Papua New Guinea Bilums kickstarted their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying campaign with a statement 5-0 victory over Melanesian neighbors Vanuatu in Group B at Round 2 of the Oceania Qualifiers at Govind Park in Ba, Fiji.
Beginning their tenth FIFA Women’s World Cup™ qualification campaign, the most of any other OFC member association, the Bilums proved to be too strong for Vanuatu, who are participating in their fourth campaign in comparison.
PNG asserted themselves early on, effectively claiming all three points inside the first 45 minutes with three first half goals. It took only five minutes for superstar captain Ramona Padio to make her mark, linking with Marie Kaipu for the opener.
Nenny Elipas added the Bilums’ second goal in the 15th minute, before Kaipu opened her goal-scoring account for the qualification campaign with the third just before half-time.
Vanuatu offered more resistance in the second half, with Nettie Kalsau and Leimata Simon causing problems for the opposition defense. It wasn’t enough to stop PNG from adding two more goals though, Padio setting up Phylis Pala in the 62nd minute, and Elipas scoring her second late on, to wrap up a comprehensive win.
In a post-match interview, captain and player of the match Padio Ramona highlighted the team’s performance in their victory over Vanuatu.
“The game today was tough but everyone put their effort to work hard for this tournament so I am really happy with our girl’s performance and big thank you to the Creator above, because of him we are alive and well,” she stated.
Ramona said Bilums next focus is at Fiji women stating that they are the good side and that Bilums must never underestimate them. She added that Bilums would celebrate their victory for now and look forward for the next game.
“To the supporters and families back home, thank you for your support and prayers that made us to win this game,” she concluded.
Papua New Guinea: 5 (Ramona PADIO 5’, Nenny ELIPAS 15’, 90′, Marie KAIPU 43’, Phylis PALA 62’)
Vanuatu: 0
HT: 3-0