New Caledonia have sealed their place in the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025 in Honiara with a commanding 5-0 victory over Samoa.
Francis Watrone’s side were made to work hard early on, as Isaac Edward, Bevan Jr Kapisi, and Roman Telling all had opportunities for Samoa, with Telling going agonisingly close in the 26th minute.
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Darryl Hmaloko unleashed a stunning strike to open the scoring. Just three minutes later, Hmaloko had the chance to double the lead from the penalty spot, but Samoan goalkeeper Damien Saienisi produced a superb save after bringing down Kylan Nekoeng.
New Caledonia quickly regained momentum. Alexandre Boere fired in what could prove the goal of the tournament, a thunderous left-footed drive from 35 metres that left Saienisi with no chance. On the stroke of half-time, Lenddy Wede rose highest to head home Ethan Dupuis’ pinpoint cross, netting his fourth goal of the competition and giving New Caledonia a 3-0 lead at the break.
Hmaloko struck again in the 61st minute with another spectacular long-range effort, this time a rocket into the roof of the net. Substitute Jackalexis Wanabo then converted from the penalty spot after Nino Lages was brought down in the area, sealing a comprehensive 5-0 win.
The result confirms New Caledonia’s place in the semi-finals, where they will face either Papua New Guinea or Fiji depending on the outcome of New Zealand’s match against Solomon Islands later today.
Samoa 0
New Caledonia 5 (Darryl HMALOKO 30’, 61’, Alexandre BOERE 41’ Lenddy WEDE 45+3, Jackalexis WANABO 67’)
HT 0-3