An exciting finale is on the cards as the two unbeaten sides – New Zealand and Papua New Guinea – square off at 3:00pm to see who will go through to Azerbaijan 2012.
In the earlier match kicking off at 1:00pm, Cook Islands and New Caledonia will play for pride as they look to pick up their first points in the round-robin competition.
Here’s a look at the action that’s in store.
Cook Islands vs. New Caledonia – 1:00pm Friday 13 April
Cook Islands suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Papua New Guinea on Wednesday and will be targeting tomorrow’s match as a chance to get their first points on the board. Senior international Tepaeru Toka scored both goals in their previous encounter and will be a key threat against New Caledonia. New Zealand-based Lee Moata-Cox, who plays senior football in Canterbury, has been resolute on defence while also showing versatility switching to striker in their push to find an equaliser against Papua New Guinea. New Caledonia meanwhile are coming off a demoralising 13-1 defeat to the Young Football Ferns. That loss leaves Kamalie Fitialeata’s side well behind in the goal count meaning only a win will do to pick up third place while Cook Islands can settle for a draw. Les Cagous are also on the back foot in terms of injuries but will nevertheless be desperate to finish on a high.
In their own words
“Let’s hope the weather is better for this match and we will just stick to our game plan. I mean the girls are playing really well, so hopefully we will get better reward for that and pick up a result.” – Cook Islands coach Angela Valamaka
“This game has been very difficult to prepare for because we have a lot of injured players so I don’t have the best players available unfortunately. But we will try to finish on a good note against Cook Islands.” – New Caledonia coach Kamalie Fitialeata
Papua New Guinea vs. New Zealand – 3:00pm Friday 13 April
The Young Football Ferns are looking to qualify for their third consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and need just a draw tomorrow thanks to their superior goal difference over Papua New Guinea. Hannah Carlsen and Briar Palmer have impressed in midfield while Jasmine Pereira and Marty Puketapu are leading the golden boot charge with four goals each. Day one captain Catherine Bott is still under an injury cloud but with quality cover throughout the squad, New Zealand head into this match as firm favourites. Papua New Guinea will take heart from their 3-2 win over Cook Islands on Wednesday when stormy conditions disrupted their natural passing game. But tomorrow’s match will be a huge step up with possession likely to come at a premium for Frederica Ape’s side. They are expected to take a defensive approach then look to counter through speedsters like Georgina Kaikas and Maggie Weva. Whatever the tactics, Papua New Guinea will want to erase the memories of their previous encounter in 2010 when New Zealand ran out 9-0 winners.
In their own words
“We are really looking forward to the game against New Zealand, because they are the top team in Oceania. We hope and believe that we can be competitive and do well against them.” – Papua New Guinea assistant coach Kevin David
“We’ll just approach it the same as we’ve been approaching the previous games. I think if we just keep trusting ourselves and keep passing and moving then we’re capable of beating everybody here.” – New Zealand coach Paul Temple
Match Details
Cook Islands vs. New Caledonia
1:00pm, Friday 13 April
Mangere Centre Park
Auckland, New Zealand
Referee: Gerald OIAKA (SOL)
Assistant Referee 1: Jovita QILAMASALA (SOL)
Assistant Referee 2: Sergine POIDA (VAN)
4th Official: Anna-Marie KEIGHLEY (NZL)
Cook Islands: 1. Moeroa NOOTAI, 2. Teiti TUPUNA, 3. Linade UNUKA, 4. Rai NGANU, 5. Jade VALAMAKA, 7. Edna TEIO, 8. Louana TREGO, 9. Tyrina TREGO, 10. Tuakana NOOVAO, 11. June PUNUA, 12. Lee MAOATE-COX, 13. Temata HARMON, 14. Mona TAIO, 15. Maeva CARR, 16. Brooke MILLER, 17. Jessica PUIRI, 18. Tepaeru TOKA, 20. Imelda VAKAI (GK)
Coach: Angela VALAMAKA
New Caledonia: 1. Deborah SELEFEN (GK), 2. Priscillia GOHOUPE, 3. Brenda KENON, 5. Oceane PEREZ-GONZALEZ, 6. Jaydela HNANGAN, 7. Noe VALEFAKAAGA, 8. Cloesia BRUIREU, 9. Lyndsay NYIPIE, 10. Cheyenne DIEUMA, 11. Monique GORENDIAWE, 12. Josiane AYAWA, 13. Monique WAYEWOL, 14. Gwenhaelle WADRENGES, 15. Aude SIO, 17. Malory ONIARY, 18. Marylou USIKE, 20. Cinthia PAITA (GK)
Coach: Kamalie FITIALEATA
Papua New Guinea vs. New Zealand
3:00pm, Friday 13 April
Mangere Centre Park
Auckland, New Zealand
Referee: Finau VULIVULI (FIJ)
Assistant Referee 1: Philippe REVEL (TAH)
Assistant Referee 2: Folio MOEAKI (TGA)
4th Official: Robinson BANGA (VAN)
Papua New Guinea: 1. Esther METLEM (GK), 2. Lavina HOLA, 3. Carolyn OBI, 4. Bridget KADU, 5. Maggie WEVA, 6. Dinna AWELE, 7. Delvinna YAKUC, 8. Talitha IRAKAU, 9. Alisandra AIPI, 10. Yvonne GABONG, 11. Alexier STEPHEN, 12. Wendy AGIBE, 13. Wendy AGIBE, 14. Fiona VULIA, 15. May MOGI, 16. Joy TSUGA, 17. Rumona MORRIS, 18. Georgina KAIKAS, 19. Ramana LORENZ, 20. Biangka GUBAG (GK)
Coach: Frederica APEH
New Zealand: 1. Lily ALFELD (GK), 2. Meikayla MOORE, 3. Laura MERRIN, 4. Catherine BOTT, 5. Emily JENSEN, 6. Hannah CARLSEN, 7. Jasmine PEREIRA, 8. Jess INNES, 9. Martine PUKETAPU, 10. Briar PALMER, 11. Emma ROLSTON, 12. Daisy CLEVERLEY, 13. Megan LEE, 14. Lauren DABNER, 15. Briar McNAMARA, 16. Ronisa LIPI (GK), 17. Courteney VAN LIESHOUT, 18. Megan ROBERTSON, 19. Jolene MUIR, 20. Kirsten MOLLOY
Coach: Paul TEMPLE

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