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2025 OFC U-19 Women's Championship

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The 2025 OFC U-19 Women's Championship was the 11th edition of the OFC U-19/U-20 Women's Championship, the biennial international youth football championship organized by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) for the women's under-19/under-20 national teams of Oceania. The tournament was held in Tahiti from 21 September to 4 October 2025.[1]

Host countryFrench Polynesia Tahiti
CityPapeete
Dates21 September – 4 October 2025
Teams7 (from 1 confederation)
Quick facts Tournament details, Host country ...
2025 OFC U-19 Women's Championship
Tournament details
Host countryFrench Polynesia Tahiti
CityPapeete
Dates21 September – 4 October 2025
Teams7 (from 1 confederation)
Venue1 (in 1 host city)
Final positions
Champions New Zealand (9th title)
Runners-up New Caledonia
Third place Fiji
Fourth place Cook Islands
Tournament statistics
Matches played14
Goals scored50 (3.57 per match)
Top scorer(s)New Zealand Emily Lyon
(11 goals)
Best playerNew Zealand Zoe Benson
Best goalkeeperNew Caledonia Elizabeth Aben
← 2023
2027 →
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The two finalists qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland as the OFC representatives.

New Zealand were the defending champions from 2023,[2] and retained their title.[3]

Teams

Tonga won the qualifying tournament on home soil in March, beating American Samoa and Solomon Islands, to qualify for the finals tournament. All but one of the other 8 FIFA-affiliated national teams from OFC entered the tournament (Papua New Guinea choosing not to enter).[4]

Samoa pulled out of the tournament due to the financial reasons announcing their decision on 11 September 2025.[5]

More information Team, Appearance ...
Team Appearance Previous best performance Nickname
 Cook Islands5thRunners-up (2010) Young Cooks
 Fiji6thRunners-up (2017, 2023) Young Kulas
 New Caledonia7thRunners-up (2019) Cagou Girls
 New Zealand10thChampions (2006, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023) Junior Football Ferns
 Tahiti (hosts)3ndThird place (2019) Hine Taure’a
 Tonga9thRunners-up (2006) Junior Mataliki
 Vanuatu6thThird place (2015)
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Venues

The main stadium at Tahiti – Stade Pater – is preparing for the 2027 Pacific Games. The first stadiums for the tournament is Stade de Punaruu. There was a controversy in 2016, when the stadium was renovated for 76 millions cfp, but the athletics track did not meet IAAF criteria.[6] The second stadium is Stade Paea (also called Stade Manu Ura). It has a capacity of about 2,500 spectators, with a natural grass surface. Its main tenant is AS Manu Ura.

Media coverage

All games were streamed via FIFA+ platform as Fifa+ holds rights for all OFC competitions in the period 2024–2025. [7] The commentary was provided from Asinate Wainiqolo. They taught the audience pronunciation of native players names.

Group stage

The top two of each group advance to the semifinals.

All times are local, TAHT (GMT+12).

Group A

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Fiji 2 2 0 0 4 2 +2 6 Knockout stage
2  Cook Islands 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3
3  Tonga 2 0 0 2 1 3 −2 0 Fifth place match
4  Samoa (W) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Withdrew
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Source: OFC
(W) Withdrew

Metuamaru Arere curled home a free kick from 25 metres to give her side hard-fought 1–0 victory over Tonga[8]

More information Cook Islands, 1–0 ...
Cook Islands 1–0 Tonga
  • Arere 19'
 Report
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Stade de Punaruu, Papeete
Attendance: 100

Goalkeeping error, ultimately sealed the points for Fiji in the game against Cook Islands and moved Young Kulas closer to semis.[9]

More information Fiji, 2–1 ...
Fiji 2–1 Cook Islands
  • Reva 4'
  • Finau 55'
 Report
  • Mose 25'
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Stade de Punaruu, Papeete
Attendance: 200
Referee: Beth Rattray (New Zealand)

Fiji booked their spot in the semi-finals, but their performance also justifies their aim to book U-20 World Cup spot. Despite Tonga's relentless pressure in the final stages, the Young Kulas held firm[10]

More information Tonga, 1–2 ...
Tonga 1–2 Fiji
  • Makaafi 71'
 Report
  • Tabunase 8'
  • Naweni 11'
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Stade Paea, Papeete
Attendance: 80
Referee: Kyllian Lelarge (New Caledonia)

Group B

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  New Zealand 3 3 0 0 22 0 +22 9 Knockout stage
2  New Caledonia 3 1 1 1 2 5 −3 4
3  Tahiti (H) 3 1 1 1 3 8 −5 4 Fifth place match
4  Vanuatu 3 0 0 3 0 14 −14 0
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Source: OFC
(H) Hosts

A brilliant individual effort from captain Julia Honakoko six minutes from full-time gave New Caledonia a crucial 1–0 win over Vanuatu.The talismanic striker hit a curling right-footed effort past Jineth Vanva in the Vanuatu goal when the match had seemed destined to end in a stalemate.[11] Defending champions New Zealand have started their campaign with a 7–0 victory over hosts Tahiti.[11]

