PNG U-20 Women’s team fly off to US for friendlies

The PNG Under 20 Women are on their way to the United States to play seven matches versus some of the US university teams, including last year’s National Champions.
They will be having six to eight games during their stay in the US to allow the girls to build their confidence and experience in playing against top level teams.
The team arrived in Port Moresby Wednesday from Goroka and left the country this morning (Thursday) and will return early next month.
PNG U-20 Women’s team didn’t qualify for the U-20 Women’s World Cup as the OFC spot was claimed by New Zealand but was given a bid as the host nation for the tournament in November.
The team had their first friendly against the US U-20 Women’s team during the U-20 Women’s Tri-Nations match that was held in May where US defeated them 5-0. They also travelled to the Korea for a friendly in June and hope to have more friendly matches after the US trip within the region to get them ready for the Under 20 Women’s World Cup in November.
PNG U-20 Women’s coach, Lisa Cole said over the last 6 months the players have been training hard to prepare themselves for this challenge.
“Taking on the best in the world when you have yet to even compete as a team in other events is a difficult ask for these young players but they have taken on the challenge, left their homes and families to represent their country in this first ever World Cup for PNG,” Ms Cole said.
She said the PNG U20 team began to prepare for the Under 20 Women’s World Cup in February of this year and so far the girls have played in only five games up to this point as a team.
“You will get our best come the games but remember a result would be a miracle in comparison to the investment and experience of these other teams that have earned the right to play on the World’s stage.
PNG U20 travelling team: Lace Kunei, Eunice Dambui, Olive Upaupa, Cynthia Stanis, JacobethBani, Gloria Laeli, Yvonne Gabong, Joy Tsuga, NicolletteAgeva, Ramona Padio, Anna Bulum, LavinaHola, Christo Mato, Esmeralda Waipo, Margaret Joseph, Belinda Giada, Martha Karl, Alison Paulias, Loretta Yagum, Hilda Nake, JacklyMaiyosi, Abigayle Metta, Faith Kasiray, Selina Unamba, EllienManup
Team officials: Coach - Lisa Cole, Assistant - coach Rachel Wadunah, Assistant coach - Barbra Muta, Goal keeper coach - David Kaura, Team manager - Cathy Agunam, Physio - Michelle Fae.