Sport

Oly Whites book Paris Olympics berth with Fiji drubbing

07:16 am on 10 September 2023

Stirker Riley Bidois celebrates one of his five goals for the Oly Whites against Fiji in the final of the Oceania Olympic qualifying tournament. Photo: Photosport

New Zealand will represent Oceania in men's football at next year's Paris Olympics after crushing Fiji 9-0 in the final of the qualifying tournament in Auckland on Saturday night.

Striker Riley Bidois scored five goals in what was - remarkably - his first appearance of a tournament which the Oly Whites dominated throughout.

The Australian-based 21-year-old scored two goals in the first six minutes at North Harbour Stadium before notching his hat-trick inside the first 20 minutes.

The other goalscorers were Jesse Randall, Liam Gillion and Keegan Kelly while Fiji also conceded an own goal.

Fiji's prospects weren't helped when they were reduced to 10 men in the 32nd minute when defender Mohameed Raheem was shown his second yellow card.

New Zealand outclassed their opponents, as they did in the semi-final against Vanuatu, which they won 8-0.

- RNZ