New Zealand U17 wins opener against New Caledonia
New Zealand defeated New Caledonia 3-2 in the first Oceania Football Confederation Under-17 Championship at the Fiji Football Academy in Ba yesterday.
Luke Supyk was the hero for the young Kiwis, scoring all three goals.
NZ came into the game as tournament favourites but it was the New Caledonians signaling their intent early, with a well struck shot from Bayron Gouhope hitting the side netting after only about 10 seconds of play.
After five minutes the rain began to fall, but it didn’t stop Ryan Lee from putting in a lovely cross for Adam Watson to head just over the bar for New Zealand’s first chance.
The breakthrough came off a free kick, with NZ captain and Manchester City age grade player Marley Leuluai finding an unmarked Watson, his shot from the edge of the box wasn’t held by goalkeeper Claude Tiaouniane and Supyk had an easy finish to open the scoring. However, the slippery conditions caused issues at the other end, too. Shortly after, New Caledonia defender Ronald Nyanyane found himself in possession near the NZ corner flag, then cut inside to let off a shot on the edge of the box. NZ keeper Matty Foord looked to have it covered, but the ball slipped out of his hands and into the goal to make it 1-1.
Nolhann Alabete kept the pressure on for New Caledonia, his shot after 23 minutes just passing wide of the post. Play started opening up and Watson blasted a good chance over the bar at the other end. Unfortunately Watson picked up an injury and was replaced just before halftime by Niko Bruce. New Caledonia actually ended the half with more shots on goal, but it was New Zealand that came out with the attacking intent after the break. Konstantino Gorgiovski attempted a long range shot that just missed, shortly after an opportunity presented itself for Anaru Cassidy in front of goal that Tiaouniane did well to diffuse. However, NZ perhaps got too confident in the 65th minute, playing the ball back to Foord who was well upfield. Alabete raced up and caught Anton Isaako in possession, the resulting content spilled into the penalty area and Isaako clipped Alabete with referee Kavitesh Behari showing no hesitation in awarding a penalty.