Cook Islands will make their first appearance here in Port Moresby at 10.30am against Fiji after sitting out round one with a bye. The side, coached by former international Tuka Tisam is a mix of youth and experience and has come here with gold in their sights.
Fiji were left feeling hard done by in their opening match against the hosts Papua New Guinea with the opening goal coming courtesy of a penalty. Even though they were downed 5-1, the Fijian players have stated their determination to come back stronger than ever in this match in order to secure their first victory, and hopefully a spot in the semi-finals.
Solomon Islands impressed at times during their encounter with New Caledonia but a lack of experience at this level shone through as they were overcome 8-1 by their opponents. Goalkeeper Betty Sade was outstanding in goal, denying a penalty and making several great saves. There is some exciting talent in this squad and they will be hoping that translates into goals during today’s match against Tonga.
Tonga are also after their first win after going down to Samoa by the slimmest of margins. Captain Penateti Feke had several chances against their rivals which didn’t quite pull through and she’s putting pressure on herself to up her finishing against Solomon Islands.
The final encounter sees New Caledonia take on Samoa with both sides coming off opening wins and looking to set themselves up for a run at the group’s top spot.
New Caledonia showed pace and skill in their opener and that could prove vital against Samoa. Christelle Wahnawe is on track to claim another Pacific Games Golden Boot prize with a hat trick against Solomon Islands putting her in the lead for now. They play a fast paced style of game and that pressure may wear the Samoans down, but they will need to be accurate if they want to pull off this win.
Samoa have a strong Kiwi-based contingent in their side which made a huge difference against Tonga. Their ability to keep their structure and play accurate passes made the difference, as did the constant pressure and follow up which contributed to Lusia Ioane’s goal.
Papua New Guinea sit this round out with a bye and will return on Match Day 3 of the Women’s Football Tournament against Cook Islands.
Extra Information
Fiji vs. Cook Islands
Bisini Field 2
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Wednesday 8 July 2015
Kick-off: 10.30am
FIJvCOK
Referee: Robinson BANGA (VAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Maria TAMALELAGI (SAM)
Assistant Referee 2: Nagarita JIMMY (SOL)
Fourth Official: George TIME (SOL)
Fiji: 1. Mereoni YABAKIDRAU (GK), 2. Jipa RASAKU, 3. Wasela TINAI, 4. Annette CHARMAYNE, 5. Titi DUGUCANAVANUA, 6. Stella NAIVALULEVU, 7. Bela RATUBALAVU, 8. Viniana RIWAI, 9. Sofi DIYALOWWAI, 10. Jotivini TABUA, 11. Sonali RAO, 12. Luisa TAMANITOAKULA, 13. Lewa MOCE, 14. Vanisha KUMAR, 15. Adi RAMOTIQA, 16. Miriama NAIOBASALI, 17. Kini RAVAI, 18. Noami WAQANIDROLA, 19. Vasiti SOLIKOVITI (GK), 20. Matelita VUAKOSO (GK)
Coach: Charlene LOCKINGTON (FIJ)
Cook Islands: 1. Marjorie TORU (GK), 2. Helena NGAUORA, 3. Josephine TUREPU, 4. Moeroa HARMON, 5. Tepaeru TOKA, 6. Tekura URARII, 7. Elise MAMANY-GRAY, 8. Jennifer AKAVI, 9. Upokotea NOOVAO, 11. Tekura KAUKURA, 12. Elizabeth HARMON, 13. Marissa IROA, 14. Maeva CARR, 15. Mii PIRI, 16. Lee MAOATE-COX
Coach: Tuka TISAM (COK)
Solomon Islands vs. Tonga
Bisini Field 1
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Wednesday 8 July 2015
Kick-off: 12.45pm
SOLvTGA
Referee: Hillary ANI (PNG)
Assistant Referee 1: Charlotte PELLETIER (NCL)
Assistant Referee 2: Wanting YAGUM (PNG)
Fourth Official: Ravitesh BEHARI (FIJ)
Solomon Islands: 1. Betty SADE (GK), 2. Elizabeth BETTY, 3. Magareth BELO, 4. Brenda MASAE, 5. Cathy AIHUNU, 6. Janise DESIE, 7. Caroline OTAINAO, 8. Merina JOE, 9. Veronica TOLIVAKA, 10. Crystal BAKOLO, 11. Sandy ANIHOLLAND, 12. Elizabeth TEIASI, 13. Agnes NOISI, 14. Hazelyn NUNU, 15. Elise KWOAETOLO, 16. Liza SOLO, 17. Laydah SAMANI, 18. Rose PAIA JR., 19. Jessica MANA, 10. Alice PATRICK (GK)
Coach: Luke EROI (SOL)
Tonga: 1. Tangmausia MAAFU (GK), 2. Ofaloto LAAKULU, 3. Koni VUNGAMOEAHI, 4. Fololeni SIALE, 5. Mele SOAKAI, 6. Sala VEAMATAHAU, 7. Pauline TONGA, 8. Heilala MOALA, 9. Mele AKOLO, 10. Penateti FEKE, 11. Haisini TEU, 12. Vea FUNAKI, 13. Ilisapeti MALEKAMU, 14. Manusiu LATAVAO, 15. Eseta VI, 16. Sela VAENUKU, 17, Kiana MUAMOHOLEVA, 18. Lupe LIKILIKI (GK), 19. Tupou TOPUI, 21. Lita MISINALE
Coach: Lui MUAVESI (FIJ)
New Caledonia vs. Samoa
Bisini Field 2
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Wednesday 8 July 2015
Kick-off: 3pm
NCLvSAM
Referee: Mel KNIGHT (NZL)
Assistant Referee 1: Nadia BROWNING (NZL)
Assistant Referee 2: Norman BAFINU (PNG)
Fourth Official: Tapaita LELENGA (TGA)
New Caledonia: 1. Honorine POUIDJA (GK), 2. Christelle NIGOTE, 3. Brenda KENON, 4. Marie-Deborah WANAKAIJA, 5. Marielle HAOCAS, 6. Aurelie LALIE, 7. Myranda RABAH, 8. Josiane AYAWA, 9. Christelle WAHNAWE, 10. Celine XOLAWAWA, 11. Helene WAENGENE, 12. Noe VALEFAKAAGA, 13. Lyndsay NYIPIE, 14. Louise HUMUNI, 15. Sidney GATHA, 16. Julia PAUL, 17. Kim MAGUIRE, Joyce WAUNIE, 19. Isabelle HACE, 20. Jessica RIES, 21. Glenda JAINE, 22. Bernadette EURIBEARI, 23. Karine XOZAME (GK)
Coach: Kamali FITIALEATA (NCL)
Samoa: 1. Faanunu ROPETI (GK), 2. Faagi TALOSIA LIMA, 3. Josephine ANE, 4. Shontelle STEVENS, 5. Kelsey KAPISI, 6. Chelsea STRICKLAND, 7. Rosei LEOTA, 8. Monique FISCHER, 9. Hazel PELETI, 10. Hana MALO, 11. Yvonne ANE, 12. Lelava LAUPEPA, 14. Lusia IAONE, 15. Lagmaina AKARI, 16. Jullyn GASIO, 17. Olga SAGATU, 21. Hilder HELLESOE (GK)
Coach: Tala SALAMASINA (SAM)