OFC U-17 Championship 1997

The seventh edition of the OFC U-17 Championship took place in 1997 and doubled as qualification for the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Championship™ in Egypt. The tournament was hosted by New Zealand, who finally ended six-time defending champions Australia’s reign of dominance with a 1-0 victory over their Trans-Tasman rivals in the final to claim their maiden OFC U-17 Championship title. Solomon Islands beat Fiji 3-0 to claim third place.

Making their first appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Championship, New Zealand fought amicably but were ultimately outclassed by stronger opposition, suffering three defeats to Mali, Mexico and Spain.