Photo Credit: Alex Caparros – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
New Caledonia were unable to contain an impressive England side in Jakarta, losing 10-0 in their opening Group C fixture at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup on Sunday.
The 2017 U-17 World Champions dominated proceedings for most of the ninety minutes. A task made easier following the sending-off of New Caledonia’s Nolhann Alebate in the opening seconds of the second-half.
Nicolas Kutran in the New Caledonia goal put in a notable performance and did well to keep the scores level in the early stages, producing two excellent saves – first from Sam Amo-Ameyaw and then from Reiss Denny as England turns the screw.
It was Denny who gave England the lead in the 16th minute. Jean-Philippe Angexetine tripped Myles Lewis-Skelly and after a lenghty VAR check, referee Hyung-Jin Ko pointed to the spot and Denny made no mistake to open the scoring.
Two goals in quick succession just after the half hour mark made New Caledonia’s task even more daunting. The impressive Tyler Dibling took advantage of a slip by Wadria Hanye before squaring for Justin Oboavwoduo to convert from close range.
Dibling himself would get on the scoresheet minutes later, cutting in from the right and firing a low drive in off the near post to beat Kutran.
The New Caledonian ‘keeper added two further saves to his growing portfolio but was unable to avert a fourth deep in first-half stoppage time. Josh-Kofi Acheampong’s header belatedly confirmed following a VAR intervention.
Less than sixty seconds into the second-half and New Caledonia found themselves down to ten men. Nolhann Alebate petulantly striking out at Myles Lewis-Skelly off the ball and duly receiving a red card.
England took full advantage of the extra man and added two goals in the space of six minutes. Sam Amo-Ameyaw’s effort deflected past Kutran following a layoff from Ndala before Oboavwoduo grabbed his second with a low effort after beating the offside trap.
Ethan Nwaneri added a seventh with an excellent effort from the edge of the box following a short corner routine. The Arsenal youngster dragging the ball back cutely to create space before curling his effort beyond Kutran.
An eight followed a minute later when Michael Golding’s low effort took a deflection off the unfortunate Wadria Hanye and bounced beyond his goalkeeper. Substitute Harrison Murray-Campbell then headed in a ninth following a corner-kick in the 85th minute.
With little time left on the clock, another talent off the bench, Finley McAllister made it double figures for England. His drilled attempt from nearly 30 yards took a cruel nick off Hanye, deceiving Kutran and nestling in the corner.
A tough lesson for New Caledonia as they open their World Cup adventure. Brazil await on match day two as the challenges keep coming.
New Caledonia: 0
England: 10 (Reiss DENNY 16′ (P), Justin OBOAVWODUO 30′, 57′, Tyler DIBLING 35′, Josh-Kofi ACHEAMPONG 45’+4′, Sam AMO-AMEYAW 51′, Ethan NWANERI 78′, Own Goal 80′, Harrison MURRAY-CAMPBELL 85′, Finley McALLISTER 90’+1′)
HT: 0-4