PNG face hosts for 3rd spot

PAPUA New Guinea are so bent on finishing their Women’s Nations Cup campaign on a positive note that “even the badly injured are putting their hands up to play”, says an official.
Following their 5-1 semifinal loss to group B runners-up Fiji on Wednesday, a third-place finish is all PNG can play for when they meet hosts New Caledonia at Stade Numa-Daly Magenta in Noumea tomorrow.
Assistant coach Margaret Aka told The National from New Caledonia yesterday that the semifinal loss – which denied PNG a fourth consecutive appearance in the final – was unfortunate.
“(We) weren’t good enough in our defensive efforts, apart from lack of fitness,” Aka said.
“The players dug deep but our opponents were more prepared than us.
“We knew we could do better than what we did.
“However, that game has gone and we are now focused on the third-place play off.
“The girls should recover to play the last game.
“Even the badly injured are putting their hands up to play, which is something special.”
Aka said Ramona Padio, Faith Kasiray and Theresah Boie were under an injury cloud.
“Marie Kaipu has a medical condition, restricting her from playing, and a couple more other minor injuries,” she said.
“No one is resting until we are done.
“We are not taking New Caledonia lightly, as they will prepare to dent our hopes of a third-place finish.”
PNG beat New Caledonia 6-2 in the group stage and will be aiming for another victory to restore some pride.
New Zealand face Fiji in the final, with the winners qualifying for next year’s women’s World Cup in France.