New Zealand have moved a step closer to reaching Sunday’s final of the OFC Futsal Women’s Nations Cup after the Futsal Ferns won their third game at the tournament.
The tournament, in the Solomon Islands, decides which nation will represent Oceania at the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in the Philippines.
On Match Day 4, New Zealand beat the hosts 4-0 at Friendship Hall, Honiara, while Tahiti consigned Tonga to the bottom of the competition table with a 5-0 result.
Main photo: The Futsal Ferns … happy with a third win. Photo credit: OFC Media / Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Futsal Ferns go three points clear on table
Hosts Solomon Islands chances of making the final are hanging by a thread after defeat to favourites New Zealand.
A disappointing defeat to Tahiti was followed up by a much-improved performance against Tonga for the hosts as they looked to upset the Futsal Ferns.
As they have throughout the tournament, the Kiwis started brightly and took an early lead through captain Hannah Kraakman, firing high into the roof of the net to briefly quieten a partisan home crowd.
Solomon Islands continued to press aggressively, making life difficult for New Zealand to get into their passing rhythm.
Madeline Arukau came closest to levelling matters with a fiercely struck shot that goalkeeper Hannah Hegarty did well to tip away.
Coach Nic Downes’ side were in no mood to let the hosts have their own way and they doubled the lead at the quarter-hour mark.
Jemma Catherwood and Libby Boobyer combined well before the latter set up Jordana Bremner to finish high into the net.
Claudia Votu had a great chance for Solomon Islands but Hegarty came to New Zealand’s rescue again, making herself big to save well from close range.
The noise inside Friendship Hall was turned up a notch by the passionate home fans, but it was the Kiwis who strook in the second period.
Libby Boobyer’s effort from range fizzed past Joyce Lekani to make it 3-0 and provide some breathing space.
Boobyer added a second for herself and her side’s fourth halfway through the second period to extinguish any hope of a comeback from the valiant Solomon Islanders.
Boobyer was awarded the Player of the Match.
The three points sees New Zealand all but set for the final on Sunday.
As for Solomon Islands, their hopes rest on winning their final match against Fiji and hoping other results go their way.
Big win keeps hopes alive for Tahiti
Tahiti have kept their hopes of reaching the final of the OFC Futsal Women’s Nations Cup alive with an impressive victory over Tonga.
Coach Yoann Zanoletti’s team had enjoyed an extended rest with their bye on Match Day 3, and the Tahitians looked fresh as they were on the front foot for much of the contest.
The coach was able to welcome back Ninauea Hioe following her suspension and the forward had an immediate impact, winning a penalty inside two minutes. She dispatched it herself, calmly slotting it into the corner past Tonga’s keeper Kalolaine Topui.
Tonga were content to sit deep and try and catch their opponents on the break.
Their tactics almost paid dividends when Lavinia Afu found space behind the Tahiti backline. Her first attempt beat goalkeeper Corail Harry, only for it to be cleared off the line, while her second was hooked wildly over the crossbar.
Tahiti looked dangerous every time they moved forward and got the second goal their pressure deserved.
Hanihei Taumaa played a neat one-two with Hereiti Manutahi, before finishing smartly, low inside the far post, to make it 2-0 at the break.
Tahiti made a change in goal at half-time, bringing in Vaihere Faarahia to replace Harry, as the pattern of the match remained largely the same.
Their dominance was further underlined when Hioe scored her second of the match to make it 3-0 to all but confirm the three points for Zanoletti and his side.
Captain Gwendoline Fournier was denied in her attempts to add a fourth, when her low left-footed effort was saved excellently by Topui, sticking out a leg to deflect the ball wide.
Patience paid off for Fournier however, as she did add a final flourish for Tahiti, scrambling in from close range after the keeper had spilled a shot from the edge of the area.
Hioe still had time to complete her hat-trick and seal an impressive 5-0 win.
Hioe was awarded the Player of the Match.
Defeat spells the end of Tonga’s campaign, who are now guaranteed to finish bottom of the group, while Tahiti will look to cause a shock against New Zealand on Friday.
Acknowledgement
We are grateful for the help of OFC Media in providing information for this story.
Results
Games played on Thursday August 22, 2024
Tonga 0
Tahiti 5 (Ninauea Hioe (P) 2’, 25′ 40′, Hanihei Taumaa 17’, Gwendoline Fournier 40′)
Solomon Islands 0
New Zealand 4 (Hannah Kraakman 2’, Jordana Bremner 15′, Libby Boobyer 23′, 30′)
Fixtures
Games to be played on Friday August 23, 2024
New Zealand v Tahiti
Friendship Hall, Honiara, 4pm (NZT)
Solomon Islands v Fiji
Friendship Hall, Honiara, 6pm (NZT)
Games to be played on Sunday August 25, 2024
Play-off for third
Teams to be confirmed
Friendship Hall, Honiara, 4pm (NZT)
Final
Teams to be confirmed
Friendship Hall, Honiara, 6pm (NZT)
This story was first published on August 22, 2024.
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