Tonga come into their match against New Caledonia on the back of a 2-0 victory over Solomon Islands, while the Caledonians have had to lick their wounds after their shock 2-2 draw with Samoa.
Those opposing fortunes may have an influence on how the teams come out today, but what isn’t in question is the determination and pride these sides possess when turning out for their countries.
For Tonga, captain Penateti Feke will again be key both for her leadership and on-the-field prowess. She’s a quality player who puts her body on the line and is up for every challenge, inspiring the same dedication in her teammates. Young Mele Soakai got her first international goal against Solomon Islands and will look to add to her tally today but it won’t be easy.
New Caledonia showed against Samoa that their defence is not infallible. Letting in two goals from defensive errors is not something Kamali Fitialeata will want to see his side repeat and there’s no doubt he will have drummed that home following their last match. With a chance to challenge for the group top spot today, we can expect to see the best of this side, although the wet weather conditions may impact on their game plan.
After holding New Caledonia to a 2-2 draw, Samoa have set themselves up as contenders to pass through to the semi-finals, but they will need to get past Solomon Islands first. The Solomon Islands sides has shown themselves to be a side full of potential. They have challenged well at times, but lack the physicality of some of their opponents and still have a lot of learning about the game to do. That said, coach Luke Eroi has worked hard with this side over the past three months and they are not here to make up numbers. He expects them to put up a fight against Samoa and even to nick a final victory and should they put forward their best performance there is no reason that couldn’t be a possiblitiy.
For Samoa, the draw with New Caledonia has further buoyed them in their pursuit of a place in the semi-finals. They have a physical advantage over their opponents, but they have also shown that they have the ability to play clear, concise passes and both of those elements will need to come into play today.
In the final match of the day, Papua New Guinea will take on the Cook Islands in front of a home crowd that is keen to see the “Queens of the Pacific” qualify in pole position for the semi-finals.
Cook Islands impressed with their work rate against Fiji in their opening match against here in Port Moresby. They scored first and kept pushing for more goals and on several occasions were unlucky not to add to their tally. Fitness and numbers is what let them down in the end with Fiji having a plethora of fit, young players to call on for help. If Cook Islands can repeat that performance they certainly have a chance against the hosts, but keeping it up over another 90 minutes won’t be easy.
Papua New Guinea have had a decent rest after sitting out the previous match day with a bye and are keen to return to action. Meagan Gunemba got a hat-trick against Fiji in her side’s opening victory and her poaching ability will serve coach Gary Philips game plan well. Papua New Guinea can threaten from anywhere on the park, with defender Dorcas Sesevo known for her penetrating runs from the back so Cook Islands will need to be on their toes.
Fiji will sit out Match Day 3 with a bye.
Extra Information
New Caledonia vs. Tonga
Bisini Field 2
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Saturday 11 July 2015
Kick-off: 10.30am
NCLvTGA
Referee: Robinson BANGA (VAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Mahit CHILIA (VAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Nagarita JIMMY (SOL)
Fourth Official: Gerald OIAKA (SOL)
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)
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)
Samoa vs. Solomon Islands
Bisini Field 2
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Saturday 11 July 2015
Kick-off: 12.45pm
SAMvSOL
Referee: Mel KNIGHT (NZL)
Assistant Referee 1: Nadia BROWNING (NZL))
Assistant Referee 2: Wanting YAGUM (PNG)
Fourth Official: Hillary ANI (PNG)
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)
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)
Papua New Guinea vs. Cook Islands
Bisini Field 1
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Saturday 11 July 2015
Kick-off: 3pm
PNGvCOK
Referee: George TIME (SOL)
Assistant Referee 1: Maria TAMALELAGI (SAM)
Assistant Referee 2: Charlotte PELLETIER (NCL)
Fourth Official: Tapaita LELENGA (TGA)
Papua New Guinea: 1. Fidelma WATPORE (GK), 2. Aida GEROTA, 3. Jenisa ULENGIT, 4. Judith GUNEMBA, 5. Carolyn OBI, 6. Yvonne GABONG, 7. Nicolla NIAMAN, 8. Fatima RAMA, 9. Marie KAIPU, 10. Sandra BIRUM, 11. Georgina KAIKAS, 12. Meagen GUNEMBA, 13. Ramona PADIO, 14. Kesai STEVEN, 15. Dorcas SESEVO, 16. Lucy MAINO, 17. Grace STEVEN, 18. Belinda GIADA, 19. Joelyn AIMI, 20. Lace KUNEI (GK), 21. Deslyn SINIU, 22. Barbara MUTU
Coach: Gary PHILIPS (AUS)
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)