PNG women gearing up for Nations Cup fixtures

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE national team will focus more on their preparations over the next six weeks before their opening Oceania Football Confederation’s Women’s Nations Cup fixture against Vanuatu in Fiji on July 14, says an official.
“All teams have been preparing well, so no-one can be underestimated,” head coach Nicola Demaine told The National yesterday.
“I think Tahiti will be the tougher of the two, but I haven’t seen Vanuatu since 2019. All games will be must-win for us as our aim will be to win the group.”
Papua New Guinea are placed in Group B with Vanuatu and Tahiti.
Demaine said both team may have different styles (of play) from the past. “We will prepare our own style and work on breaking down the different tactics of our opponents,” she said.
“We have five games organised against local Under-18 men’s teams over the next month or so.
“This would give us an excellent challenge to prepare us for the tournament.”
Meanwhile, general secretary Pius Letenge said his PNG Football Association was still finalising the international friendlies and flight arrangements of the team.
“We are waiting for the Fifa window to schedule a friendly as the matches played in that period will contribute to the team’s world ranking,” he said.
“We have to confirm the friendlies first before we make travel arrangements, but our plan is to get the team into Fiji by the first week of July.
“Depending on the regulations, the travelling contingent will comprise 26 players and 12 officials, but is subjected to change.
“We are also expecting the National Gaming Control Board to release the remaining K500,000 from the K1 million commitment made by Prime Minister James Marape to support the national team.”
Fixtures: July 14 – PNG v Vanuatu; July 17 – Tahiti v PNG (ANZ Stadium, Suva, Fiji).