PNG one win away from defending OFC Women’s Nations Cup crown

Papua New Guinea's Ramona Padio celebrates her goal with the rest of the team during the OFC Women's Nations Cup semi Final against Fiji at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Fiji *(Image: Kirk Corrie / OFC)*

Papua New Guinea are one step closer to retaining their OFC Women’s Nations Cup title after edging hosts Fiji 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final clash at HFC Stadium in Suva.

Ericson Komeng’s side displayed cohesion and control throughout the match, bolstered by seven starters from Hekari United Women’s FC. Their chemistry on the pitch proved crucial in weathering Fiji’s spirited challenge.

Striker Marie Kaipu was a constant threat up front, combining well with Michaelyne Butubu and Keren Kalapai. Fiji, meanwhile, relied on the blistering pace of Narieta Leba to launch counter-attacks.

The return of midfield general Ramona Padio, who missed last month’s friendlies between the two nations in Port Moresby, had an immediate impact. In the 26th minute, her precise cross was met by Kalapai, who headed home to give PNG the lead.

Just minutes later, Padio nearly doubled the advantage, forcing a sharp near-post save from 18-year-old Fijian goalkeeper Emily Esposito. But the veteran midfielder was not to be denied. In the 33rd minute, she unleashed a powerful 30-metre strike that bounced awkwardly in front of Esposito and slipped into the net to make it 2-0.

PNG's forward Mavis Singara contesting against her Fijian opponent Trina Davis *(Image: Kirk Corrie / OFC)*

Fiji responded instantly. From the restart, a long ball found Leba, who recovered after a stumble to rifle a low shot past PNG keeper Lavinia Hola, cutting the deficit in half.

The hosts surged forward in search of an equaliser. Leba squared a dangerous ball to Trina Davis just before halftime, but the forward couldn’t connect. Shortly after the break, Cema Nasau tested Hola with a close-range strike, but the PNG keeper was equal to the task.

Fiji coach Angeline Chua made a bold move at the interval, replacing Davis with 14-year-old Adi Reva, but PNG’s experience and game management began to shine through. They raised their intensity, controlled possession, and calmly saw out the match.

Fiji captain Maria Veronika made a crucial goal-line clearance with 20 minutes to play, and the hosts piled on the pressure late, but couldn’t find the finishing touch to force extra time.

In a repeat of the 2022 final, PNG once again prevailed 2-1 over Fiji, dashing the hosts' hopes of redemption. Fiji now shift focus to Saturday’s third-place playoff, while Papua New Guinea await the winner of the Solomon Islands vs Samoa semi-final in the championship decider.