The Cagous’ five-day stint in Vanuatu consists of two matches against the national women’s side and they got their short tour off to the perfect start when a double from captain Christelle Wahnawe helped them to a comprehensive win at PVL Stadium.
It didn’t take long for the visitors to make their mark, Wahnawe leading by example to produce a great finish in the 18th minute. The skipper brought the ball down on her chest and rifled in a volley to put her side ahead in spectacular fashion.
The Cagous were on the board again by the half-time whistle, Céline Xolawawa showing good technique to chip the ball over the goalkeeper five minutes before the break.
Wahnawe wrapped up the scoring in the 70th minute and it was again a volley that did the damage, the goalscorer latching onto a Stéphanie Pahoa cross to find the target with another fine strike.
Coach Poungui was pleased with the performance and is happy with his charges’ progress towards the Games, which take place in New Caledonia from August 27 to September 9.
“It is an encouraging win for us ahead of the tournament,” he said.
“Our players played with great patience and did a good job. Vanuatu played a good possession game with sharp attacking power that made it hard to play our style of football in the first half but we managed to work things out in the second half.
“I am satisfied with the players’ attitude defensively and to score three goals without conceding is good for us mentally.”
Poungui is keen to make good used of home advantage at the Games and says his players must be in the right frame of mind straight away.
“We must be ready from the start as the first games are always very important.”
The Vanuatu women’s side is not taking part in the Pacific Games and, given the players’ lack of international activity, Port Vila women’s football president Angela Malas was very satisfied with their performance.
“All of our young girls have proved they can compete at the highest level of women’s football in Oceania and made us all immensely proud,” she said.
“They have shown what is possible if one has the resolve, determination and persistence.”
The next game between the sides takes place today at PVL Stadium from 3pm.

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