Les Cagous, who picked up the wooden spoon in their only other appearance at the Games four years ago, defeated the Solomon Islands 3-0 in their Group A clash to make it a perfect start for the hosts after their male counterparts outclassed Vanuatu 5-0.
Celine Xolawawa got the scoring underway with poise and class, controlling the ball well with her chest before unleashing a 30-yard volley to give her side an unlikely lead on 17 minutes.
Solomon Islands failed to capitalise on some good early chances and were made to pay when Christelle Wahnawe scored twice in the second half. The New Caledonian number 9 was outstanding throughout and will be one to watch in the women’s draw.
Papua New Guinea, the only team to have won the Pacific Games since women’s football was introduced in 2003, got off to a slow start against Tahiti at PLGC stadium.
They should have gone ahead just before the break when captain Ara Midi stepped up to take a penalty but the 22 year-old couldn’t convert.
The two-time champions eventually had the goal they needed in the 75th minute when veteran Miriam Louma slotted the ball low past Tahiti goalkeeper Poronui Turana. Papua New Guinea are now second in the group behind New Caledonia on goal difference.
Group A action in the women’s tournament continues on Monday 29th at PLGC Stadium before Group B kicks off on Wednesday 31st including Cook Islands, Guam, Fiji and Tonga.

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