The OFC U-19 Women’s Championship will crown its champion this weekend in Tahiti, with New Caledonia and New Zealand meeting in the final on Saturday Tahiti time (Sunday NZT). Both teams have also qualified for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ in Poland.
New Caledonia’s run to the final marks another milestone in the growth of their women’s programme. Speaking at the pre-final Media Conference, Coach Léon Waitronyie has highlighted the progress driven by the academy system, which has been developing players for almost ten years.
The team has already broken new ground by qualifying for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup for the first time. Now the focus shifts to adding a continental title to their achievements.
“We continue to stay united with our girls,” Waitronyie said. “We’ve had strong opponents, and our qualification shows the progress we’ve made. We’ll fight together, defend together, and give everything on the field.”
With the two sides already having met in the Group stage, where New Zealand only led 1-0 after 70 minutes before scoring late goals to secure a 4-0 victory, Waitronyie insists his group will fight hard against the Junior Football Ferns.
“The instructions will be simply to be generous on the field, to make the effort, to fight together, to defend together, and to never give up.
“We ask our supporters to believe until the end, until this final. It will be a battle, and may the best team win.”
Standing in their way are the defending champions who have not conceded a goal and have scored 30 in four matches.
The Junior Football Ferns have been clincial throughout the tournament, and coach Callum Holmes has praised his side’s growth but inists they face a tough challenge.
“For us, it’s been a success. We had a very successful group stage. Then we made it to the semi-final yesterday, now we’re excited to go to the final. We’re excited to have qualified for the World Cup.
“But we want to go even further and win the competition. New Caledonia gave us a very good test in the group stage. We know the threats they have, and we’ll have to be at our best. Both teams want to lift the trophy, and we’re excited for the contest.”
Captain Daisy Brazendale echoed those words.
“I’d say having the chance to represent your country, to play for your country, is a privilege. I’m super grateful for that. We’ve had great support, and the team has come together really well. We’re grateful to be here and we want to finish the job.”
Standing across from their fairytale finish are the New Caledonian team, and Brazendale said the team is up for the challenge.
“They [New Caledonia] were probably our toughest opponent. When we faced them, we found it hard to break them down.” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I hope it’s a good-quality game of football.”
With World Cup qualification for both teams secured, all focus now shifts to the silverware. The championship will be decided at Stade Paea outside of Papeete where the two best teams meet one last time.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
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