The OFC Women’s Nations Cup has opened with a strong statement of intent from defending champion New Zealand, who won 16-0 against Tonga. Hosts Papua New Guinea defeated the Cook Is 4-1 in the day’s other match.

Daisy CLEVERLEY scored a goal in the first minute of her international career, as she earned her first cap for the Football Ferns. She would add a second later in the first half, and many of her teammates would also get on the scoresheet, including a hat trick from Helen COLLINS, on their way to a 16-0 romp.

PNG, playing their first international match in three years, also had a hat trick heroine in Meagen GUNEMBA, who had shone earlier in the year at the OFC U-20 Women’s Championship. A late penalty from Lee MAOATE-COX was the Cook Is’ only goal.

NZ and PNG meet on the next day of matches, following the match between Tonga and the Cook Is. The first placed side in the group qualifies for Canada 2015.