Papua New Guinea women’s national football team have defeated Fiji 2-1 to make the OFC women’s championship back-to-back grand final appearance this weekend against Solomon Islands.
Speaking during the post-match interview yesterday PNG skipper and player of the match Ramona Padio said they are coming for the title against Solomon Islands.
“This is our victory. Grand final here we come,” Padio said.
Padio’s leadership paved way for PNG’s match opener coming off the head of Keren Kalapai to open the scoring from a Padio cross.
The skipper further baked it up with her own that gave her side the lead over Fiji who came from behind straight from the restart with a goal from Narieta Leba.
The two teams went into recess with PNG in front of Fiji 2-1.
Ericson Komneg coached side was unstoppable over the home side who struggled to keep the lethal strike power Marie Kaipua off the bay.
Kapua continued to lead up front and keeping the Fijian backline busy for the remainder of the match.
Despite couple of penalties around the PNG danger zone, the Fijians just could not get past PNG defence led by Olivia Upaupa.
A much-improved team effort from PNG has seen the defending champions match on to grand final.
PNG coach Ericson Komeng praised his teams for a deserving win as they look to defend the title this weekend.
“It is exciting for the girls. These bunch of girls, they deserve this win today,” Komeng said.
He said they will now celebrate and focus on their recovery to take on Solomon Islands who beat Samoa 2-1 yesterday.
