PNG Bilums Smash New Caledonia

The PNG Bilums thumped New Caledonia with a commanding 4-0 win in the FIFA World Cup Women’s Oceania Qualifiers today (March 5) at Govind Park, Ba, Fiji. 

A physical 45-minute contest saw both teams struggle to open up the game and break the deadlock, with the score remaining at nil-all at half-time.

The arm wrestle and intensity continued in the first 20 minutes of the second half before PNG found their groove to punish New Caledonia.

With a lion's share of possession, PNG opened the scoring in the 71st minute after Ramona Padio delivered a decisive corner kick that rebounded off the goalkeeper, and Anashtasia Gunemba netted the first goal.

The Bilums exerted their dominance following Gunemba’s goal, with Keren Kalapai, Meagen Gunemba, and Calista Maneo registering a goal each in the stoppage time and blowing the New Caledonian girls off the pitch. 

PNG thrashed Vanuatu in the opener (5-0) and stamped their authority against New Caledonia (4-0), topping the Group B standings. They are now looking forward to their next match against Fiji.