After days of heavy rainfall and typhoon activity buffeted Fiji earlier in the week, the matchday two clash between Papua New Guinea and the Kulas was forced to be postponed. With the other Group B fixtures subsequently completed it meant that this was a straight shootout for section supremacy in the closing match of the second round of OFC qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
Papua New Guinea goal: Meagen Gunemba (86)
Both nations were locked on level points but PNG knew a draw would be enough to top the group – and avoid New Zealand in the semi-finals – due to a superior goal differential.
There was little of note, outside of a couple of long-range efforts from Filomena Racea and Nenny Elipas over an opening stanza that saw the teams go to the break all square.
Barely a minute after the restart, the lively Fiji forward Trina Davis had the best chance of the contest as she danced past two defenders and forced Betty Sam into a diving save to thwart her strike from the top of the box.
Gradually, the Bilums started to carve out some chances and after Keren Kalapai had come close from a 71st minute corner, the contest was finally settled four minutes from time.
Mavis Singara shaking off a couple of Fiji challenges and crossing for Meagen Gunemba who swept home from close range to grab her second goal in as many matches. The 1-0 win seeing Papua new Guinea top the group and book a final four date with surprise packets American Samoa next month.
Group A winners New Zealand will now face Fiji as the battle for Oceania’s lone direct slot for Brazil 2027 is set to conclude.
“It’s all about the hard work that we put in. It’s been really hard as we’ve been in camp for many weeks, now we rest and then start again to focus on the next stage against American Samoa.”
Ericson Komeng, Papua New Guinea
“Our aim is to qualify for the World Cup and we’re still alive and anyone that wants to qualify for the World Cup has to beat New Zealand. Lucky for us we get to do that while we’re fresh.”
Nicola Demaine, Fiji coach
Images courtesy of OFC Media/Phototek
