New Zealand have won their ninth consecutive title at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, beating New Caledonia 3-0 in the final at Tahiti’s Stade Paea.
The win concluded a five-match campaign for New Zealand in which they scored 33 goals and conceded none.
Both finalists had already made sure of their places at next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, where they will represent Oceania at the 24-nation tournament.
New Zealand won the final with goals from Emily Lyon (2) and Zoe Benson in the first half.
Main photo credit: OFC Media / DJ Mills / Phototek.
Benson got two in New Zealand’s 4-0 victory over New Caledonia during the group stages and opened her side’s account in the final with the first goal.
She saw her initial effort blocked at the near post by a defender but reacted quickly to slot the rebound into the back of the net in the 17th minute.
New Caledonia did their best to frustrate and keep chances to a minimum, but it was Benson who again had a hand in New Zealand’s second goal in the 35th minute.
She pulled a low cross into the box off the left flank, from which Emily Lyon turned into the top of the net for her 10th goal of the tournament.
Having made seven changes to the starting eleven that defeated Fiji in the semi-final, New Caledonia made four substitutes in the first half. Aside from a couple of hopeful long balls forward on the counter, they struggled to find a response.
New Zealand’s Lily Brazendale tackles New Caledonia’s Alesie Adjou. Photo credit: OFC Media / DJ Mills / Phototek.
Instead, the third goal for New Zealand came moments before half-time, Lyon scoring her second after meeting another delivery into the box from Grace Bartlett.
Unlike the first half, goals proved harder to come by for the Junior Football Ferns in the second, as New Caledonia grew into the game. Penny Brill had a shot blocked from close range, while Lyon struck the crossbar from a corner delivery with New Zealand’s best chances.
Playing in just their second OFC U-19 Women’s Championship final, New Caledonia made an effort to press high and force errors. They couldn’t quite grab a goal back though, Cécilia Waheo firing wide of the left post, and Cina Kourevi sending it over the top not long after.
Mary Brown had the ball in the back of the net for New Zealand in the 88th minute, but the goal was pulled back for an offside call.
Lyon also missed the chance for her hat-trick at the start of injury-time, pulling the ball wide of the bottom-right corner with just the keeper to beat.
Despite those opportunities, they couldn’t add to their three-goal margin, as New Caledonia held New Zealand to their first scoreless half of football at the competition since 2006.
New Zealand’s starting line-up for the final. Photo credit: OFC Media / DJ Mills / Phototek.
Fiji edge Cook Islands on penalties to claim third place
Fiji and the Cook Islands played out a tense goalless draw in the bronze medal match at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, with Fiji holding firm to claim third place on penalties.
The Young Kula’s started with intent, pushing forward through Caroline Qalivere and Elesi Tabunase, who combined to create early chances.
Qalivere looked sharp on the left and came closest in the opening stages when her shot brushed the near post after neat build-up play with Emele Vunivalu.
Fiji continued to press through Qalivere and Narayan, but Cook Islands goalkeeper Kimberly Uini stood tall, making crucial saves to keep Fiji at bay.
The Cook Islands gradually settled into their rhythm as Metuamaru Areree and Te Upoko Tuariki linked well on the counter, causing problems with pace and movement on the right flank.
Captain Jan Taia led superbly from the back, organising the defence and cutting off Fiji’s counter threats with timely interceptions.
The second half saw Fiji lift the tempo again, with Tabunase and Vunivalu combining well in attack. Vunivalu’s efforts up front kept testing Cook Islands goalkeeper Uini, but the finishing touch continued to elude them.
Substitute Pekarau Mataio injected fresh energy for the Cook Islands, while Areree’s pace on the break remained their main outlet.
The Cook Islands’ defence held firm under constant Fiji pressure, with Tabunase continuing to test their back line with sharp movement and clever runs, yet she was unable to find the net.
After 90 minutes without a breakthrough, the match was decided on penalties, with Fiji claiming victory – a fitting conclusion to an even and hard-fought contest. The Young Kulas held their nerve in the shootout to seal third place and end their campaign on a high.
Fiji took the bronze medal after winning the penalty shootout. Photo credit: OFC Media / DJ Mills / Phototek.
Acknowledgement
We thank OFC Media for providing information for this story.
Results
Games played on Sunday October 5, 2025
Final
New Caledonia 0
New Zealand 3 (Zoe Benson 17′, Emily Lyon 36′, 45′)
Play-off for 3rd place
Fiji 0
Cook Islands 0
*Fiji won 3-2 on penalties
This story was first published on October 5, 2025.