Press Release – OFC
The Kiwis wasted little time asserting their dominance. Zack Cashmore opened the scoring in the fifth minute, turning home Reuben Lee Sang’s inviting cross with a first-time finish.July 19, 2026
New Zealand completed a perfect group stage campaign with a dominant 7-0 victory over Vanuatu to finish top of Group B at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship.
(Photo/OFC Media via Phototek)
Having already secured their place in the semi-finals, New Zealand entered the match looking to maintain their unbeaten record, while Vanuatu were determined to end their campaign on a positive note.
The Kiwis wasted little time asserting their dominance. Zack Cashmore opened the scoring in the fifth minute, turning home Reuben Lee Sang’s inviting cross with a first-time finish. Just five minutes later, Cashmore doubled the advantage with another composed one touch finish after a perfectly weighted pass through the middle.
The striker completed a remarkable hat trick inside 15 minutes, racing onto another through ball before calmly finishing past the advancing goalkeeper. Cashmore wasn’t done yet, adding his fourth goal of the afternoon in the 31st minute to cap an outstanding first half performance.
New Zealand extended their lead before the break when Ethan Amyes found the back of the net in the 39th minute, sending the defending champions into half-time with a commanding 5-0 advantage.
Vanuatu showed determination after the restart and created their best opportunity from a set piece, but Rohan Masauvakalo headed over the crossbar. New Zealand remained in complete control, with second-half captain Ben Trenberth adding a sixth goal before the 70th minute, while Davi Valle Dos Santos rounded off the scoring two minutes later to complete an emphatic victory.
New Zealand: 7 (Zack CASHMORE 5′, 10′, 15′, 31′, Ethan AMYES 39′, Ben TRENBERTH 70′, Davi VALLE DOS SANTOS 72′)
Vanuatu: 0
HT: 5-0
Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
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