PNG to vie for U20 Fifa World Cup spot at c’ship

PAPUA New Guinea will be one of ten teams competing next month in the Oceania Football Confederation Under-19 Championship in Fiji which serves as the qualifier for the U20 Fifa Women’s World Cup next year.
OFC confirmed the draws on Tuesday with PNG slated in Group B with the hosts Fiji and defending champions New Zealand.
In Group A is New Caledonia, Samoa, Vanuatu and Tonga while Tahiti is pooled in Group C with Solomon Islands and Cook Islands.
OFC tournament director Chris Kemp said the championship was not held since 2019 when New Zealand won the title and the confederation was excited to see its return.
“The matches for Group A will be hosted in Lautoka while Suva will host the Group B and C fixtures,” said Kemp.
The ten sides were split into three groups; one group of four and two groups of three.
“The three group winners, three runners-up and two highest placed teams will qualify for the quarterfinals,” Kemp said.
“The eventual winner will be crowned champions for the region and will qualify for the Fifa U20 World Cup in 2024.”
Meanwhile, PNG is yet to select a squad for the tournament which is just a month away.
PNG Football Association technical director Percy Mataio said selection trials would be conducted in Lae, Madang, Ramu and Port Moresby to pick a side that would be coached by Susanne Watpore.
Mataio on Wednesday told The National that Northern conference, particularly Lae and Madang, have begun selection trials where local member associations have been invited to send their best U19 players to attend.