A goal two minutes into the second half by Iran substitute Fatemah Ardestani was enough to break Papua New Guinea hearts and leave Michael Robinson’s team needing a win over Turkey to stay in medal contention.
Coach Robinson is disappointed to have lost the match but says it is important to remain positive.
“Rumona Morris and Cathura Ramoni were outstanding for us tonight but we have to get back on the training pitch,” he says.
“There are a few things we need to fix before we play Turkey. We made some mistakes in the match but we will be positive, it’s important to keep everyone’s heads up for our next match.”
Papua New Guinea dominated the first 15 minutes, with Georgina Kaikas the main attacking threat, but missed three gilt-edged chances. Iran somehow survived the opening onslaught before momentum tipped their way halfway through the first half.
Goalkeeper Cathura Ramoi denied Fatemah Adeli and Aynaz Fallah with two important saves just before the break but she was unable to do anything about Iran’s stunning second-half opener.
Sarshin Kamangar, who was in superb form, beat three Papua New Guinea players before Fallah whipped over a dangerous cross that fell to Behnaz Taherkhani.
With only Ramoi to beat, Taherkhani’s shot smashed against the base of the post and, with the Papua New Guinea defence in disarray, Ardestani fired the ball into the net.
Papua New Guinea’s search for an equaliser came up short as Iran’s dogged defending restricted them to a handful of chances.
Iran coach Shahrzad Mozafar was relieved at the final whistle.
“The first 15 minutes were very bad for us. I thought Papua New Guinea would score. But our goal just after half time was a turning point for us. We got better after that,” he says.
A disappointed Georgina Kaikas says the team tried their best and are disappointed to have come up just short.
“Dinna Awele and Carolyn Obi played well for our team but we just lost. We will play better against Turkey,” Kaikas says.
Papua New Guinea play Turkey in their final group match on Wednesday 18 August, kick off is at 6pm local time.
Results
12 August
Turkey 4
Iran 2
15 August
Iran 1
Papua New Guinea 0