The Ford Football Ferns have romped to an opening 8-0 win over Samoa in their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification campaign in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

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.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s dominance was evident right from the first minute as Brown took seconds to score the game’s opener. Her venomous cross from the right-hand side looping over the Samoa goalkeeper, swerving into the net.

The Ferns’ pressure didn’t let up, peppering the Samoan goal and forcing some impressive first half saves from Samoa’s shot stopper Angelique Tuisamoa.

Kelli Brown’s persistence paying off in the 15^th minute, smashing home a headed down ball following a corner to make it 2-0.

Her quick-fire brace turning into a hattrick just before halftime scoring from near the edge of the area to beat Samoa’s Tuisamoa.

New Zealand’s pressure not letting up after the break, generating several chances, only to be denied by Samoa’s keeper and the crossbar.

After a frustrating period in front of goal, Ford Football Ferns captain Katie Kitching added the fourth in the 65^th minute after a delightful one-two passing move with teammate Grace Jale.

Kitching was subbed off soon after, making way for 17-year-old Wellington Phoenix striker Pia Vlok to make her international debut.

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 82^nd minute.

Minutes later the Ferns would find their sixth, Manaia Elliot bursting into the box before tucking home a slick finish.

The youngster wasn’t done there though, her inviting cross into the box beating everybody before curling into the net to add a seventh goal in the 90^th minute.

But New Zealand’s goalscoring exploits weren’t 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.

The Ford Football Ferns’ next game is against hosts Solomon Islands on 2 March at 7pm.

The Ford Football Ferns 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification matches will be available live and free on FIFA+.

Article added: Friday 27 February 2026