OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025
The OFC U-19 Women’s Championship took place in Pape’ete, Tahiti, featuring seven nations: Fiji, Cook Islands, Tonga, New Zealand, Tahiti, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. Along with the title, two qualification spots for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ in Poland were on offer.
Group A featured Fiji, Cook Islands, and Tonga. Cook Islands opened with a 1-0 win over Tonga in the opening match of the tournament, making a strong start to their 2025 campaign. Fiji, who had a bye in the first round, went on to win both group matches defeating Cook Islands and Tonga, with both matches ending 2-1.
Tonga fought hard in their final match against Fiji, needing a win to advance to the semi’s but their opponent’s composure told early as they scored twice in quick succession. Anela Makaafi pulled one back for Tonga, but Fiji held on to secure top spot for Group A. Fiji and Cook Islands advanced to the semi-finals, while Tonga moved to the 5th and 6th place play-off.
Hosts Tahiti were drawn alongside defending champions New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu in Group B. New Caledonia and New Zealand both started with wins as New Caledonia edged Vanuatu 1-0, while New Zealand defeated Tahiti 7-0, establishing their dominance on the group.
The second round produced a preview of the eventual final, with New Zealand beating New Caledonia 4-0 to book their semi-final spot. Tahiti kept their play-off hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Vanuatu, setting up a decisive final matchday.
New Zealand continued their dominance, defeating Vanuatu 11-0 to finish top of the group. Tahiti and New Caledonia drew 1-1 in their final fixture, sending New Caledonia through on goal difference. Tahiti joined Tonga in the 5th and 6th play-off in the final week of competition.
Fiji faced New Caledonia in the first semi-final, with both teams chasing a place in the final and qualification for Poland. Fiji entered unbeaten, but New Caledonia’s resilience proved decisive as two second-half goals earned them a win and a place in the final. Their victory sealed their place in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup next year, becoming the first-ever women’s team from New Caledonia to achieve the feat.
In the second semi-final, New Zealand met Cook Islands in a David vs Goliath contest. The Cook Islanders held firm early, keeping the Kiwis out with their resilient defence lead by captain Jan Taia. New Zealand eventually broke through in the 33rd minute, and accelerated after the break to seal a 7-0 victory.
In the final placing play-offs, Tonga battled hosts Tahiti at Stade Paea winning 2-1 in a hard-fought victory. A brace from captain Tama’a Faletau helped lead the team to victory securing 5th at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship.
Fiji secured third place after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Cook Islands. The match ended 0-0 after regular time, before Fiji goalkeeper Ka’iulani Scott made crucial saves in the shootout to seal victory for the Young Kulas.
In the final, New Zealand claimed the title with a convincing 3-0 win over New Caledonia. All three goals came in the first half as Callum Watkins’ side asserted early control through Emily Lyon who scored a brace, and Zoe Benson adding another to seal the win over New Zealand.
New Caledonia responded with a stronger second half but couldn’t find a breakthrough. New Zealand lifted the trophy once again, and both finalists qualified for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ in Poland where they will represent Oceania on the global stage.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
