New Zealand won the first-ever OFC Futsal Women’s Nations Cup after defeating Fiji in Honiara.
Kiwi captain Hannah Kraakman broke the deadlock, opening the scoring within two minutes.
Fiji’s energy and physicality were critical to their chances. They caused problems for New Zealand in the opening exchanges.
New Zealand’s clinical nature came to the fore halfway through the first period, but they fell 2-0 behind.
Fiji found the goal they were desperate for with Koleta Likuculacula’s left-footed effort low past Danielle Bradley to bring the deficit back to one.
In the second half, New Zealand is indebted to substitute goalkeeper Hannah Hegarty. Her close-range double save kept her side in front.
Kiwis squandered several chances to re-establish their two-goal buffer, but Tessa Leong scored her team’s third and a fourth. Kraakman added a fifth in the final seven minutes.
Dispossessed Stella Naivalulevu deep inside her half, and Dayna Manak added a sixth shortly after.
The final addition to the scoreboard came via an unfortunate own goal by Sofi Diyalowai, inadvertently turning in Jemma Catherwood’s cross.
The trophy heads back to Aotearoa, with New Zealand now having silverware. The win has confirmed the place at the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, which will be held next year in the Philippines.
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