Papua New Guinea have progressed to Round 3 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers from Group B.

They achieved this with a 4-0 win over New Caledonia at Govind Park in Ba.  

Both teams were victors against Vanuatu in their earlier fixtures.This match shaped up as a crucial juncture in the battle for a place in the next phase of qualification. Yet, the PNG Bilums held their nerve.  

Papua New Guinea had won 7-1 in their last OFC competition meeting in 2018. Nevertheless, they were continually frustrated by New Caledonian goalkeeper Elizabeth Aben. The first half was goalless.

Aben denied both Marie Kaipu and Keren Kalapai. Ramona Padio struck the post. New Caledonia held on to stay level.

The heat began to have an effect in the second half. The tension rose significantly as well. It appeared as if the deadlock would not be broken.  

After 71 minutes, the New Caledonian resistance finally surrendered. Anashtasia Gunemba scored 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 

Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek