Tonga and Samoa will then face-off at 5pm with both sides hoping to earn their first points here in the Cook Islands.
New Zealand’s record in this competition makes them the favourite going into this match, especially given New Zealand won their only previous encounter at this level 13-1 in 2012.
In that edition of the OFC U-17 Women’s Championship New Caledonia were the only side to score against the Kiwis but coach Matthieu Delcroix won’t be focusing on that aspect.
“If we score, but then concede nine or ten goals for me that’s not good so it’s not the most important thing for me,” Delcroix says.
“Obviously if we can score, great, but what we want to do is have everything in place in terms of our game, to do what we want to do and try and get a good result.”
An 11-goal buffer from their first encounter shows New Zealand is not shy in front of the goal, but Turnbull says there are still some adjustments and learnings for the players to take on board.
“We are comfortable to expect some rustiness in the first two games,” he says.
“But we need more of the same against New Caledonia – moving the ball fast and making sure we don’t overplay.
“From there the opportunities will present themselves against a team who played well in their first match.”
For Samoa and Tonga it was a disappointing start for two sides who have put a lot of time and effort into their preparations for this competition.
However neither side will be putting their heads down and admitting defeat just yet.
An early strike from New Zealand highlighted the need for Samoa to settle into their game quicker, with their performance early in the second half more in line with what coach Nadia Malifa wants to see for the full 90 minutes.
The task will be a lot harder for her side come game two given the large number of injuries picked up by members of her squad.
“We have a couple of players who are injured from the New Zealand game, so that will be hard,” Malifa says.
“But we will get over the New Zealand loss and be better prepared for Tonga, I am sure.”
Reflecting on his side’s opening defeat, Christian Koaneti says there were some periods where his team performed well but there is a bit to work on ahead of their clash with Samoa.
“There’s so much to do before the next game,” he says.
“We had some good moments but we didn’t have the finishing touch and in terms of our defence New Caledonia were able to break inside our defence so we’re going to have to work hard on that.”
Additional Information:
New Caledonia vs. New Zealand
CIFA Academy
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Friday 15 January 2016
Kick-off: 2.30pm (local)
NCLvNZL U17W
Referee: Finau VULIVULI (FIJ)
Assistant Referee 1: John PAREANGA (COK)
Assistant Referee 2: Stephanie MINAN (PNG)
Fourth Official: Nelson SOGO (SOL)
New Caledonia
Vital Statistics: Despite finishing bottom of the table in 2012 New Caledonia took home the honour of being the only nation to score a goal against the table-topping Kiwis.
The Players: Jackie Poaha has speed and technique on her side making her runs up the left wing look almost easy. Keeper and captain Karine Xozame commands her area well and is an inspiring leader.
New Caledonia: 1. Karine XOZAME (GK), 2. Darnelle HACE, 3. Flaureen AUSU, 4. Mune BAKO, 5. Ami-Nata AJAPUHNYA, 6. Isabelle ILENGO, 7. Elise LALIE, 8. Jackie PAHOA, 9. Shaya IHMELING, 10. Marie-Laure PALENE, 11. Cassidy CAWA, 12. Lucinda KOINDREDI, 13. Océane ZASINA, 14. Yvonne XOWI, 15. Justine MALAXAN, 16. Jessica ALI SAÏD, 17. Nancy NYADOUN, 18. Katinka TAKAMATSU, 19. Joelle LEME, 20. Kathleen WAUNIE (GK)
Coach: Matthieu DELCROIX (FRA)
New Zealand
Vital Statistics: New Zealand have never lost to New Caledonia at this level. Both Hannah Blake and Jacqui Hand are in contention for the Golden Boot with their opening day hat-tricks.
The Players: Jacqui Hand was cool, calm and collected both on the ball and off. Darting runs opened up space for her teammates while also making her available to receive through the defensive line.
New Zealand: 1. Anna LEAT (GK), 2. Claudia BUNGE, 3. Amber PHILLIPS, 4. Ally TOAILOA, 5. Michaela FOSTER, 6. Nicole METTAM, 7. Hannah BLAKE, 8. Malia STEINMETZ, 9. Samantha TAWHARU, 10. Sarah KRYSTMAN, 11. Jacqueline HAND, 12. Nadia OLLA (GK), 13. Kate WILLIAMS, 14. Rebecca LAKE, 15. Francesca GRANGE, 16. Alosi BLOOMFIELD, 17. Emma MAIN, 18. Gabrielle JILLINGS, 19. Margaret JENKINS
Coach: Gareth TURNBULL (NZL)
Samoa vs. Tonga
CIFA Academy
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Friday 15 January 2016
Kick-off: 5pm (local)
SAMvTGA U17W
Referee: Robinson BANGA (VAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Terry PIRI (COK)
Assistant Referee 2: Himon SESE (VAN)
Fourth Official: Tupou PATIA (COK)
Samoa
Vital Statistics: Samoa kept New Zealand locked out for a solid 20 minute period following the half-time break before conceding their sixth goal of the match.
The Players: Mariecamilla Ah Ki took charge of the defensive line and prevented New Zealand from making doing much worse damage. As well as defending well she showed excellent vision and made some great runs forward.
Samoa: 1. Adriann ESENE (GK), 2. Siatuvai IONATANA, 3. Mariecamilla AH KI, 4. Veteronnica TAFITO, 5. Sophia AVEAU, 6. Rosie SCHUSTER, 7. Austiner TAUALAPINI, 8. Shalom FISO, 9. Atonina TANUVASA, 10. Sivanila PEREIRA, 11. Madeleen AH KI, 12. Melesete AIA, 13. Kalia KAPISI, 14. Angela VON HEIDERBRANDT, 15. Vineta FALEAANA, 16. Conzuella VATU, 17. Mata TALIU, 18. Alisha NAOLAVOA, 19. Mole SAOFAIGA, 20. Talaiesea MULITALO, 21. Jecky TOMA
Coach: Nadia MALIFA (SAM)
Tonga
Vital Statistics: Tonga have never scored a goal in this competition in their one previous appearance in 2010.
The Players: Mele Akolo continues to prove herself a shining star in the goal for Tonga. Her movement in her penalty area and ability to read the approach of opposing attackers serves her side well.
Tonga: 1. Luseane VIVILI (GK), 2. Sosefina HAVEA, 3. Manu LATU, 4. Heilala MOALA, 5. Kalolaine TALIAULI, 6. Ana POLOVILI, 7. Carmel UHILA, 8. Seini LUTU, 9. Meleseini TUFUI, 10. Mele KAFA, 11. Alexandra FIFITA, 12. Monika LEFAI, 13. Virginia TUIPULOTU, 14. Ofa FISI, 16. Taipaleti VAI, 17. Losa TUAPAUU, 18. Patricia LIKILIKI, 19. Siunipa TALASINGA, 21. Mele AKOLO (GK), 22. Adrienne TAHITUA (GK)
Coach: Christian KOANETI (TGA)

Share