PNG ready for Vanuatu

By PATRICIA KEAMO
HEAD coach Nicola Demaine says she is looking to improve her national team’s combinations as they finalise preparations for Thursday’s Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Nations Cup opener against Vanuatu.
They beat the Solomon Islands 5-0 in an international friendly match at Uprising Resort Football Park in Navua, Fiji, on Saturday.
“It was to try combinations and ideas, and field some rookies,” Demaine told The National yesterday.
Forward Asaiso Gossie opened scoring for PNG in the first half before midfielder Ramona Padio’s goal sent PNG into the break with a 2-0 lead.
A Charlie Yanding double after the break went unanswered before skipper Yvonne Gabong sealed the win with a fifth goal for the five-time Pacific Games gold medallists.
“It’s great to have Yvonne back,” Demaine said.
“Meagan Gunemba began with the captaincy before Yvonne came on after the break and scored.
“It was good to play against women after all the (domestic friendly) games against male teams.
“I am not taking anything from the result, but it was good for the players’ confidence.
“It’s nice to see the things we have been developing come to life on the field as well as first goals for Asaiso and Charlie (on her debut).
“For now, we need to tidy up our set pieces and work on how to manage the game in the final 10 minutes.”
PNG’s second Nations Cup match is against Tahiti in the group stage on Sunday.
Fixtures: Thurs, July 14 – PNG v Vanuatu; Sun, July 17 – PNG V Tahiti.