PNG Women Held to 2-2 Draw by Late Fiji Equalizer in Home Friendly
Papua New Guinea’s Lakatois women’s football team were denied victory at the death as Fiji's Cema Nasau headed in a dramatic equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw in their opening international friendly at PNG Football Stadium this afternoon.
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| PNG Women Held to 2-2 Draw by Late Fiji Equalizer in Home Friendly [Photo PNGFA] |
The Lakatois showed promise early on despite conceding first in the 6th minute to Fiji’s Caroline Qalivere. PNG struck back quickly through striker Marie Kaipu in the 9th minute, leveling the score 1-1 and gaining momentum before the break.
PNG came out strong in the second half, with Lae City Dwellers’ Karen Kelepai firing home in the 24th minute to take the lead. The home crowd roared as the Lakatois pressed for a third, but Fiji struck in the dying seconds, with Nasau’s header sealing a 2-2 full-time result.
Coach Erickson Komeng said the team played with intensity and control but were let down by missed opportunities. “We dominated possession and created many chances, especially in the first half. We could’ve won it,” he said after the game.
Despite the result, Komeng praised the players for their effort and thanked PNGFA and the supporters for making the home match possible. He emphasized that scoring and team coordination would be key areas of focus ahead of Monday’s rematch.
Fiji coach Angeline Chua commended PNG for their physicality and speed, calling the match a great learning experience. She admitted her team needed to adjust tactically before the second game and thanked PNG for the strong challenge.
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