New Zealand will field an experienced starting line-up against Fiji in the semi-final of the OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier tournament in Samoa.
Led by captain Rebekah Stott — in her 99th appearance for her country — head coach Jitka Klimková has included 155-cap midfielder Betsy Hassett and 103-cap Katie Bowen in her starting side.
READ MORE: Football Ferns defender Rebekah Stott closes in on double milestone >>>>
Up front, the Ferns have named four attacking players with Jacqui Hand and Indiah-Paige Riley to provide pace down the flanks, beside forwards Grace Jale and Gabi Rennie.
If they beat Fiji, New Zealand will meet Solomon Islands in Monday’s tournament final.
Solomon Islands beat Samoa 2-0 in the first semi-final on Friday, thanks to second-half goals from Sandy Aniholland and Ileen Pegi.
READ MORE: Solomon Islands book place in final at OFC Women’s Olympic qualifiers >>>>
New Zealand are missing three players from their original squad.
The Wellington Phoenix midfield duo of Macey Fraser and Annalie Longo have returned to New Zealand with injuries, while defender Liz Anton (Perth Glory) returned to her club by prior arrangement with the Ferns management.
READ MORE: Injury forces midfielder Macey Fraser out of OFC Women’s Olympic qualifiers >>>>
READ MORE: Midfielder Annalie Longo pulls out of Football Ferns squad ‘as a precaution’ >>>>
Fiji have included the United States-based Preeya Singh in their starting line-up.
Main photo: The Football Ferns … yet to concede a goal at the tournament. Photo credit: OFC Media / Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
New Zealand
1 Anna Leat (GK)
2 Kate Taylor
5 Michaela Foster
9 Gabi Rennie
12 Betsy Hassett
13 Rebekah Stott (captain)
14 Katie Bowen
15 Grace Neville
16 Jacqui Hand
18 Grace Jale
20 Indiah-Paige Riley
Substitutes
21 Victoria Esson (GK)
22 Brianna Edwards (GK)
3 Claudia Bunge
4 Mackenzie Barry
7 Katie Kitching
8 Daisy Cleverley
10 Ruby Nathan
11 Ally Green
17 Hannah Wilkinson
19 Ava Collins
Head coach: Jitka Klimková
Fiji
20 Selai Tikoisuva (GK)
2 Filomena Racea
3 Adi Litia Bakaniceva
6 Cema Nasau
8 Preeya Singh
9 Elesi Tabunase
11 Kasanita Tabua
14 Unaisi Tuberi (captain)
15 Seruwaia Laulaba
16 Sofi Diyalowai
19 Angeline Rekha
Substitutes
1 Seruwaia Vasuitoga (GK)
22 Mereseini Waqali (GK)
4 Asela Cokanasiga
5 Anasimeci Volitikoro
7 Sonia Alfred
10 Luisa Tamanitoakula
12 Pijila Kilaiwaca
13 Evivi Buka
17 Narieta Leba
18 Ema Mereia
21 Sisilia Tuvou Kuladina
Head coach: Angeline Chua
Officials
Referee: David Yareboinen (Papua New Guinea)
Assistant referees: Jeremy Garae (Vanuatu), Stephanie Minan (Papua New Guinea)
Fourth official: Teremoana Roihau (Tahiti)
Fifth official: Vaihina Teura (Tahiti)
Referee assessor: Tevita Vea (Tonga)
Match commissioner: Frederic Guillemont (France)
Fixture
Game to be played on Friday February 16, 2024
Semi-final
New Zealand v Fiji
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, 5pm (NZT)
Result
Game played on Friday February 16, 2024
Semi-final
Solomon Islands 2 (Sandy Aniholland 65′, Ileen Pegi 78′ pen)
Samoa 0
Fixture
Game to be played on Monday February 19, 2024
Final
Solomon Islands v New Zealand/Fiji
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, 5pm (NZT)
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