The PNG’s under 19 Women’s National Team Coach Susan Watpore is expecting an improved performance from her side when they play host nation Fiji in their second and final pool game at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this afternoon.
Watpore will be calling on the services of Australia-based Malinu Raminai to start in the forwards along with Nenny Elipas. Watpore said she is confident that her girls will put on a good show in the final match.
“We know that Fiji with the home ground advantage will come out much stronger in the afternoon. Both Fiji (3-0) and PNG (11-0) lost to New Zealand, so the match will be just a formality to determine who finish second in Group B.”
The Coach said PNG will take the first loss with positivity going into the final match against Fiji.
“We have learnt a lot in our first game and we should give our best against the home side this afternoon.”
Fiji Kulas is adamant to make a comeback today when they face Papua New Guinea in their second pool game.
Meanwhile, despite the 3-0 loss against New Zealand, Fiji head coach Angeline Chua believes her side has what it takes to secure a win against their PNG counterpart side.
“We were able to pick out all our weaknesses since our game with New Zealand, and we are ready to take on PNG.”
Chua said their target of qualifying for the group stage of the championship had not changed and they were focused on achieving their target.
“We will follow our game plan, that’s the only way we will be able to tackle PNG.
“Even though they lost 11-0 to New Zealand, we will not be underestimating their ability to make a comeback as well.”
She said her players had been recovering well from their last game and would expect a tough match today. Team list for today’s game against Fiji;
Goal Keeper: Globes Miag
Defenders: Zaikainah Kiasaka, Raynata Samuel, Kelly Robin, Mayah Samai Midfield: Sagude Zale, Mareerose Wadunah, Aileen David, Christie Maneu
Forward: Nenny Elipas, Malinu Raminai .