Cook Islands And Papua New Guinea Draw Following Late Penalty Drama

With just three nations comprising the qualifying phase, a winning start for either side would put them in poll position to advance, with American Samoa lying in wait on match day two.

It was Papua New Guinea who got the perfect start, opening the scoring after just nine minutes, with Anjelika Raminai taking advantage of space afforded to her in the penalty area and finishing from close range.

It was a lead that was almost doubled minutes later. April Sinowai breaking free and poking an effort beyond Cook Islands goalkeeper Moerai Ngametua, only to see the ball roll agonisingly wide of the far post.

The host side almost restored parity in the closing moments. Mamia Piri-Savage's effort from range spilled just the wrong side of the post by 'keeper Helina George. The stopper making up for her error from the resulting corner, with an outstanding low save to ensure Papua New Guinea led heading into the interval.

Whatever words were exchanged at the break certainly had an effect for the home side, as the Cook Islands came out for the second forty-five in a determined mood.

Tehanarei Nga looked threatening, breaking clear of the Papua New Guinea defence but unable to sufficiently trouble George in goal, who saved comfortably.

Captain Metuamaru Arere followed that up with an effort of her own, forcing George into another good save as the hosts looked to find that elusive equaliser.

Arere was the focal point for much of Cook Islands attack, though cut a frustrated figure as her side struggled to find that equalising goal.

That opportunity would present itself with just seconds left on the clock. A penalty awarded following a break that began with Arere allowed the captain the perfect chance to level matters.

She duly did, slotting past George with aplomb to ensure a valuable point for her side and leaving it all to play for on match days two and three.

Cook Islands: 1 (Metuamaru ARERE (P) 90+6')
Papua New Guinea: 1 (Anjelika RAMINAI 9’)

HT: 0-1

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