Papua New Guinea have kickstarted their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ qualifying campaign with a statement 5-0 victory over Melanesian neighbours Vanuatu in Group B at Round 2 of the Oceania Qualifiers at Govind Park in Ba.
Beginning their tenth FIFA Women’s World Cup™ qualification campaign, the most of any other OFC member association, the PNG Lakatois proved to be too strong for Vanuatu, who are participating in their fourth campaign in comparison.
Papua New Guinea asserted themselves early on, effectively claiming all three points inside the first 45 minutes with three first half goals. It took only five minutes for superstar captain Ramona Padio to make her mark, linking with Marie Kaipu for the opener.
Nenny Elipas added Papua New Guinea’s second in the 15th minute, before Kaipu opened her goal-scoring account for the qualification campaign with the third just before half-time.
Vanuatu offered more resistance in the second half, with Nettie Kalsau and Leimata Simon causing problems for the opposition defence. It wasn’t enough to stop PNG from adding two more goals though, Padio setting up Phylis Pala in the 62nd minute, and Elipas scoring her second late on, to wrap up a comprehensive win.
Papua New Guinea: 5 (Ramona PADIO 5’, Nenny ELIPAS 15’, 90′, Marie KAIPU 43’, Phylis PALA 62’)
Vanuatu: 0
HT: 3-0
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek