PNG Bilums Edge Fiji to Top Group B in Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

Papua New Guinea secured top spot in Group B after edging Fiji 1-0 in their final Round 2 match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Oceania Qualifiers at Govind Park.

 PNG Bilums Edge Fiji to Top Group B in Women’s World Cup Qualifiers /Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek

The narrow victory means PNG advance confidently into the next phase of the regional qualifiers after completing the group stage with three wins. Both teams had entered the clash unbeaten, with two victories each before the deciding encounter.

Earlier wet weather during the week had forced organisers to reschedule the match, but both sides arrived ready for a competitive contest. The game remained tightly contested as the first half ended without a goal.

PNG created several promising opportunities during the opening half. Gloria Laeli came close to breaking the deadlock when she headed a corner from Ramona Padio, only to see the ball strike the right post.

Fiji also threatened early in the second half, with Trina Davis forcing PNG goalkeeper Betty Sam into a close-range save that kept the score level.

The decisive moment arrived late in the match when Meagen Gunemba finished off a cutback from Mavis Singara in the 86th minute, sealing the victory for the PNG Bilums.

Papua New Guinea and Fiji will now progress to Round 3 of the qualifiers alongside New Zealand and American Samoa, with the next stage scheduled to take place in New Zealand in mid-April.