PNG edge Singapore

SONIA Embahe netted the winner as the national women’s football team edged hosts Singapore 1-0 in the FAS Tri-Nations Series at Jalan Besar Stadium on Monday.
Singapore defenders were kept busy as coach Nicola Demaine’s Papua New Guinea poured forward in the first half, but the world No.135 Lionesses managed to keep the visitors at bay.
A switch in formation gave the hosts added bite up front as Putri Nur Syaliza Sazali shifted to the left wing.
Forward Stephanie Dominguez also moved into a more central role, allowing Singapore to create several chances as they ventured more into PNG’s half.
But the visitors were not to be denied, as they finally broke the deadlock in the 74th minute.
Defender Lavina Hola whipped in a cross from the right for Emhabe to bundle the ball past Singapore goalkeeper Noor Kusumawati and wrap up the friendly tournament.
The hosts came close to equalising in the 83rd minute when Danelle Tan punted a long ball to substitute Ho Hui Xin, whose effort went just wide.
Demaine said she was happy with how her charges managed to improve in certain aspects of their game from their 9-0 win over Seychelles last Friday.
“It was such a good challenge from Singapore that we’ve had some things that were highlighted and that we need to work on,” she said.
“But we’re obviously happy to get the win.”
Player-of-the-match Marie Kaipu noted how it was hard to penetrate Singapore’s defence and was proud of how her team performed in their first international outing since the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.
“Singapore are strong,” the Hekari United forward said.
“In 2014, when PNG came to Singapore, they played very well.
“But now, we had a hard time to score. It’s a good opportunity for us to come here as this will help us prepare (for Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Nations Cup).” – straitstimes