12 Apr 2007

Papua New Guinea biggest threat to New Zealand

8:52 am on 12 April 2007

The hosts Papua New Guinea kept its FIFA Women's World Cup hopes alive after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tonga thanks to an own goal.

Tongan defender Mele Vaisioa Mahe Niukapu turned the ball into her own net after a shot from Cathy Agunam hit the post and ricocheted cruelly off Niukapu's legs and into an empty net.

It was a sad blow for Tonga who matched the host nation all the way.

Meanwhile, New Zealand consolidated their chances of going to China beating Solomon Islands eight-nil.

New Zealand only have to draw against PNG in their final pool match to secure a place at the World Cup tournament in China in September.