The Papua New Guineans have won all three gold medals on offer at the Pacific Games since women’s football was introduced to the event in 2003, and finished second only to New Zealand or Australia at every other senior OFC competition they have entered.
Add to that a successful build up tour to Australia and coach Steven Mune has a team brimming with confidence.
“We played two senior club teams on the Gold Coast last week winning 4-1 and 4-0 so that was a big boost,” says Mune, who has remained with the team since last November’s successful Pacific Games campaign.
“All countries are here to play competitive football but as far as our preparation is concerned, we are ready to win.”
Papua New Guinea are the only team at the tournament with two Olympic qualifying tournaments under their belt. In 2004 they finished second behind previous OFC member Australia in a three-team qualifier also involving hosts Fiji, while in 2008 it was New Zealand who proved too powerful edging out the Melanesians 2-0 in the Stage 2 play-off.
Linda Bunaga, Kathrina Salaiau, Daisy Winas and Deslyn Siniu are the four players who have survived from 2008 and now provide the backbone for this year’s squad.
Mune also has a group of talented youngsters coming through the ranks, led by 19-year-old Sandra Birum who was second top goal scorer at the 2011 Pacific Games with five strikes.
“It’s about scoring goals and we have the players to do that,” says Mune.
“We might be going in as favourites but that doesn’t count for much. All that matters is the result when the final whistle sounds.”
For the match schedule click here
For the team lists click here

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