The Ford Football Ferns have romped to an opening 8-0 win over Samoa in their 2027 FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup qualification campaign in Honiara, Solomon Islands.<\/p>\n
Forward Kelli Brown the star of the show for the Kiwis, taking home the match ball thanks to her first half hattrick, while Manaia Elliot earned a brace.<\/p>\n
Aotearoa New Zealand\u2019s dominance was evident right from the first minute as Brown took seconds to score the game\u2019s opener. Her venomous cross from the right-hand side looping over the Samoa goalkeeper, swerving into the net.<\/p>\n
The Ferns\u2019 pressure didn\u2019t let up, peppering the Samoan goal and forcing some impressive first half saves from Samoa\u2019s shot stopper Angelique Tuisamoa.<\/p>\n
Kelli Brown\u2019s persistence paying off in the 15th minute, smashing home a headed down ball following a corner to make it 2-0.<\/p>\n
Her quick-fire brace turning into a hattrick just before halftime scoring from near the edge of the area to beat Samoa\u2019s Tuisamoa.<\/p>\n
New Zealand\u2019s pressure not letting up after the break, generating several chances, only to be denied by Samoa\u2019s keeper and the crossbar.<\/p>\n
After a frustrating period in front of goal, Ford Football Ferns captain Katie Kitching added the fourth in the 65th minute after a delightful one-two passing move with teammate Grace Jale.<\/p>\n
Kitching was subbed off soon after, making way for 17-year-old Wellington Phoenix striker Pia Vlok to make her international debut.<\/p>\n
But it would be another player on debut, substitute Charlotte Lancaster, who would play a hand for the fifth after whipping in a dangerous cross that was bundled in by a Samoa defender in the 82nd minute.<\/p>\n
Minutes later the Ferns would find their sixth, Manaia Elliot bursting into the box before tucking home a slick finish.<\/p>\n
The youngster wasn\u2019t done there though, her inviting cross into the box beating everybody before curling into the net to add a seventh goal in the 90th minute.<\/p>\n
But New Zealand\u2019s goalscoring exploits weren\u2019t done yet, Deven Jackson scoring her first international goal with a thunderbolt in stoppage time to cap off a resounding 8-0 victory and make perfect start to their campaign in Group A.<\/p>\n
The Ford Football Ferns\u2019 next game is against\u00a0hosts Solomon Islands on 2 March at 7pm.<\/p>\n
The Ford Football Ferns 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification matches will be available live and free on FIFA+.<\/p>\n
Article added: Friday 27 February 2026<\/p>\n
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