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<\/p>\nPapua New Guinea (PNG) are one step closer to the 2027 FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup in Brazil after edging American S\u0101moa in a hard-fought Oceania qualifiers semi-final in Hamilton on Saturday.<\/p>\n
After two intense rounds of qualifications, it took just one moment to separate the sides and PNG made it count.<\/p>\n
Captain Ramona Padio praised her team\u2019s discipline and determination after the win.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m very happy with the girls’ performance,\u201d Padio told OFC Media. \u201cIt was tough, but we stuck to what our coaches told us, so we managed to get a goal.\u201d<\/p>\n
That goal came right on half-time when Keren Kalapai capitalised on a long throw from goalkeeper Betty Sam. Breaking through one-on-one, Kalapai kept her composure to finish low into the bottom-left corner.<\/p>\n
It proved to be the decisive moment.<\/p>\n
American S\u0101moa pushed hard after the break and created chances of their own. But PNG\u2019s defence held firm to seal the result and extend their unbeaten run in the tournament.<\/p>\n
The win keeps PNG firmly on track in their World Cup push, with a place in the intercontinental play-offs already secured. But their focus now shifts to the final and their toughest challenge yet.<\/p>\n
For American S\u0101moa, the defeat brings an emotional end to a remarkable campaign.<\/p>\n
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Goal scorer Keren Kalapai of Papua New Guinea. Photo\/OFC Media\/Phototek <\/p>\n
Ranked 153rd in the world coming into the tournament, they defied expectations to reach the semi-finals, upsetting higher-ranked teams and building a tight-knit culture within the squad.<\/p>\n
Head coach Amanda Cromwell admitted her side struggled to unlock PNG\u2019s defence, saying it was \u201chard to playmake\u201d, while captain Anaiyah Tu\u2019ua reflected on the team\u2019s journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so thankful for my teammates,\u201d she said after the match. \u201cWho would\u2019ve thought these girls would become my sisters in less than six months?\u201d<\/p>\n
The result sets up a Pacific final against the Football Ferns, who were dominant in their 5-0 win over Fiji in the other semi-final.<\/p>\n
Kelli Brown opened the scoring before captain Kate Taylor added another with a headed finish from Michaela Foster\u2019s cross.<\/p>\n
New Zealand head coach Michael Mayne credited Fiji\u2019s physicality, particularly goalkeeper Mereseini Waqali.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the keeper made a couple outstanding saves\u2026 but now it’s what we need to do in the next couple of days to take another step forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fiji showed resilience in the second half, tightening up defensively, but couldn\u2019t match the Kiwis across the full 90 minutes.<\/p>\n
All eyes now turn to Wednesday\u2019s final at Auckland\u2019s North Harbour Stadium at 7pm (NZT) where Papua New Guinea will look to continue their historic run against a New Zealand side chasing another World Cup appearance.<\/p>\n