Defending champions New Zealand have sealed a semi-final spot at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship with a commanding 5-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in their second Group B outing.
Alana Gunn’s side joins Samoa from Group A in the final four, booking their place with a game to spare. The Solomon Islands must now beat Tonga on Saturday to keep their hopes alive.
Fresh off a 4-0 win over Tonga, New Zealand dominated early proceedings, though a 14th-minute penalty from Aleesha Tara Gray was denied by Solomon Islands substitute goalkeeper Maria Selestina. Selestina had been called into action early after starting keeper Fiona Goroani left the field injured in the 5th minute.
Despite sweltering conditions and a few missed chances, New Zealand’s pressure eventually paid off. Bonnie Rice opened the scoring in the 37th minute, rising high to head in from a well-placed corner.
Amelia Hitchcock nearly doubled the advantage just before halftime, rattling the crossbar with a fierce strike. Moments later, Mia Humphrey pounced on a deflection from Gray to make it 2-0 at the break.
The second half continued in the same vein. Hitchcock added a third in the 56th minute, capitalising on a spilled high ball. Lania Fini then broke down the left in the 74th, delivering a powerful cross-shot that evaded Selestina for New Zealand’s fourth.
Charlotte Summers rounded off the scoring in the 83rd minute with a composed far-post header to complete a polished performance.
NEW ZEALAND 5 (Bonnie RICE 37’ Mia HUMPHREY 45+2’ Amelia HITCHCOCK 56’ Lania FINI 74’ Charlotte SUMMER 83’)
SOLOMON ISLANDS 0
HT: 2-0