More information New Caledonia, 1–0 ...
New Caledonia 1–0 Vanuatu
  • Honakoko 84'
 Report
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Stade Paea, Papeete
Attendance: 50
Referee: Torika Delai (Fiji)
More information New Zealand, 7–0 ...
New Zealand 7–0 Tahiti
  • L. Brazendale 12', 49'
  • Mortlock 14'
  • Lyon 37'
  • Benson 44'
  • Brown 64'
  • De Wit 89'
 Report
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Stade Paea, Papeete
Attendance: 100
Referee: Azusa Sugino (Japan)

The host Tahiti beat Vanautu 2–0. Vanuatu coach Ranua saw improvement in other areas than converting changes.[12] New Zealand then reached last four beating New Caledonia 4–0.[13] Tuvalu at September 2025 futsal nations cup lost all games, but their game was skilled and promising, Vanuatu young women team sometimes lacks totally basic skills like a shot. IIHF Women's World Championship in ice-hockey has tournament model suitable for Oceania. 5 top quality teams play upper round-robin group. 5 middle quality teams play lower group. 8 teams then compete in play-off, so teams from lower group can win tournament, but that never happened due to different quality of teams.

More information New Zealand, 4–0 ...
New Zealand 4–0 New Caledonia
  • L. Brazendale 16'
  • De Wit 70'
  • Benson 86' (pen.), 90+3'
 Report
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Stade Paea, Papeete
Attendance: 100
Referee: Shu Ting Yang (China)
More information Vanuatu, 0–2 ...
Vanuatu 0–2 Tahiti
Report
  • Le Gayic 11', 25'
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Stade Paea, Papeete
Attendance: 200
Referee: Yantana Atoa (Tonga)

Vanuatu ended their campaign with a 11–0 defeat at the hands of regional giants New Zealand.[14] Relief came for host Tahiti in the 88th minute: Haranui Le Gayic won a penalty and converted it, but the semi-final hopes of the entire stadium were not fulfilled in a thrilling end [15]

More information Vanuatu, 0–11 ...
Vanuatu 0–11 New Zealand
Report
  • De Wit 13'
  • O'Brien 18'
  • Brill 23'
  • Lyon 31', 41', 67', 68', 78'
  • Benson 57'
  • Brown 60'
  • L. Brazendale 88'
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Stade Paea, Papeete
Attendance: 80
Referee: Shama Maemae (Solomon Islands)
More information Tahiti, 1–1 ...
Tahiti 1–1 New Caledonia
  • Honakoko 55'
 Report
  • Le Gayic 89' (pen.)
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Stade Paea, Papeete
Attendance: 400
Referee: Jovita Ambrose (Solomon Islands)

Knockout stage

Bracket

 
Semi-finalsFinal
 
      
 
1 October – Papeete (Paea)
 
 
  Fiji0
 
4 October – Papeete (Paea)
 
 New Caledonia2
 
 New Caledonia0
 
1 October – Papeete (Paea)
 
 New Zealand3
 
  New Zealand8
 
 
 Cook Islands0
 
Third place match
 
 
4 October – Papeete (Paea)
 
 
 Fiji (p)0 (3)
 
 
 Cook Islands0 (2)

Semi-finals

Winners qualify for 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

New Zealand has impressive route throughout the tournament, but media are silent except of official OFC channels. [16] Fiji defeat to New Caledonia was found surprising and against the run of play as Fiji dominated most of the time. [17]

More information Fiji, 0–2 ...
Fiji 0–2 New Caledonia
NaweniYellow card 42' Yellow-red card 90' Report
  • Gondou 59'
  • Naaoutchoue 71'
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Stade Paea, Papeete
Attendance: 100
More information New Zealand, 8–0 ...
New Zealand 8–0 Cook Islands
  • Benson 33'
  • Lyon 36', 41', 55'
  • Cleall-Harding 67'
  • L. Brazendale 76', 89'
  • O'Brien 86'
 Report
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Stade Paea, Papeete
Attendance: 150
Referee: Azusa Sugino (Japan)

New Zealand tournament victory was labelled as logical in French speaking media [18] Holding their nerve was crucial for Fiji's youngsters to clinch the victory and confirm their podium finish according to Fiji voices [19]

Fifth place match

More information Tonga, 2–1 ...
Tonga 2–1 Tahiti
  • Faletau 25', 37'
 Report
  • Teikihaa 73'
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Stade de Punaruu, Papeete
Attendance: 75
Referee: Shu Ting Yang (China)

Third place match

More information Fiji, 0–0 ...
Fiji 0–0 Cook Islands
Report
Penalties
  • Vunivalu football with red X
  • Tabunase football with check mark
  • Dama football with red X
  • Mereia football with check mark
  • Matawaqa football with check mark
 3–2
  • Casey Poila football with red X
  • Uini football with red X
  • Tuariki football with red X
  • Taia football with check mark
  • Arere football with check mark
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Stade Paea, Papeete
Attendance: 200
Referee: Jovita Ambrose (Solomon Islands)

