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Scoop
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Melanesian Showdown: Papua New Guinea And Solomon Islands Set For Historic OFC Women's Nations Cup Final
Press Release – OFC Papua New Guinea are chasing back-to-back titles after lifting their maiden trophy in 2022. Standing in their way are first-time finalists Solomon Islands, who are writing a remarkable chapter in their nations football history. The stage is set for a thrilling OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025 final, as Melanesian heavyweights Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands prepare to battle for regional glory. Papua New Guinea are chasing back-to-back titles after lifting their maiden trophy in 2022. Standing in their way are first-time finalists Solomon Islands, who are writing a remarkable chapter in their nation's football history. The defending champions booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 2-1 win over hosts Fiji, with head coach Ericson Komeng praising his team's resilience. 'We've learned a lot from that game — it was all about hard work for the girls,' said Komeng. 'There's no pressure in the team, we respect Solomon Islands. They're got great football back home, with their National League. For the PNG team, we are looking forward to playing against the Solomon Islands. 'The girls have to stay focused, we believe in teamwork and we know hard work will get us there.' Captain Ramona Padio echoed her coach's message. 'For us, Solomon Islands are a good side too. And we just have to follow our coach and work hard.' Solomon Islands reached the final after a gripping 2-1 semi-final win over Samoa, a result that sparked celebrations across the nation. Head coach Moses Toata is proud of his team's journey and the opportunity to make history. 'After winning the semi-final it was a great feeling to finally make it to the finals. In the camp, the girls are excited,' said Toata. 'To reach the finals for the Solomon Islands women's team is history for us. I believe all the girls feel the same, for all their hard work and everything they put into preparation for this team.' Captain and talisman Ileen Pegi is ready for the challenge and respectful of the opposition. 'I know PNG are fighting to defend their title, so for us, we're going to go out there and work hard. I'm just humbled and proud to have this privilege to be a leader of the team, keep inspiring them. It's history for us.' With national pride and a major title on the line, Saturday's final promises passion, intensity, and history in the making for both teams.
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Vanuatu And Papua New Guinea End Campaigns With Low-Key Draw
Press Release – OFC Papua New Guinea had already confirmed their entry to the tournament, virtue of their two earlier wins and with little at stake, the match perhaps understandably lacked the pace and bite seen from both sides up to this point. Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea concluded their qualifying campaign for the OFC U-16 Men's Championship 2025 on match day three in Nuku'alofa with a 0-0 draw. Papua New Guinea had already confirmed their entry to the tournament, virtue of their two earlier wins and with little at stake, the match perhaps understandably lacked the pace and bite seen from both sides up to this point. It was a ninety minutes low of chances, though Papua New Guinea did show plenty of signs of the threat that led them to score a combined 12 goals across their first two matches. Boas Tommy – who has been in fine goal scoring form this week – had the best chance to break the deadlock. Usually so clinical in front of goal however, the forward headed wide when unmarked six yards from goal. Vanuatu may well look back at their time in Nuku'alofa with no shortage of frustration. They performed well here against a strong Papua New Guinea side and had they been able to convert one of their two previous draws in the tournament into three points, it could have been a very different story. Preparations can now begin for Papua New Guinea, as they look ahead to the OFC U-16 Men's Championship, to be held in the Solomon Islands this August. Matthew Witu's side will join Group A, alongside Cook Islands, Fiji and Tahiti.
