Given the chance to open the tournament New Caledonia were impressive in a 5-0 victory over Tonga, dominating proceedings and never looking in much doubt at the back.
Had it not been for the interruption of the goal post – which saw the ball ping away from goal three times – Matthieu Delcroix’s team would have blown the score out even further.
“It feels good to get a first win in this competition. It was very hot and we tried to play to our style, which I think we did well,” Delcroix says.
“We had a period at the end of the first half that was very difficult. Tonga put pressure on us and the girls struggled a bit.
“We have started with a victory and can now have a good rest and look towards New Zealand next.”
A third-minute strike from Jackie Pahoa set the tone for the contest, and just five minutes later their advantage was doubled after Pahoa collected her second with a powerful effort from close range.
Just as she had done at the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship in October last year, goalkeeper Mele Akolo was outstanding as one of Tonga’s best, repeatedly coming off her line to clean up dangerous situations.
A couple of set pieces went to waste by Tonga, while midfielder Ana Polovili also created a number of chances which could have been put into the back of the net.
A brave save at the feet of an incoming striker saw Akolo deny New Caledonia their third late in the half, leaving the score at 2-0 going into the break.
The opening 20 minutes of the second period saw Tonga come back into the match, enjoying some periods of possession and at least forcing the New Caledonia defence to work up a sweat.
But with 19 to go New Caledonia got through for their third via Lucinda Koindredi, which appeared to deflate spirits in the Tonga team.
Straight out of the drinks break on 79 minutes – which was organised to help the players get through the humid conditions the match was played in – New Caledonia’s Elisa Laile struck to make it 4-0.
Just minutes after entering the field as a replacement for Pahoa, midfielder Jessica Ali Said boomed her effort home to finish the scoring at 5-0.
Tonga coach Christian Koaneti conceded that his team was beaten by a better side on the day.
“First of all credit goes to the New Caledonia coach and girls. There were some good moments in the game, but we have lots to take in for the Samoa game,” Koaneti says.
“In terms of our defence, they were able to break it down, so ahead of our game with Samoa we will have to work on that.
“We knew that New Caledonia would bring it all. We knew it was going to be tough, and New Caledonia showed they are a really tough team.”
New Caledonia face a tough task against New Zealand on Match Day 3, while Tonga play Samoa.
In the second match of the day New Zealand took their first step towards defending their title, disposing of newcomers Samoa 11-0.
A hat-trick each for strikers Jacqui Hand and Hannah Blake set Gareth Turnbull’s side up for the big victory, which propels them to the top of Group A on goal difference.
After subbing on in the 60th Sarah Krystman made a telling contribution with a brace, while goals to Gabe Jillings, Samantha Tawharu and a Samoa own goal blew the score out to 11.
New Zealand coach Gareth Turnbull believed it was an ideal start to the 10-day tournament.
“I am really pleased, it’s the first time these girls have played internationally and they all contributed really well,’ Turnbull says.
“It was always going to be a challenge not knowing what we were going to face. I thought Samoa when they came out in the second half made life difficult for us.”
For Samoa if the pain of an 11-0 loss wasn’t enough they also lost three players to injury ahead of their meeting with Pacific neighbours Tonga on Match Day 3.
Despite their defensive line never giving up, and making a number of quality interventions, Samoa couldn’t pass their way through from the back, leaving them to resort to long-ball play for much of the match.
Post-match coach Nadia Malifa remained optimistic despite the early setback.
“I know it’s a defeat first up, but that first half we were trying to adjust to how New Zealand played and it left us with some things to improve in the second half,” Malifa says.
“Some of what we saw was good, but we had some players injured which will make the next game tough too.
“I am sure the girls will be OK for the next game and they will be more prepared.”
Up next for New Zealand is Group A’s other unbeaten side, New Caledonia, while Samoa take on Tonga.

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