New Caledonia Claim Bronze With Dominant Win Over Solomon Islands

A commanding 6-0 first half from New Caledonia set the stage for a dominant display, sealing a 9-0 win over the Solomon Islands in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2025 3rd Place Playoff.

New Caledonia's attacking talisman Kinë Hmaen produced a breathtaking individual performance, netting five first-half goals in a one-sided opening period.

Hmaen announced her intentions early, breaking the deadlock when she reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, slotting it home calmly from close range.

She doubled her tally from the penalty spot midway through the half and completed her hat-trick just before the half hour mark.

Solomon Islands' defensive woes continued as Hmaen added two more before the break. The Solomon Islands’ misery was compounded in stoppage time when New Caledonia's Heidra Adjouhgniope pounced on a rebound extending the lead 6-0.

While the Solomon Islands showed flashes of promise through Mulan Oihanua and Janita Ereanimae, they struggled to penetrate New Caledonia’s resolute backline.

After the break, New Caledonia picked up where they left off relentless in attack, with Bernadette Nyikeine and Shana Nemoinon wreaking havoc down the wings with blistering pace and precise deliveries.

Hmaen returned once more to score her 6th goal, striking home from the left side of the box and earning the Golden Boot for top goal-scorer of the tournament. Hawë Ijelipa struck home New Caledonia's 8th goal in the 75th minute.

Another one came just seven minutes later when Kinë Hmaen sliced through the defence and slipped a pinpoint through ball to a right footed Shana Nemoinon, who smashed the final goal.

The final whistle confirmed a commanding victory for New Caledonia conclude their tournament with a bronze medal, while the Solomon Islands depart with their best-ever result — a 4th place finish.

HT: 6:0

Solomon Islands: 0

New Caledonia: 9 (Kinë HMAEN 9’, 16’, 23’, 41’, 45+3, 70', Heidra ADJOUHGNIOPE 45+8', Hawë IJELIPA 75', Shana NEMOINON 82')

© Scoop Media