Gunemba named region’s best U20 woman

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The National, Monday February 24th, 2014

 THE country’s hopes of soccer World Cup debut is in tatters, with the national Under-20 women falling 3-0 to New Zealand on Saturday.

The final of the Oceania Football Confederation U20 women’s World Cup qualifiers stuck to form book. 

But Papua New Guinea took a giant step towards soccer maturity with Meagan Gunemba winning the Golden Ball as player of the tournament.

NZ striker Emma Rol­ston won the Golden Boot with four goals, Tongan goalkeeper Tan­gimausia Ma’afu the Golden Gloves and the Fair-Play award went to Vanuatu.

PNG coach Rachel Wadunah gave credit to her side for pushing the home side all the way at Mangere Central Park, in Auckland, despite the defeat.

The loss means the Kiwis have qualified for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Canada later this year.

“I’m very impressed with my girls because they could hold New Zealand in the first half to 1-0 and in the second half they did very well to hold New Zealand again,” the Madang-based Wadunah said. 

“The own goal was unfortunate but otherwise, I am very, very impressed with my girls.” 

Victorious coach Aaron McFarland said he was ecstatic to be heading to the World Cup.

“PNG came to the game with a lot of energy and made life difficult for us, which is exactly what we want,” McFarland said.

“I think a lot of kudos has to go to the island nations where they’re putting a lot of resources into the women’s game and its paying dividends.

“Physically they challenged us with their speed of pressing and they wanted to play in possession as well, which gave us some challenge so we’re very pleased to come through with the win.”

Belinda Van Noorden opened the scoring in the 10th minute after cutting inside her defender and firing home. 

Dangerous counterattacks saw the NZ backline kept on their toes, although goalkeeper Lily Alfeld was rarely challenged. 

But it took until the 86 minute before substitute Jasmine Pereira thumped the ball into the back corner with her first touch of the match.

The Junior Football Ferns sealed victory in the final few minutes of additional time, with an unfortunate own goal from PNG captain, Rumona Morris.