Papua New Guinea have triumphed in the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Tri-Nations Series following a 1-0 victory over their hosts.
Ranked 49th in the world and fresh off a 9-0 victory over the Seychelles three days earlier, Nicola Demaine’s side were clear favourites sitting 89 positions above their opponents Singapore in the rankings ahead of their encounter at Jalan Besar Stadium.
The five-time Pacific Games gold medalists showed their strengths from the outset with skilful play and quick touches in the midfield as Ramona Padio linked with forwards Marie Kaipu and Meagan Gunemba.
Singapore were tight at the back with goalkeeper Noor Kusumawati leading the defence by example.
Although deadlocked 0-0 at the break, the game’s lone goal came in the 74th minute in fortuitous circumstances for Papua New Guinea.
Having shown superb reflexes to deny a point-blank shot, Kusumawati was helpless when the ball rebounded off a teammate directly into the path of PNG substitute Sonia Emhabe who tapped it across the line.
Singapore never gave up, continuing to put pressure on PNG but the visitors were able to hold off the late charge to ensure a second win on the trot.