U19 side out of c’ship

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Papua New Guinea women’s Under-19 team bowed out of the Oceania U19 Championship yesterday after losing to Fiji 2-0 but not without putting in an improved performance coming off their 11-0 thrashing on Sunday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The loss means the team will not progress to the quarterfinals as one of the best third-placed teams due to having an inferior goal difference.
Head coach Susanne Watpore said the team put up a fight against the host side and hopes that PNG Football Association (PNFA) can recognise the players’ efforts and seriously look at developing pathways for juniors.
“I thank the girls for showing their fighting spirit, I’m proud of the performance today (yesterday),” Watpore said.
“If only we been prepared for three to four months, I believe we would have given more challenge to the other countries but I think we’ve learned a lot from the game today.
“I’m proud of the goalkeeper, they (Fiji) should have scored more but she saved the day for us and I’m happy for her.”
Fiji’s Kasanita Tabua, 16, struck a left-footed shot into the corner of the net after 40 minutes before Evivi Buka slotted in the second goal four minutes into injury time to secure their quarterfinal spot in the tournament.
Both sides had multiple chances with Seruwaia Laulaba coming close in the first half on a couple of occasions for Fiji while Nenny Elipas almost scored late in the spell for PNG.
The hosts dominated the early stages Watpore’s side came more composed into the game as the half progressed.
The PNG side will lament failing to convert any of their numerous opportunities from what was a vastly improved performance following their 11-0 hammering by New Zealand in their opening Group match. on Sunday.