Photo: OFC
Papua New Guinea's women's footballers will use a four-nations tournament in Australia as preparation for their tilt at qualifying for the 2023 Women's World Cup.
PNG are in the intercontinental play-offs being held in New Zealand in February after winning the Oceania Nations Cup in Fiji in July.
However, despite leading the team to victory, head coach Nicole Demaine was axed by the country's football bosses and 10 of the winning side subsequently dumped from the squad.
PNG face Panama in Auckland on February 19 and if succesful in that game then play Taiwan or Paraguay in Hamilton four days later for a place at the World Cup in 2023 which is being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
The Pacific Women's Four Nations Tournament, which runs from today until Sunday, includes Fiji, Solomon Islands and the Australia U-20s.
The four teams participate in a series of double-headers at two venues in the capital Canberra.
The Young Matildas will be led by head coach Leah Blayney with the new cycle of players set to be tested in their first international matches against rapidly improving opponents.
Meagen Gunemba in action for PNG at the Oceania Nations Cup in July. Photo: Kirk Corrie