A late winner from substitute Bonnie Rice has spared New Zealand’s blushes and ultimately punched their ticket to the semi-finals of OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026, following 1-0 victory over Fiji at the National Stadium in Honiara.  

Rice unleashed a special right-footed shoot into the top-right corner of the net from long range with just moments of second half stoppage-time to play, saving the Young Football Ferns from failing to win an OFC U-16 Women’s Championship match for the first time in the competition’s 16-year history, and sending New Zealand into the semi-finals on the basis of the later result of the day in Group A. 

Meeting at the championship for the first time since the 2023 final (when New Zealand relied on another late goal to win 1-0 in identical fashion), Fiji held the seven-time champions scoreless through the first half and even spurned a chance to hit the front when Varanisese Naiqarau missed a one-on-one opportunity.  

It was only the fourth time that New Zealand had failed to score a goal in a half of football at the competition, Ruby Barber hitting the base of the left post on the rebound, after initially forcing a save from Fijian goalkeeper Shalom Cokanauto.  

When Jess Saunders had a goal disallowed for offside at the start of second half stoppage-time, it appeared as if Fiji would hang on for an historic result.  

Rice came to the rescue though, her individual moment of brilliance in the 94th minute securing victory in dramatic circumstances. 

Fiji were heartbroken at the final whistle but fired a warning that they can compete with the title favourites at this year’s championship.  

New Zealand: 1 (Bonnie RICE 90+4’)
Fiji: 0  

HT: 0-0  

The Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands played out a 0-0 draw later in the evening, confirming New Zealand’s spot in the semi-finals.  

Both looking to bounce back after heavy opening defeats on the first matchday of the tournament, neither could find their shooting boots in the first goalless draw in three years at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship.  

Playing in front of a home crowd in Honiara, the Solomon Islands created the better of the chances, particularly through forward Janita Ereanimae. She missed three big opportunities in the first half though, firing two wide, and forcing opposing goalkeeper Leah Schuster into a smart stop with her feet from the third.  

The Cook Islands had their chances too, substitute Tetianui Pitomaki striking the right post with the best of them five minutes from the end of regulation time.   

The result leaves both still playing catch-up in Group A ahead of the final matchday at the National Stadium on Saturday, with the Cook Islands still to play New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands to face Fiji. Both would have to win to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stage, with New Zealand already through, and Fiji on the precipice.  

Cook Islands: 0  
Solomon Islands: 0  

HT: 0-0  
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek