While Papua New Guina’s first match in the competition doesn’t take place until Thursday, 14 August against Venezuela, the team departed a week earlier to get used to conditions in China with a week long training camp.
Head coach Margaret Aka says the camp gives the team some extra time to finalise their game plan and their approach to the competition.
“We don’t have any experience, but we have talent. All my players are talented,” the former PNG international says.
“I’m not expecting big results but we are going there to show the world that we can play football.”
Papua New Guinea are in Group A with Venezuela and Slovakia, and Aka says three friendly matches against local clubs in Beijing will be a big help.
With speed, skill and attacking talent far from lacking Aka says her side has been focusing on their defensive capabilites.
“We like to attack and can attack, but our defence is the area that has been worked on a lot,” the former PNG national says.
“I’m confident the girls will gain much experience from this tournament and their exposure to different styles and levels of football from the participating countries.”
The Youth Olympic Games Football tournaments are being held from 14-27 August in Nanjing, China. Vanuatu are also representing Oceania at the games with a U-15 Boy’s team.
To see the full match schedule for the Youth Olympic Games click here

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