New Caledonia’s first senior international women’s match against a team from outside Oceania has ended in a 4-0 defeat to Thailand as part of the inaugural women’s FIFA Series at Ratchaburi Stadium in Thailand.
Composed mainly of U-20 players and led by U-20 women’s national team coach Léon Waitronyie as part of preparations for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ in September, New Caledonia delivered an admirable performance against a Thai side ranked 49 places above them, and who have qualified for two previous senior World Cup’s.
Thailand scored twice in each half to seal a comfortable win, but for long stages of the second half in particular, were frustrated by New Caledonia’s defensive organisation.
The hosts scored twice inside the first half hour – both from deliveries into the New Caledonian penalty box. The first came from Natalie Ngosuwan in the fourth minute, before Thawanat Promthongmee added the second in the 28th minute with a delicate backheel at the near post.
Throughout the contest, New Caledonia remained compact and disciplined defensively, something coach Waitronyie had emphasised would be a focus during their two games in Thailand.
It took until the 73rd minute for Thailand to find the back of the net again for their third, substitute Janista Jinantuya catching out Elizabeth Aben in goal with a long-range strike.
Another substitute, Alisa Rukpinij rounded out the scoring in second half stoppage-time, drawing out Aben and scoring from another low delivery into the penalty box.
New Caledonia face Indonesia next on Wednesday in the 3rd place play-off at the FIFA Series mini-tournament in Thailand, at 4:00pm local time and 8:00pm NCT.
Thailand: 4 (Natalie NGOSUWAN 4′, Thawanat PROMTHONGMEE 28′, Janista JINANTUYA 73′, Alisa RUKPINIJ 90+1′)
New Caledonia: 0
HT: 2-0
Photo credit: FIFA via Getty Images