Papua New Guinea have won the OFC Women’s Nations Cup, defeating host nation Fiji 2-1 in the final in Suva on SAT 30 JUL 2022. They advance to the playoffs for a chance to qualify for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

PNG entered the tournament as favourites and leapt out to a 2-0 lead after 30 minutes. Captain Meagan GUNEMBA opened the scoring, followed by a free kick by Ramona PADIO that slipped through the hands of Fijian keeper Seruwaia VASUITOGA. A header at the far post by Cema NASAU drew Fiji back within one goal late in the first half. However, the equaliser that would have delighted the home crowd never came, as PNG keeper Faith KASIRAY made several vital saves to preserve the victory.

PNG advance to the playoffs, where they join Cameroon, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Haiti, Panama, Paraguay, Senegal, and Thailand, along with an UEFA team to be determined. The seven playoff matches, to be played in New Zealand in FEB 2023, will decide the last three teams to take part in the Women’s World Cup. With New Zealand qualifying automatically as cohost, the possibility remains that the OFC will send two teams to the Women’s World Cup for the first time ever.