The 23-player squad is currently undergoing a two week intensive training camp and are so far undefeated in two friendly matches with one finishing in a draw.
Coach Gary Phillips is happy with the overall structure of the women’s game but says focus still remains an issue for several members of the squad.
“It was good we had plenty of possession and we totally dominated the game with good intensity and ball movement throughout,” Phillips describes.
“In our second match, even though we didn’t concede any goals, I was happy with the improvements in our defensive structure.”
Phillips says the results have given the players confidence in the new methods being introduced and the opportunities being created up front, particularly by some of the new starting players, is also encouraging.
“It’s very pleasing to see the commitment and intensity from the girls over 90 minutes,” he says.
“I was impressed with our defenstive structure and organisation which has been our focus during the three week training camp at Lae Academy before we came to the Gold Coast.
The team have one last friendly before they return to Papua New Guinea mid-week. The side will head straight to Lae to continue their training camp ahead of next month’s OFC Women’s Nations Cup.
Four sides have been confirmed for the Oceania qualifier for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Hosts Papua New Guinea will play defending champions New Zealand, Tonga and Cook Islands.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg
PNG progress pleasing for coach
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