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Scoop
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Melanesian Showdown: Papua New Guinea And Solomon Islands Set For Historic OFC Women's Nations Cup Final
Press Release – OFC Papua New Guinea are chasing back-to-back titles after lifting their maiden trophy in 2022. Standing in their way are first-time finalists Solomon Islands, who are writing a remarkable chapter in their nations football history. The stage is set for a thrilling OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025 final, as Melanesian heavyweights Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands prepare to battle for regional glory. Papua New Guinea are chasing back-to-back titles after lifting their maiden trophy in 2022. Standing in their way are first-time finalists Solomon Islands, who are writing a remarkable chapter in their nation's football history. The defending champions booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 2-1 win over hosts Fiji, with head coach Ericson Komeng praising his team's resilience. 'We've learned a lot from that game — it was all about hard work for the girls,' said Komeng. 'There's no pressure in the team, we respect Solomon Islands. They're got great football back home, with their National League. For the PNG team, we are looking forward to playing against the Solomon Islands. 'The girls have to stay focused, we believe in teamwork and we know hard work will get us there.' Captain Ramona Padio echoed her coach's message. 'For us, Solomon Islands are a good side too. And we just have to follow our coach and work hard.' Solomon Islands reached the final after a gripping 2-1 semi-final win over Samoa, a result that sparked celebrations across the nation. Head coach Moses Toata is proud of his team's journey and the opportunity to make history. 'After winning the semi-final it was a great feeling to finally make it to the finals. In the camp, the girls are excited,' said Toata. 'To reach the finals for the Solomon Islands women's team is history for us. I believe all the girls feel the same, for all their hard work and everything they put into preparation for this team.' Captain and talisman Ileen Pegi is ready for the challenge and respectful of the opposition. 'I know PNG are fighting to defend their title, so for us, we're going to go out there and work hard. I'm just humbled and proud to have this privilege to be a leader of the team, keep inspiring them. It's history for us.' With national pride and a major title on the line, Saturday's final promises passion, intensity, and history in the making for both teams.
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Melanesian Showdown: Papua New Guinea And Solomon Islands Set For Historic OFC Women's Nations Cup Final
The stage is set for a thrilling OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025 final, as Melanesian heavyweights Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands prepare to battle for regional glory. Papua New Guinea are chasing back-to-back titles after lifting their maiden trophy in 2022. Standing in their way are first-time finalists Solomon Islands, who are writing a remarkable chapter in their nation's football history. The defending champions booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 2-1 win over hosts Fiji, with head coach Ericson Komeng praising his team's resilience. 'We've learned a lot from that game — it was all about hard work for the girls,' said Komeng. 'There's no pressure in the team, we respect Solomon Islands. They're got great football back home, with their National League. For the PNG team, we are looking forward to playing against the Solomon Islands. 'The girls have to stay focused, we believe in teamwork and we know hard work will get us there.' Captain Ramona Padio echoed her coach's message. 'For us, Solomon Islands are a good side too. And we just have to follow our coach and work hard.' Solomon Islands reached the final after a gripping 2-1 semi-final win over Samoa, a result that sparked celebrations across the nation. Head coach Moses Toata is proud of his team's journey and the opportunity to make history. 'After winning the semi-final it was a great feeling to finally make it to the finals. In the camp, the girls are excited,' said Toata. 'To reach the finals for the Solomon Islands women's team is history for us. I believe all the girls feel the same, for all their hard work and everything they put into preparation for this team.' Captain and talisman Ileen Pegi is ready for the challenge and respectful of the opposition. 'I know PNG are fighting to defend their title, so for us, we're going to go out there and work hard. I'm just humbled and proud to have this privilege to be a leader of the team, keep inspiring them. It's history for us." With national pride and a major title on the line, Saturday's final promises passion, intensity, and history in the making for both teams.
ABC News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
History for Solomon Islands as they qualify for their first ever OFC Women's Nations Cup Final
The 2025 OFC Women's Nations Cup final will be an all Melanesian affair, with the defending champions Papua New Guinea taking on Solomon Islands who are through to the decider for the first time in their history. PNG made it to the final once again after a hard fought 2-1 semi-final win over the host nation Fiji, with all the goals coming in the first half. Post-match PNG's winning coach Ericson Ko-meng, was full of praise for his team's leaders, Ramona Padio and Marie Kaipu, while Fiji's Angeline Chua said her team could not have given any more. The second semi-final turned out to be a mirror image of the first, with Solomon Islands defeating Samoa 2-1 and again all the goals came before half-time. After the game Solomons' coach Moses Toata could not have been happier, and despite their loss Samoa's coach, Juan Chang Urea, sees a bright future ahead for his young team.
