Defending champions New Zealand have begun their OFC U-19 Women’s Championship campaign 2025 in style, cruising to a 7-0 victory over hosts Tahiti in Group B.
The Young Ferns asserted dominance from the outset. Just three minutes in, Lottie Mortlock forced Tahiti goalkeeper Ohotonui Bonnet into action with the game’s first shot. From there, New Zealand dictated the tempo with pace, sharp passing, and relentless possession.
Alyssha Eglinton’s pinpoint long ball in the 8th minute released Grace Bartlett, who’s cross found Emily Lyon, but her effort flew over the bar. Moments later, Lily Brazendale missed a golden opportunity, firing wide from close range.
New Zealand continued to press, with Poppy O’Brien drawing a fine save from Bonnet in the 10th minute. The breakthrough came soon after when Lyon whipped in a superb cross, allowing Brazendale to scramble the ball over the line.
Two minutes later, Mortlock doubled the lead with a powerful finish after neat footwork in the box. Captain Daisy Brazendale almost made it three, rattling the post, before Tahiti’s Catherine Teikihaa registered the hosts’ first attempt in the 27th minute, an ambitious 35-metre strike comfortably handled by Brooke Neary.
New Zealand’s third came in spectacular fashion on 37 minutes, Lyon unleashing a thunderous strike from outside the box into the top corner, an early contender for goal of the tournament. Just before halftime, Bonnet failed to deal with Zoe Benson’s effort from the edge of the area, leaving the Kiwis 4-0 up at the break.
Any hopes of a Tahitian comeback were extinguished four minutes into the second half, as Brazendale poked home her second goal of the match. Substitute Mary Brown then smashed in New Zealand’s sixth after Benson’s corner fell kindly to her. Another substitute, Amber de Wit capped the scoring in the 89th minute.
New Zealand next face New Caledonia while Tahiti look to regroup against Vanuatu with both matches on Thursday Tahiti time.
New Zealand 7 (Lily BRAZENDALE 12’, 49’, Lottie MORTLOCK 14’, Emily LYON 37’, Zoe BENSON 44’, Mary BROWN 64’ Amber DE WIT 89′)
Tahiti 0
HT: 4-0