New Zealand will go on to represent Oceania at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup this September alongside hosts Trinidad and Tobago plus Japan, Korea DPR and Korea Republic (Asian zone); Canada and Mexico (North, Central America and Caribbean zone); Brazil, Chile and Venezuela (South American zone) as well as African and European representatives who are still to be determined.
Coach Dave Edmondson says he is pleased with the team’s performance this week but knows it is long road ahead to the World Cup.
“When you hear those names you know there’s some tough opposition there and a lot of hard work now for those girls to go there and compete well.”
“In training we have to step up. We were really fit coming into this but we’ve got to maintain that and seek out tough matches for ourselves whether it’s against overseas opposition or teams locally.”
New Zealand striker Hannah Wong stole the show on the third and final day with six goals against Tonga to claim top goalscorer for the tournament but nothing should be taken away from Solomon Islands substitute Joy Timo who clinched the decisive goal in injury time against Papua New Guinea.
Solomon Islands coach Luke Eroi paid tribute to his players for fighting until the end.
“We had to be at our best today. This is a huge result and I’m proud of the team,” said Eroi.
The windy conditions tested both teams but Solomon Islands crucially had the strong wind behind them in the second half. It may have been what proved the difference in what was easily the most competitive match of the competition.
Papua New Guinea had the best chance of the first half when Rose Bulum broke through the Solomon Islands defense in the 28th minute but her final touch just got away from her and Solomon Islands goalkeeper Alick Patrick came out to make the save.
In the second half there were few clearcut chances until both teams pushed for a winner towards the end. Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Mystika Tekawi made a great save in the 89th minute to deny Mirriam Oneasi but wasn’t so fortunate four minutes later when Joy Timo shot from 10 yards after a goalmouth scramble. The injury-time goal set off wild celebrations for the Solomon Islanders.
In the other match, Brittany Dudley Smith and Ashleigh bagged hat-tricks to compliment Wong’s six-goal haul. Captain on the day, and player of the tournament, Kate Loye contributed two goals while Kate Carlton, Grace Parkinson, Hannah Carlsen and Stephanie Skilton also got on the score sheet.
New Zealand took home the Fair Play award while Solomon Islands goalkeeper Alice Patrick was honoured with the Golden Glove Award.
Papua New Guinea vs. Solomon Islands Match Summary Download PDF
New Zealand vs. Tonga Match Summary Download PDF
For the full schedule and results table click here