Papua New Guinea Women’s football team is anticipating a win against Fiji in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup to erase what Fiji did to them in the recent two friendlies in Port Moresby.
The match will be played today at HFC Bank Stadium in Fiji at 3pm.
Speaking ahead of their clash against Fiji, PNG coach Ericson Komeng is positive that his side is in good shape to getting a win and advance into defending the Oceania Football Confederation title.
“There won’t be any grand final if we don’t play well tomorrow (today). There is no pressure on the girls, we are focused in ourselves and looking forward to how well we can play,” Komeng said.
“I think we’ve done well during our pool matchers and the girls are looking good. We had a good session today and I’m pretty sure and looking forward for tomorrows match.”
It’s yet again a re-play of the grandfinal match between PNG and the host Fiji in 2022 when PNG beat Fiji to claim the title. However, this time it is in the semifinal and the winner will move up to meet the winner of Solomon Islands and Samoa.
Komeng said the match will be a revenge of the two friendlies that they drew one and lost the other in Port Morsby to Fiji earlier this year. However, it will all be decided on the field of play.
Basing his believe in team work, Komeng keeps his fingers crossed to lead the girls to the top where the former coach Nicole Demaine set.
Moreover, having the backing of the home fans, Fiji is hoping to re-write their 2022 story with a happy ending this time.
This is shown through their build up going into the tournament and affirmed by Fiji national coach Angeline Chua, who said they have a “plan ahead to win.” She said the atmosphere in the camp is good.
“You know we are ready for the game,” Chua said.
“We are trying to keep a calm atmosphere like not getting too excited about the game but knowing what to do in our attacking and defending.
“We have played PNG so many times, and one thing good is that players (Fiji) are familiar with them (PNG). We have a nice game plan ahead to win!”
