Defending champions New Zealand have made the perfect start to their OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025 campaign in the Solomon Islands, sweeping aside Samoa 5-0 in their opening Group B encounter at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Martin Bullock’s side took control early, with Ben Perez Baldoni heading home in the 8th minute to set the tone. Samoa threatened briefly midway through the half, when Isaac Edward’s curling freekick was tipped over by New Zealand goalkeeper Will Martin.
Moments later, Willem Des Tombe doubled the advantage with a superb solo effort, outpacing the Samoan defence before rounding Damien Saienisi and slotting into an empty net.
Despite a late first-half surge from Samoa, it was New Zealand who struck again in stoppage time, Perez Baldoni firing a left-footed effort from the edge of the area to claim his second and give the Kiwis a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
The striker completed his hat-trick just three minutes into the second half with a simple finish at the near post, putting the result beyond doubt. Ben Trenberth then added further gloss to the scoreline in the 68th minute, unleashing an impressive strike from distance that clipped the upright on its way in.
Substitute Bevan Jr Kapisi came agonisingly close to getting a consolation goal for Samoa late on, but his effort rolled across the face of the goal after beating Martin at the near post.
New Zealand now turns their attention to New Caledonia on Thursday, while Samoa will look to bounce back against hosts Solomon Islands.
New Zealand 5 (Ben PEREZ BALDONI 8’, 45+2’, 48’, Willem DES TOMBE 29’, Ben TRENBERTH 68’)
Samoa 0
HT: 3-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek