Papua New Guinea has arrived in New Zealand to fine-tune their preparations for next month's Under 20 Women's Football World Cup.
PNG will face Oceania Under 20 champions New Zealand on Sunday followed by two matches against age-grade development teams.
PNG U20 Women's football coach Lisa Cole. Photo: PNG Football
Head coach Lisa Cole announced her 21-strong World Cup squad on Thursday and said the next week and a half will be ideal match preparation.
"It really is perfect to get some experience versus a team that's earned their way into the World Cup, against the (Oceania) U20 group and then to get some experience for some of the other players with those two other games will really help us out," she said.
Papua New Guinea are hosting the Women's World Cup in Port Moresby from November 13-December 3.
The hosts have been drawn in Group A alongside South American champions Brazil, European champions Sweden and North Korea, who finished second at last year's Under 19 Asian Championship.
Lisa Cole said after a slow start interest in the tournament was now building.
"Once we got back from the US trip and now as we're starting to head to New Zealand - we had a crowd that met us here at the airport - and I think momentum is building."
"Like anything in Papua New Guinea, they're a little late in their excitement but it's definitely coming: people are really starting to get really intrigued about the games and about the team and they'll be in the stands, cheering on all the teams when it comes around," she said.
The PNG squad includes five Under 17 players in Margaret Joseph, Belinda Giada, Loretta Yagum, Selina Unamba and Faith Kasiray and a number who have already played for the senior women's national team.
PNG U20 Squad:
Belinda Giada, Christol Mato, Eileen Manup, Esmeralda Waipo, Faith Kasiray, Gloria Laeli, Georgina Bakani, Hilda Nake, Jacklyne Maiyosi, Jacoberth Bani, Joy Tsuga, Lace Kunei, Lavina Hola, Loretta Yagum, Margaret Joseph, Martha Karl, Nicollette Ageva, Olivia Upaupa, Ramona Padio, Selina Unamba, Yvonne Gabong.