Papua New Guinea have sealed their progression to Round 3 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers from Group B, with a 4-0 win over New Caledonia at Govind Park in Ba.
Both victors against Vanuatu in their previous fixtures, this one shaped as a crucial juncture in the battle for a place in the next phase of qualification, but it was the PNG Bilums who held their nerve.
Papua New Guinea had won 7-1 when the two last met in OFC competition in 2018 but were continually frustrated by New Caledonian goalkeeper Elizabeth Aben in a goalless first half. Aben denied both Marie Kaipu and Keren Kalapai, whilst Ramona Padio struck the post as New Caledonia held on to stay level.
As the heat began to have an effect and the tension rose in the second half, it appeared as if the deadlock would not be broken.
After 71 minutes however, the New Caledonian resistance finally surrendered – Anashtasia Gunemba getting the decisive goal for Papua New Guinea from a corner delivery.
That opened the floodgates, and Kalapai, Meagen Gunemba and Calista Maneo all added late goals as Papua New Guinea booked their ticket to Round 3 with a game to spare.
New Caledonia: 0
Papua New Guinea: 4 (Anashtasia GUNEMBA 71’, Keren KALAPAI 90′, Meagen GUNEMBA 90+4′, Calista MANEO 90+6′)
HT: 0-0
Fiji joined Papua New Guinea in securing their place in Round 3 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers from Group B, with a 1-0 victory over Vanuatu on home soil at Govind Park in Ba later in the day.
Their progression completes the semi-final line-up for the qualification process, with New Zealand and American Samoa also advancing from Group A.
Sofi Diyalowai scored the decisive goal for the Kulas in the 20th minute – the third of her qualification campaign following on from her Player of the Match performance in Fiji’s prior win over New Caledonia.
Vanuatu arguably had the better chances through the remainder of the contest though, Nettie Kalsau clipping the top of the crossbar, and Leimata Simon creating problems during the opening stanza.
Chasing an upset to finish their campaign, Vanuatu continued to press in the second half but found no reward for their efforts.
Simon forced Ka’iulani Scott to tip away and Valerie Viralolokwai missed from close range, as Fiji held on for a decisive three points.
Thursday’s fixtures mark the end of the qualifying campaign for both New Caledonia and Vanuatu, with Fiji and Papua New Guinea set to battle for top spot in Group B in their rescheduled fixture on Sunday.
Vanuatu: 0
Fiji: 1 (Sofi DIYALOWAI 20’)
HT: 0-1
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek