NEWS We are recruiting volunteers for mirxes Nations Cup 2023!
  • SINGAPORE WINS MIRXES NATIONS CUP 2023!

News

NC2015 Match Report: Botswana Vs Papua New Guinea

The second game of day three between Botswana and Papua New Guinea was crucial to both teams, as Botswana needed a win to stay in the running to make the finals, while a win for Papua New Guinea would guarantee progression.

A closely contested first quarter saw Botswana put on an impressive defensive display by Ntebogang Motlakaloso and Francinah Eyman to limit the opportunities of the PNG team. However, Papua New Guinea found a way to keep themselves in the game with long balls up towards Tiata Baldwin who racked up a total of 6 goals in the quarter, as the teams went to the break tied 13 all.

The second quarter was more of the same as both teams were relentless in their pursuit of the lead. Early on, Papua New Guinea piled on the pressure with GS Tiata Baldwin scoring back-to-back goals to put the pepes in front. Unfazed by the physical battle thrown at them, the Batswana found their feet through an impressive and efficient shooting display by GS Hildah Binang, who almost single-handedly kept them in the game.

The start of the third quarter saw Botswana open up a three goal lead as Hildah Binang continued her sensational form, scoring 4 from 4 in quick succession, leaving the Papua New Guinea defence with no reply. However, a turnover and quick turn of events gave the pepes three consecutive points and the momentum going forward as they capitalized to lead at the three-quarter mark 39-38.

In the fourth quarter Botswana took to the attack as they launched lofty long balls up to GS Hildah in an attempt to take the lead, however the physicality and stubborn defence from Papua New Guinea saw them consistently stretching the game, eventually taking it comfortably in the closing minutes 54-49.

Score

Botswana vs Papua New Guinea 
Q1: 13 – 13 
Q2: 28 – 26 (15 – 13)
Q3: 38 – 39 (10 – 13)
Q4: 49 – 54 (11 – 15)

 

Quote from Coach

Unaisi Soroinikula Rokoura, Papua New Guinea Head Coach
It was a really close encounter with Botswana today. We came in to game to day with the aim to win, and managed to. I am absolutely proud of our girls. Botswana was on our back but we managed to gain control and possession.

We will review our game earlier and will try our best to start strong, and maintain possession more.

Neo Kebuang, Botswana Head Coach
This was the best game we’ve played. The game was very competitive but the girls played very well in the first two quarters. Unfortunately in the third quarter, they lost concentration.

We need to improve on passing long balls. The opposing team was playing zone defence so our girls were tempted into passing long balls which were often intercepted. For tomorrow’s game, we’ll need to work on playing a fast game with shorter passes.
 
Quote from Captains

Lua Rikis, Papua New Guinea Captain
The game was very physical, and we did expect that. Botswana was a tough team to play against, but we managed to maintain composure and win the match.

Singapore Invitational and Northern Ireland have done so well so far and so we are not letting guards down. Our team also needs to work on our defence strategy.

Tumisang Bagidi, Botswana Captain
It was a very competitive and challenging game. It wasn’t easy to determine who would win at the end of the day. The game was definitely physical but it was a great game all in all.

We have to work on minimizing unforced errors such as converting turnovers, avoiding stepping and contact so we can maximize the number of opportunities we have.