Solid win for NZ footballers in opening match

New Zealand’s U23 men’s footballers have made an strong start to their Pacific Games campaign.

Taking on Tonga in wet conditions in Samoa the Kiwis took a 13-0 win.

“For a lot of us it was our international debut, so to come away with a 13-0 win is brilliant but performance is the key thing and all the boys showed they deserve to be here today,” said midfielder Lachie McIsaac.

The Birkenhead United athlete found the back of the net four times and credits the strong win to a sense of purpose within the team.

“We’ve built a really good team chemistry the past few weeks and the coaches have set us up really well. Our defence was also clinical and that showed in the result.”

The kiwi footballers next challenge is hosts Samoa at 3pm Wednesday (July 10).

“We’ll have a good debrief and look to improve against Samoa in a couple of days and then just build and build as the tournament goes on.”