New Zealand wins OFC U17 Championship

New Zealand defeated New Caledonia 1-0 in a thrilling OFC under 17 Championship final at the HFC Bank Stadium last night.

Niko Bruce scored the goal for New Zealand in the 24th minute as they led 1-0 at half-time.

The game began on a somber note, with both sides observing a moment of silence in memory of New Caledonia’s captain Ruben Kutran, who passed away in December at the age of 20.

For New Caledonia, they can take solace from an impressive performance and the consolation of a place alongside the Junior All Whites at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru this November.

Meanwhile, in the third place play off, Tahiti defeated the Baby Bula Boys 3-0.

[Source: OFC]