Sport

Football Ferns slay Samoa

01:34 am on 11 February 2024

Macey Fraser and Grace Neville of New Zealand celebrate. Women's Olympic Football Tournament, Oceania Qualifier. Photo: Photosport

Coach Jitka Klimkova asked her side for more goals and the Ferns delivered, proving far too strong for Samoa in their Olympic women's qualifier in Apia.

The Ferns crushed the hosts 6-0 in a one-sided affair to all but book their spot in the semi finals.

Battling harsh heat and humidity, the Ferns took less than twenty minutes to assert a 2-0 lead.

Jacqui Hand struck first, slotting home a pinpoint cross from Grace Jale.

The Samoans had a golden opportunity to equalise, however Xevani Salanoa was unable to find the net with an open goal,

Just eight minutes after their first, the Ferns found a second through Kate Taylor, her first goal for her country, Macey Fraser providing the assist.

The misery would continue for the hosts, who would concede a third at their own hand when Sasjah Vikolia Dade deflected into her own net.

Macey Fraser would also score her first goal for the Ferns, a stunning free kick which proved to good for keeper Xeyana Salanoa.

The Kiwis had an early chance to extend their lead after the break when Indiah-Paige Riley was fouled inside the box, however Jale's effort hit the upright.

However, it didn't take long for the fifth to come, Ally Green dancing around the defence and hammering it home.

A sixth came in the 74th, Michaela Foster getting herself on the scoresheet.

New Zealand is now two from two having won its opening clash with Tonga 3-0 as they look for a fifth OFC title.

The winner of the tournament will qualify for the Paris Games later in the year.

-RNZ