OFC Women's Nations Cup 2022

They were present with some of their teammates at the Madang Soccer Association grand final matches, which started on Saturday and ended yesterday at Laiwaden Oval.

Gabong, a local girl from Nabasa Street, said she was excited to be home in her capacity as co-captain of the PNG WNT, where she encouraged more young girls to take up soccer.

“There are challenges in life but if you are passionate about football, you can achieve the dream like we (PNGWNT) have achieved,” she said.

“It’s about passion and personal sacrifice to achieve something in life.”

The team arrived to a rousing reception from PNGFA officials, players, sponsors, families and football fans at the Jackson International airport terminal.

After previously finishing as runners-up on three occasions, PNG finally came home as champions, after they were crowned champions of the Oceania Nation Cup. Apart from securing the trophy, the girls have also qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Play-Off Tournament.

The Governor General and Lady Emeline Dadae had earlier shared a short video on the

Government House Facebook page cheering and congratulating the women’s soccer team for advancing to the final match with Fiji.

Grand Chief Sir Bob, a soccer fan and enthusiast, has been following the women’s team’s progress closely and watching every match on television.  

Marape said it was the "best news" for PNG after a week of bad news about election-related violence.

"Papua New Guinea wanted something to be happy about, especially after all the bad news about election-related violence, and that's exactly what our young women soccer stars delivered tonight," he said.

"We came together as one people, one country, one nation tonight.Our young women warriors united us all after all the disunity caused during the elections.

"I joined in with the rest of the country watching the game and am one very proud Papua New Guinean.

After previously finishing as runners-up on three occasions PNG can finally call themselves champions of Oceania after first-half goals from Meagen Gunemba and Ramona Padio secured the trophy, as well as qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Play-Off Tournament.

The game began at a frenetic pace, both sides showcasing their exciting attacking play with Cema Nasau and Trina Davis coming close for Fiji while Lucy Maino headed wide for PNG.

He said PNG’s young women soccer stars were the “best news” for PNG after all the bad news about election-related violence.

“Our young women are indeed a breath of fresh air for PNG after all the gloom and doom stories about election-related violence,” he said.

“Today, I join with the rest of our nation in celebrating the win of our women’s soccer team, who have brought great pride to us all.”