Fiji and New Zealand have advanced to the final of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup with a place at the Women’s World Cup on the line. Fiji defeated Papua New Guinea 5-1, and New Zealand were 8-0 winners over New Caledonia.

In Lifou, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea opened strong against Fiji in the first semifinal. Meagen GUNEMBA scored her fourth goal of the tournament on a ninth minute counterattack, but by the half hour mark, Fiji were in front thanks to goals by Trina DAVIS and Luisa TAMANITOAKULA. Davis added a second goal after the halftime interval as Fiji eased to victory, reaching the OFC Women’s Nations Cup final for the first time in their history.

New Zealand made short work of the host nation in the other semifinal in Maré, turning in a dominant performance in the first half. Betsy HASSETT put the Football Ferns in the lead in the first minute, and Emma ROLSTON recorded a hat trick in the first 45 minutes. New Zealand took a 7-0 lead into the interval, and Rosie WHITE added her second goal of the day in the second half.

PNG and New Caledonia square off in Saturday’s third place match, followed by the final between New Zealand and Fiji. A win for New Zealand would secure their fourth consecutive trip to the Women’s World Cup, whilst Fiji have never qualified. The teams previously met in Group B, with the Ferns 10-0 winners.