PNG Beats Fiji to Reach OFC Final Again
Papua New Guinea’s women’s football team advanced to their second consecutive OFC Women’s Nations Cup final on Wednesday, defeating host Fiji 2-1 at HFC Stadium in Suva in a match filled with drama, pace, and tactical battles.
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PNG Beats Fiji to Reach OFC Final Again [Photo credit : OFC] |
The defending champions, led by coach Ericson Komeng, capitalised on early dominance to build a first-half lead, with goals from Keren Kalapai and Ramona Padio. PNG controlled the tempo and demonstrated their strength in midfield, largely influenced by Hekari United players in the starting squad.
Kalapai opened the scoring with a powerful header in the 26th minute, courtesy of a cross from Padio. Minutes later, Padio herself added to the tally with a long-range effort that bounced just in front of young goalkeeper Emily Esposito and into the net.
Fiji responded quickly through speedster Narieta Leba, who scored just a minute later after regaining balance from a stumble and slotting home from distance. The rest of the match saw end-to-end action, with Fiji pressing for an equaliser and PNG defending resolutely.
Trina Davis narrowly missed connecting with a squared pass across goal, while Cema Nasau’s shot early in the second half was denied by a sharp save from PNG keeper Lavinia Hola. In the closing minutes, PNG held firm despite Fiji’s pressure.
With this win, Papua New Guinea keeps its title hopes alive and awaits the result between Solomon Islands and Samoa to determine their opponent in the final. Fiji will now prepare for the third-place playoff.
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