U-17s book World Cup spot

The Women’s U-17s qualified on Sunday for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan with an 8-0 victory over Papua New Guinea in Rarotonga.


After holding a 2-0 halftime advantage through goals to Hannah Blake and Jacqui Hand, the New Zealand side added six more in the second half via Blake, Hand and Samantha Tawharu to claim the Oceania Football U-17 Women’s Championship title.


Blake opened the scoring for the New Zealand side in the 26th minute on the end of a cross into the Papua New Guinea area before Jacqui Hand made it 2-0 eight minutes later.


The same duo combined to make it 4-0 six minutes after the re-start, Blake scoring from a tight angle in the 47thminute and Hand spinning and firing home in the 51st.


Hand wasted no time in making it 5-0 two minutes later, racing beyond her marker to tuck home while Samantha Tawharu struck at the back post in the 62nd minute for 6-0.

Michaela Foster made it 8-0 in the 88th minute with a good finish from a tight angle before Blake completed her hat-trick – her fourth of the tournament – in stoppage time.


The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan kicks off on September 30. New Zealand have participated in each FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since hosting the inaugural tournament in 2008.


OFC U-17 Women’s Championships 2016 – Final
Sunday 24 January


New Zealand v Papua New Guinea (half: 0-2)
NZL: Hannah Blake 26’, 47’, 90+1’, Jacqui Hand 34’, 51’, 53’, Samantha Tawharu 62’, Michaela Foster 88’
PNG: -
 
New Zealand: 1. Anna Leat (GK), 2. Claudia Bunge, 4. Ally Toailoa (3. Amber Phillips 82’), 5. Michaela Foster, 6. Nicole Mettam (10. Sarah Krystman 71’), 7. Hannah Blake, 8. Malia Steinmetz, 9. Samantha Tawharu, 11. Jacqui Hand, 14. Rebecca Lake, 19. Maggie Jenkins (16. Alosi Bloomfield 56’)
Substitutes not used: 12. Nadia Olla (GK), 13. Kate Williams, 15. Francesca Grange, 17. Emma Main, 18. Gabrielle Jillings 
Coach: Gareth Turnbull

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