As the Lae-based stadium is currently preparing to host another event, the OFC Women’s Nations Cup Local Organising Committee could not confirm the stadium’s readiness for the proposed competition dates.
In consultation with the LOC, the local Sports Foundation, participating nations and other interested parties, it was decided the best alternative was to switch the location of Oceania’s premier women’s football tournament.
This allows Papua New Guinea to retain hosting rights and the scheduled competition dates, 25-29 October, to remain unchanged.
Located in Papua New Guinea’s north in the province of East New Britain, Kokopo is situated on the coast 30km from Rabaul.
With a buzzing market and plenty of atmosphere to soak up on the waterfront, Kokopo has plenty of new sights, sounds and culture to offer the visiting nations, and its coastal location and picturesque landscape hint at why this is a growing tourist destination.
Four teams are participating in this year’s event, hosts Papua New Guinea, defending champions New Zealand, Cook Islands and Tonga.
OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas says he is satisfied with the response by the LOC in making the venue switch.
“Taking the OFC Women’s Nations Cup to a new and exciting destination is a great way to mark the tenth edition of this prestigious women’s event.
“The LOC has moved swiftly to ensure all will be in readiness for the tournament and we’re sure Kokopo will make a good job of its host city responsibilities,” he says.
As well as the incentive of qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™, for the three Pacific Island nations taking part, preparing for the 2015 Pacific Games is also in the back of their minds.
Both Tonga and Papua New Guinea have had their preparations take them to Australia as they look to showcase their development over the past four years.
The round robin format of the event means competition will be fierce among the four participating nations, with the draw setting up some do-or-die encounters from the outset.
For Tonga the opening day of the tournament on 25 October will be a difficult one as they face the defending champions New Zealand, currently ranked 19th in the world. The best results for the Kingdom in this competition was a third place finish in 2007 and they will be looking to lift themselves further up the rankings with strong performances in Kokopo.
New Zealand have proven themselves the team to beat since Australia’s departure from the Confederation in 2006. With two consecutive World Cup appearances already under their belts the side will be looking to add a third with this campaign. And with a side brimming with professional players getting experience in top leagues around the world, they retain their favourites tag going into this year’s event.
Papua New Guinea meanwhile will get their campaign underway against the Cook Islands. The hosts have a strong history in the competition having finished runners-up to the Football Ferns in both 2010 and 2007, as well as claiming four consecutive third place finished between 1991 and 2003.
The Cook Islands have been inactive on the international stage since participating in the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia where in their three Group B matches they recorded a win, draw and loss.
The winner of the 2014 OFC Women’s Nations Cup will represent OFC at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ being held from 6 June to 5 July 2015.
Kick-off times are yet to be confirmed.
2014 OFC Women’s Nations Cup match schedule:
Match Day 1:
25 October
New Zealand vs. Tonga
Papua New Guinea vs. Cook Islands
Match Day 2:
27 October
Tonga vs. Cook Islands
Papua New Guinea vs. New Zealand
Match Day 3:
29 October
Cook Islands vs. New Zealand
Tonga vs. Papua New Guinea
To view the match schedule click here . Note, kick off times are yet to be confirmed.

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