PORT MORESBY: The Solomon Islands made a promising debut on the women’s international scene by holding their more fancied opponents Papua New Guinea to a nil all draw in the opening match of the 2004 OFC Under 19 Women’s Qualifying Tournament in Port Moresby today.
In front of a vocal partisan crowd of just over 1000 people at Lloyd Robson Oval, the host nation struggled to impose themselves on the visitors who competed for every possession from start to finish.
Both sides had many clear cut chances to score but the too often promising attacking movements broke down on the final pass or the finishing was poor. PNG displayed better control on the ball not surprisingly, given their advantage in experience and playing at home.
Solomons goalkeeper Betty Sade was superb for the visitors thwarting many PNG shots on goal, particularly in the second half when PNG threatened to finally break the deadlock. Midfielders Esther Buga and Vanessa Inifiri looked impressive in their first international.
For PNG, the experienced Neilen Limbai was all over the pitch and did an admirable job for coach, John Davani when she was taken from her usual strike role to fill the hole in defence when the Solomons looked threatening.
With both teams tiring in the latter stages of the game, the scoring chances increased but the finishing again left a lot to be desired. It was a competitive, albeit mistake-ridden game, but as a spectacle, the match was played in a positive spirit and appreciated by the fans who were kept to the edge of their seats.
PNG has a bye for the second round as Australia plays its first match of the 2004 OFC Under 19 Women’s Qualifying Tournament on Thursday, 22 April against the Solomon Islands. The final match is this Saturday between PNG and Australia.
Match 1: PNG vs Solomon Islands / Statistical Review
Full-time score: 0-0
Half-time score: 0-0
Scorers: none
Cautions: none
Expulsions: none
Weather: humid, light breeze
Crowd attendance: 1012
Match Officials:
Referee: Jacqui Melksham (Australia)
Assistant Referee 1: Michelle Treloar (Australia)
Assistant Referee 2: Sarah Ho (Australia)
Fourth Official: Paul Lynch (Cook Islands)
Match Commissioner: George Dick (Australia)
Referee Inspector: Ken Wallace (New Zealand)
Team Line-ups (& Substitutes)
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
20 Kiwi Toba GK
2 Beverly Bilie (-45′)
3 Edith Sabaewa
4 Martha Kiapin
7 Cecily Dobbin
9 Patricia Logha (-81′)
10 Caroline Moeder
12 Samantha Peninsa
15 Aileen Lepani (-26′)
16 Jacqueline Chalau
18 Neilen Limbai
Subs:
1 Josepha Nion
5 Karen Dobbin (+26′)
6 Esther Muta
8 Cecilia Dobbin (+45′)
11 Talita Dobbin
13 Francisca Mandoni
14 Ludy Sabaewa (+81′)
17 Jenny Mogi
19 Helen Samba
Coach: John Davani
SOLOMON ISLANDS
1 Betty Sade GK
2 Rose Gwali
3 Gael Donga (-65′)
5 Elsie Ringi
6 Rafe Akau Belo
8 Fiona Komole
9 Esther Buga
10 Ellen Vakatao (-45′)
11 Ednah Donga (-83′)
17 Vanessa Inifiri
18 Mary Dongai
Subs:
4 Belinda Susana
7 Elizabeth Kalae (+45′)
12 Noelyn Wagapu
13 Julie Oge
14 Alice Suluna
15 Lisa Malefo (+65′)
16 Margaret Pisu (+83′)
19 Lavinia Daonanita
20 Mendilyn Pita
Coach: Rex Masuaka