Success for the New Zealand team as they won the OFC Under-19 Championship with an impressive victory over New Caledonia in the final in Apia, Samoa.
A late first half goal to Lachlan Candy broke the deadlock until the kiwi team took authority of the match in the second half.
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Chris Greenacre’s side had yet to concede a goal in their campaign but were under pressure early on, with Jythrim Upa finding space only for his low effort to find Alby Kelly-Heald.
James Bulkeley had the Kiwis first real chance of the contest but his header from a Nathan Walker free-kick drifted harmlessly over the bar.
Louis Brunet – one of many standouts for New Caledonia throughout the tournament – went closest in the opening period for his side, flashing a well-struck effort just wide, with Kelly-Heald scrambling to cover.
New Zealand grew into the match as the half ticked on, with Lachlan Candy presented with a wonderful opportunity from a central position in the box, only to snatch at his effort, which bobbled wide.
Candy would make amends minutes later, however. The midfielder finding himself in a similar position as Stipe Ukich’s cross found Luke Supyk, whose cutback was well finished by Candy to break the deadlock.
Candy almost snared a second, but his free-kick from out on the left-hand side was punched clear by New Caledonia goalkeeper, Ryan Saulia.
Two goals in the space of three minutes would be the defining moment of the second-half, both coming from New Zealand forward Luke Supyk.
His first was a powerful near-post header, connecting with a Nathan Walker free-kick that beat the grasp of Saulia.
Moments later, Supyk had the chance to score his second when awarded a penalty – a decision that saw New Caledonia defender Wadria Hanye dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Supyk made no mistake with the spot kick, side-footing confidently to the left of the goalkeeper to make it 3-0 and leaving New Caledonia struggling.
It was a task that got even tougher as the match reached its final quarter of an hour, James Bulkeley heading home from close range – an effort that ‘keeper Saulia frustratingly watched slip through his grasp.
Multiple substitutions took much of the sting out of the match, with New Caledonia searching for a goal and New Zealand happy to try and keep them at arm’s length.
Victory marks a perfect end to a flawless campaign for New Zealand who lift the trophy having not conceded a goal throughout. New Caledonia will take heart from a strong showing in Samoa and can look ahead to next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
New Zealand 4 (Lachlan Candy 37’, Luke Supyk 64′, 67′ (P), James Andrew Bulkeley 74′) New Caledonia 0. HT: 1-0
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