult matches so to start with a win is better than anything else,” Fitialata says. “We were faced with a Fijian team that is well organised and I must congratulate and express our express for this team.”
Meanwhile Fiji coach Kamal Swamy was disappointed his side couldn’t get a win in their opening match.
“I think that New Caledonia was a better side, they played more meaningfully and wanted to win,” he says. “I think our boys panicked and that’s why they got three quick goals against us.”
In the final match the huge home crowd got behind Vanuatu as they attempted to outplay Papua New Guinea but despite the backing of their supporters Vanuatu couldn’t get an advantage. The two sides exchanged possession, as the attacks and counter-attacks continued right up until the break, where the score remained locked at 0-0.
It was Papua New Guinea who finally opened the scoring when Nicky Benjamin sent a powerful strike past Vanautu keeper Charlie Ban Waivui in the 68th minute. Vanuatu made a number of attempts which were going either high or wide, before Jaison Thomas finally knocked in an equaliser to send the crowd into a roaring frenzy. The home side continued to press right up until the final seconds as they searched for the winning goal but were unable to get an advantage as the game came to a close at 1-1.
Papua New Guinea coach Bobby Morris says he is happy his side could compete with hosts Vanuatu who are not only a good side, but have strong home support on their side.
“Because of their size I thought Vanuatu would come out as winners, but the boys played their hearts out and I’m very happy with their performance today.”
Vanuatu coach Etienne Mermer says it was disappointing not to open with a win as his side had the crowd behind them and fought hard for an opening victory.
“I think the boys wanted to win but unfortunately we let one in,” Mermer says. “The first game is important and we needed to win for the three points. Unfortunately we drew, but it’s not over yet and I think the boys will continue to build for the next game.”
The OFC U-17 Championship returns on Friday when Cook Islands take on Papua New Guinea at 9.30am before hosts Vanuatu encounter Fiji at 12.30pm with the final match between New Caledonia and New Zealand taking place at 3.30pm.
Match Summary New Zealand – Cook Islands click here
Match Summary Fiji – New Caledonia click here
Match Summary Papua New Guinea – Vanuatu click here
Competition Summary click here
Disciplinary Summary click here

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