Final

More information New Caledonia, 0–3 ...
New Caledonia 0–3 New Zealand
Report
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Stade Paea, Papeete
Referee: Torika Delai (Fiji)

New Caledonia
New Zealand
GK16Muneiko Aline Waheo
LB2Louane Pocoue-Kasouemidownward-facing red arrow 34'
CB5Kenza Kenon (c)
CB21Ashley Geihazedownward-facing red arrow 45'
CB6Shirley Wenessia
RB17Alesie Adjoudownward-facing red arrow 45'
LM11Caénah BatiYellow card 51'downward-facing red arrow 52'
CM19Cécilia Waheo
CM8Kheiméra Gondou
RM18Valerie Ngazo
CF13Joyce Angexetinedownward-facing red arrow 34'
Substitutions:
GK1Elizabeth Aben
FW3Deyanera Michel
DF4Lleana Hmaeupward-facing green arrow 45'
DF7Aziliz Naaoutchoue
FW9Julia Honakokoupward-facing green arrow 34'
FW10Cina Koureviupward-facing green arrow 34'
FW14Ajassië Taineupward-facing green arrow 52'
DF15Dahlia Houmbouy
DF20Kelia Golitinupward-facing green arrow 45'
Manager:
Léon Waitronyie
GK1Brooke Neary
CB2Charli DunnYellow card 90'
CB5Alyssha Eglinton
CB3Mackenzie Greene
LM4Penny Brill
CM6Daisy Brazendale (c)Yellow card 43'downward-facing red arrow 46'
CM10Zoe Bensondownward-facing red arrow 46'
CM8Lottie Mortlockdownward-facing red arrow 61'
RM7Grace Bartlettdownward-facing red arrow 61'
CF11Emily Lyon
CF16Lily Brazendaledownward-facing red arrow 46'
Substitutions:
FW9Isla Cleall-Hardingupward-facing green arrow 46'
FW12Amber De Witupward-facing green arrow 46'
MF13Mary Brownupward-facing green arrow 61'
DF14Kenzie Longmuirupward-facing green arrow 46'
MF15Ela Jerez
DF17Poppy O'Brienupward-facing green arrow 61'
GK18Sophie Campbell
Manager:
Callum Holmes

Player of the Match:
Mackenzie Greene (New Zealand)

Assistant referees:
Maria Salamasina (Samoa)
Stephanie Minan (Papua New Guinea)
Fourth official:
Azusa Sugino (Japan)
Fiftth official:
Feliuaki Kolotau (Tonga)

Awards

The following awards were given at the conclusion of the tournament.

More information Award, Player ...
Award Player
Golden Ball New Zealand Zoe Benson
Golden Boot New Zealand Emily Lyon
Golden Gloves New Caledonia Elizabeth Aben
Fair Play Award  Cook Islands
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Qualified teams for FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026

The following teams from OFC qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland.

More information Teams, Qualified on ...
Teams Qualified on Previous appearances in FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
 New Caledonia 1 October 2025 0 (debut)
 New Zealand 1 October 2025 9 (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2024)
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Goalscorers

There were 50 goals scored in 14 matches, for an average of 3.57 goals per match.

11 goals

  • New Zealand Emily Lyon

6 goals

3 goals

  • New Zealand Amber De Wit
  • French Polynesia Haranui Le Gayic

2 goals

  • New Zealand Mary Brown
  • New Caledonia Julia Honakoko
  • New Zealand Poppy O'Brien
  • Tonga Tama’a Faletau

1 goal

  • Cook Islands Metuamaru Arere
  • Cook Islands Aikitu Mose
  • Fiji Adi Reva
  • Fiji Annie Finau
  • Fiji Elesi Tabunase
  • Fiji Sereana Naweni
  • New Caledonia Kheiméra Gondou
  • New Caledonia Aziliz Naaoutchoue
  • New Zealand Lottie Mortlock
  • New Zealand Penny Brill
  • New Zealand Isla Cleall-Harding
  • French Polynesia Catherine Teikihaa
  • Tonga Anela Makaafi

Match officials

Main referees

  • Taiwan Shu ting Yang
  • Fiji Torika Delai
  • Japan Azusa Sugino
  • New Caledonia Kyllian Lelarge
  • New Zealand Anna-Marie Keighley
  • New Zealand Beth Rattray
  • Solomon Islands Jovita Ambrose
  • Solomon Islands Shama Maemae
  • Tonga Yantama Atoa

Assistants

  • New Caledonia Louis Hnangan
  • New Zealand Allys Clipsham
  • New Zealand Heloise Simmons
  • Fiji Saleyah Tasmiyah
  • Papua New Guinea Stephanie Minan
  • Samoa Maria Salamasina
  • Tonga Alisson Elone
  • Tonga Feliuaki Kolotau
  • Vanuatu Madlen Ruben

References

Related Articles

Timelines

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