New Zealand have beaten Fiji 1-0 in a tightly contested semi-final at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa.
A goal by Ryan Watson early in the second half sealed the win, and ensured New Zealand would qualify for Thursday’s final against New Caledonia.
Goalkeeper Alby Kelly-Heald kept New Zealand in the game, saving a penalty and earning the Player of the Match award.
As finalists, New Zealand and New Caledonia automatically qualify to represent Oceania at the 2025 FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup in Chile.
New Zealand’s Keegan Kelly and Fiji’s Delon Shankar battle for the ball. Photo credit: OFC Media / DJ Mills / Phototek.
READ MORE: New Zealand book their spot at next year’s FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup >>>>
WATCH: Coach Chris Greenacre’s reaction after semi-final win against Fiji >>>>
The game was streamed live and free by FIFA+ who have produced a two-minute highlights package.
Watch the highlights
Results
Games played on Monday July 15, 2024
Semi-finals
New Zealand 1 (Ryan Watson 48′)
Fiji 0
Solomon Islands 2 (Gordon Iro 37′, Jimson Abana 45+4′)
New Caledonia 3 (Paul Qaeze 27′, Antoine Simane 86′, Kapone Xulue 118′)
*After extra time
Fixture
Game to be played on Thursday July 18, 2024
Final
New Caledonia v New Zealand
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, Samoa, 1pm (NZT)
This story was first published on July 16, 2024.
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