New Caledonia have qualified for their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™, defeating Fiji 1-0 at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Kinë Hmaen scored the only goal of the second OFC U-16 Women’s Championship semi-final, securing their historic qualification for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Morocco next year, and setting up a clash with New Zealand in the continental final on Saturday evening.
It follows New Caledonia’s qualification for their first FIFA women’s event at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ in Poland earlier this month, marking another significant milestone for the nation’s female pathways.
The lone goal came in just the 10th minute of the contest, Gisèle Hace threading a pinpoint pass in-behind the Fijian defence for Hmaen to score.
They had other opportunities to make the scoreboard look more comfortable though, Heidra Adjouhgniope forcing two good stops from opposing goalkeeper Miliana Maramanikabau when through on goal in the first half.
Substitute Tanya Geiller also struck the top of the crossbar after cutting onto her right foot for a shot from the top of the box midway through the second period.
Fiji fought hard for an equaliser, and were also looking to qualify for their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™. Kinisimere Botesulu fired a shot straight at Bernadette Nyikeine after an impressive solo run with time running out, but the mini Kulas couldn’t find a response.
The night was to belong to New Caledonia instead, sparking wild celebrations at the final whistle, and sending them through to the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship final for the second time, and the first time since 2017.
They now also join 24 of the world’s best as one of OFC’s two representatives at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Morocco.
New Caledonia: 1 (Kinë HMAEN 10’)
Fiji: 0
HT: 1-0
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek