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Qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027™ will be at stake when the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026 are played in Honiara on Wednesday evening.New Zealand will play Papua New Guinea in the first semi-final at 4pm local time, before New Caledonia face Fiji at 7pm local time, with the winners to qualify for the global finals in Morocco next year and advance to the continental final.Ahead of Wednesday's crunch matches, the coaches and captains of the four semi-finalists gathered at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara to give their thoughts.Semi-final 1: New Zealand v Papua New GuineaNational Stadium, Honiara | 4pm local timeTen years after their last appearance at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, Papua New Guinea are back in the semi-finals, a decade after finishing runners-up to New Zealand in the final in 2016.Their rise back to the top four has been remarkable, having received a late call-up to join the tournament following Tahiti’s withdrawal. They also had to recover from an opening defeat to New Caledonia to sneak into the semi-finals as runners-up from Group B, beating Samoa 2-0 on the final matchday of group-stage action.Qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time will be a whole other challenge, though, and defeating New Zealand is something no nation has achieved previously in tournament history.The Young Football Ferns have never lost or drawn one of their 31 matches since the inaugural edition of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in 2010, winning all seven titles and qualifying for all nine FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cups.They’ve been dominant again in the Solomon Islands, topping Group A without conceding a goal, despite leaving it late to defeat Fiji 1-0.As mentioned, these two nations last met in the final in 2016, with New Zealand cruising to an 8-0 victory at the CIFA Academy in the Cook Islands – with Hannah Blake and Jacqui Hand both scoring hat-tricks. Prior to that, the Young Ferns also recorded consecutive 9-0 wins in 2010 and 2012.With so much on the line, Papua New Guinea will need to produce something extraordinary if they are to end New Zealand’s impressive unbeaten run.What the coaches said:New Zealand head coach Alana Gunn said:"We definitely won't be complacent. We learnt that lesson against Fiji, and we watched Papua New Guinea play their final group-stage match with a lot of passion. The conditions are hard here and the opposition are fierce.""This match means a lot for Papua New Guinea and we're expecting nothing but a fight. The players are well aware of our history at this tournament, and we don't want to be the first team to lose a match, so it does add pressure. How we manage that is all part of the experience of coming to this tournament."Papua New Guinea head coach Susan Steven said:"It means so much to us. The purpose throughout the campaign has been to continually develop the players on and off the field, and now they are into a match that carries a lot of significance for them and the country.""Most of the players in the team come from our districts in Papua New Guinea, and it's been wonderful for them to come this far. We want to inspire the next generation of girls in our country, and show them that we can compete."

The Minister for International Trade and Investment has come out to say that the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Government must not be blamed for the weekend incident at Panguna in Bougainville, citing concerns he initially raised regarding the sensitivity surrounding the mining project.Minister Richard Maru came out strong in a statement released today stating that The National Government and the country must not be blamed for the attack at the Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited’s camp in Panguna at the Autonomous Region of Bougainville yesterday.“I repeatedly advised the management of Lloyds Metals & Energy against investing in Panguna, knowing it was highly volatile due to numerous factions, and the environment was not conducive for investment. I feared the very outcome that has now transpired. Despite my advice, the company took a decision to invest in Panguna and it must now accept full responsibility for what has happened. They took it upon themselves not to heed national government advice,” said Minister Maru.The Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited was a significant player in India’s metals and mining sector. According to the reports from Bougainville, heavy machinery and vehicles reportedly belonging to the company were destroyed in an arson attack at the Panguna mine site yesterday morning.“I strongly condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms as the Minister responsible for international trade and investment. I do appreciate that many things were not sorted out like the landowner issues. I am saddened by what has happened but as the Minster responsible, I had done my part by advising the Lloyds Metals & Energy against this investment because it was risky and I foresaw what was coming,” said Minister Maru.“I call on the Government and people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to deal with those involved in this attack if they are serious about attracting investments into the region,” he added.

The East New Britain Provincial Health Authority (ENBPHA) is progressing with its ongoing recruitment drive following the retirement of a significant portion of its staff, particularly in rural facilities.A total of 37 staff members have now retired across several categories: eight on medical grounds, six on compulsory retirement as unattached positions identified by the Department of Personnel Management (DPM), and the remainder on a voluntary basis.Known for an aging workforce, the PHA is utilizing its recent restructure and recruitment process to attract a younger workforce.The authority aims to bring in more than 500 new employees to fill part of the 1, 776 positions advertised on the market, addressing a workforce that currently stands at 800 staff on strength.PHA Human Resource Manager, Joseph Urauma, noted that this year’s retirement volume is exceptionally high for the PHA, making it necessary to run recruitment in batches to ensure vacancies are filled in a timely manner.“Out of 37 retirees, 8 is on medical grounds, 6 are on compulsory retirement as identified by DPM while the remaining is on voluntary basis.”“Technically, they are off the public service but are required to assist in work due to being still on the payroll despite signing the release of deed in mid-year.”A major priority for the ENB PHA remains filling the staffing gaps in rural facilities, which were heavily impacted by this retirement exercise.

The Christian Blind Mission (CBM) has committed to working closely with Rabaul Provincial Hospital (RPH) to strengthen the mobility capacity and training of its physiotherapy unit.Speaking during World Physiotherapy Day celebrations at RPH, CBM Director Michael Lulu highlighted the critical health needs in East New Britain Province (ENBP), noting that 152, 000 people in the province currently require rehabilitation services.Specifically, records indicate that 17, 000 people need walking aids, 5, 000 require wheelchairs, and 2, 200 need prosthetics and orthotics.“These people need support for mobility and assistive devices to safely restore physical movement, build muscle strength and regain independence after a major injury, surgery or illness,” Mr. Lulu stated.Looking ahead, Mr. Lulu explained that CBM is expanding its assistance to include devices such as walking aids, wheeled mobility devices, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and postural and standing supports.“There is now a new partnership with RPH that CBM will now support the Physiotherapy Unit apart from the already established working relationship we have with the eye clinic and that is to conduct trainings.”“The same arrangement is also in a working collaboration with the Vunapope, St Mary’s Hospital in preparation for a new rehabilitation centre to be opened next month.”Welcoming the collaboration, Physiotherapy Unit Coordinator Joseph Tapal noted that cardiovascular diseases and stroke remain among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, emphasizing that stronger partnerships can play a crucial role in prevention and treatment.“Many of these conditions are preventable and manageable through early intervention, lifestyle modifications, knowledge exchange, innovative ideas, and strengthening our collaborations to combat these health challenges effectively.”

Australia is providing three-million kina to support improvements at Kokopo Market in East New Britain.Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald, East New Britain Governor Michael Marum and Kokopo MP Ereman ToBaining Junior visited the market to discuss the planned upgrades with vendors and management.The funding will support new solar security lighting, upgraded ablution facilities, repairs to wash stations and improved waste management.It will also provide technical assistance to strengthen the East New Britain Market Authority’s governance and financial management.High Commissioner McDonald says the improvements will benefit vendors, customers and the wider community.The funding is being provided through the PNG-Australia Partnership.The High Commissioner’s visit to East New Britain also included the opening of a new library and early childhood education centre at Sonoma Adventist College, funded through Australia’s Incentive Fund.

Papua New Guinea’s national football teams, the PNG Kapuls and PNG Bilums, have arrived in Fiji ahead of the 2026 MSG Prime Ministers Cup Football Tournament.The tournament will be held in Suva from September 17 to October 3, bringing together Melanesian nations for another regional football contest.The Kapuls will be looking to improve on their runners-up finish in last year’s tournament, which was hosted in Papua New Guinea.The Bilums, meanwhile, return as the defending women’s champions after making history by winning the inaugural women’s MSG Prime Ministers Cup title last year.The Bilums squad includes experienced internationals such as Betty Sam, Ramona Padio, Yvonne Gabong, Marie Kaipu and Meagan Gunemba, alongside a number of emerging players.They will be coached by Ericson Komeng, assisted by Edna Thomas, with David Kaura as goalkeeper coach.The Kapuls will be aiming to go one step further this year after falling short in last year’s final.Head Coach Bob Morris has named a squad featuring experienced internationals and emerging talent, including Ronald Warisan, Tommy Semmy, David Tita, Hossain Kaio, Solomon Rani, Yagi Yasasa and Daniel Joe.The Papua New Guinea Football Association says it remains committed to ensuring the national teams participate in important regional competitions and that players have opportunities to represent the country internationally.PNGFA says there were challenges surrounding participation in this year’s tournament, but it continued to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure both teams could travel to Fiji.The Association says the participation of the Kapuls and Bilums is important for player development and maintaining strong sporting relationships across the Melanesian region.Both teams have now settled in Fiji and will turn their attention to their final preparations.The Kapuls open their campaign against Vanuatu on September 17, while the Bilums begin their title defence against Fiji on September 18.For both teams, the goal is to compete strongly, represent Papua New Guinea with pride and fly the national colours on the regional stage.PNG KAPULS FIXTURESSeptember 17: PNG vs Vanuatu — 2pmSeptember 23: PNG vs New Caledonia — 5pmSeptember 26: PNG vs Fiji — 5pmSeptember 29: PNG vs Solomon Islands — 2pmPNG BILUMS FIXTURESSeptember 18: PNG vs Fiji — 5pmSeptember 21: PNG vs New Caledonia — 2pmSeptember 27: PNG vs Vanuatu — 5pmSeptember 30: PNG vs Solomon IslandsPNG BILUMS SQUADPlayers: Betty Sam, Ramona Padio, Olivia Upaupa, Merolyne Sali, Serah Waida, Raynata Samuel, Anastasia Gunemba, Mavis Singara, Yvonne Gabong, Phylis Pala, Hortance Kimit, Michaelyne Butubu, Marie Kaipu, Karen Kalapai, Ginnimarie Wambi, Meagan Gunemba, Leah Loi, Nenny Elipas, Calista Maneo and Emeliah Toks.Officials: Ericson Komeng – Head Coach; Edna Thomas – Assistant Coach; David Kaura – Goalkeeper Coach; Jenny Witu – Kit Manager.PNG KAPULS SQUADPlayers: Ronald Warisan, Dave Tomare, Jordan Tobem, Langarap Samol, Ezekiel Vela, Bomecge Basananuc, Henry Kurkur, Ferdahlas Namuesh, Daniel Joe, Abraham Allen, Yagi Yasasa, Solomon Rani, Obert Simon, Ati Kepo, Rex Naime, David Tita, Hossain Kaio, Tommy Semmy, Solomon Kamake and Nalau Moses.Officials: Bob Morris – Head Coach; Gari Moka – Team Manager; Andrew Marampau – Kit Manager; Harrison Kamake – Technical Advisor; Martin Alok – National Team Administrator.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands is calling on the country to remain united in order to continue building the nation this 51st Independence Anniversary.In an Independence message, CBC General Secretary Father Lawrence Arockiaraj said September 16 marks the beginning of Papua New Guinea’s journey towards its centenary of independence.He said what the country will look like when it reaches 100 years of independence will depend on the choices made by citizens today.“Our journey has not been without its struggles. We continue to face the challenge of ensuring that national progress and development is not only reserved for a few, but reaches every corner of our society, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.”He said Papua New Guinea’s diversity and resilience remain important strengths as the nation progresses.The General Secretary called on citizens to stand together as one nation under God, saying faith and love for one another can help preserve national unity.He also urged Catholic faithful to work with others to build a nation founded on peace, honesty, respect and integrity, while recognising the dignity of every person.“Let us recommit ourselves to building a nation where God is at the Centre of everything we do, where peace and justice prevail, and where every citizen is valued.”Father Arockiaraj said citizens and Christians have a responsibility to guard the nation’s independence, which he described as a gift from God.He concluded by wishing Papua New Guinea a blessed, peaceful and grace-filled Independence Day and called for God’s blessing on the nation.

St Francis Vocational Technical College at West Taraka, Morobe Province recently received K100,000 from the Huon Gulf District Development Authority towards the construction of a new double classroom.The funding was provided through the Huon Gulf District Development Authority under the leadership of Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youths and Religion, Jason Peter.The cheque was presented by Huon Gulf District CEO and Administrator Andrew Namuesh and received by the college’s Manager, Thomas Indi.This was part of the District’s assurance on improving education infrastructure and providing better learning facilities for students at the vocational college.During the same occasion, a new Memorandum of Agreement was also signed to facilitate the completion of the outstanding West Taraka Market Project.Indi also signed the agreement, which is expected to allow work on the incomplete market project to progress.Minister Peter said the Huon Gulf District Development Authority remains committed to completing important community infrastructure and supporting investments in education, economic opportunities and community development.The authority said it will continue working with institutions, communities and stakeholders to deliver sustainable development projects across the district.

East New Britain Governor Michael Marum recently challenged young people to take an active role in preserving the province’s culture and traditions.Speaking at the opening of the second Papa Graun Cultural Show at Malapau Beach Resort in Kokopo on September 10, Governor Marum said young people have an important responsibility to carry their cultural heritage into the future.He encouraged youths to learn from their elders, respect their traditions and take pride in where they come from.“Our culture is our inheritance. It is what our ancestors left for us, and it is our responsibility to make sure that inheritance does not disappear.”The four-day cultural show brought communities together to showcase traditional dances, masks, music and customs, while giving younger generations an opportunity to learn and participate.Governor Marum said East New Britain can embrace modern development and technology without losing its cultural identity.He acknowledged the Member for Kokopo Open and Chairman of the Kokopo City Authority, Ereman Tobaining Jnr, MP, for his leadership and support, and also commended the Kokopo City Authority for working with communities and stakeholders to promote cultural, tourism and economic activities.He also acknowledged the Papa Graun organizing committee, traditional leaders, participating wards and communities, churches, sponsors, volunteers, performers and all partners who have contributed to the successful staging of the second annual event.Governor Marum also emphasized the potential of cultural festivals to create opportunities for young people, artists and small businesses while promoting tourism in the province.He urged communities to use the celebration to strengthen unity and keep their culture alive.“When our communities come together, our culture becomes stronger; and when our culture becomes stronger, East New Britain becomes stronger.”

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister has appealed for calm in Panguna and in Bougainville following the unfortunate incident that occurred over the weekend.Prime Minister James Marape appealed for calm and restraint in Bougainville amid tensions surrounding Panguna, urging landowners and communities with grievances to reject violence and work through the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and established processes to resolve their differences.On Sunday 13th September, it was alleged that a group of men went on a rampage at the Panguna Mine and setting properties, mostly heavy earth moving vehicles belonging to the company Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, on fire.Marape said Bougainville had already paid an enormous price through conflict and must never allow disagreements over Panguna or other issues to drag its people back into violence.“Whatever issues there may be in Bougainville, including matters relating to Panguna. There is absolutely no need to resort to violence,” Prime Minister Marape said.“Bougainville has experienced enough pain in its history. We do not want history to repeat itself.  “If you have grievances, bring them forward. If there are disagreements, put them on the table. The Autonomous Bougainville Government, under President Ishmael Toroama is there to listen to you, work with you and find solutions.“Violence does no good to anyone. It hurts our people, divides communities and drives away the investment Bougainville needs to grow its economy.”Panguna remains one of the most sensitive issues in Bougainville because of its central place in the events preceding the Bougainville conflict and the mine closure in 1989. Recent moves towards its possible redevelopment have again generated debate among landowners and other stakeholders.He said his discussions with President Toroama had given him confidence that the ABG understood the sensitivity surrounding Panguna, including landowner rights, environmental concerns and unresolved legacy issues.“The President understands that Panguna cannot simply be treated as another mining project. There are historical and legacy issues. There are environmental issues. There are landowner issues. These must be treated with great sensitivity.”Prime Minister Marape said the National Government respected the ABG’s authority and Bougainville’s processes in determining the future of Panguna.

Ryan Garcia sealed a stunning second-round TKO win over Conor Benn in Las Vegas on Saturday night, retaining his WBC welterweight title in the process.Benn ran blindly to the slaughter - in a fight which was always a lunge too far - and was left groveling on hands and knees at the feet of the new face of American and Mexican boxing.Garcia took just four minutes and 25 seconds to devastate and humiliate the upstart son of Nigel the great.Benn’s predictable sally forth from the first bell was as pointless, desperate and doomed to disaster as The Charge of the Light Brigade.He was stopped in his tracks by the barrage of left hooks which have taken Garcia to the welterweight championship of the world, over which he will reign for as long as he likes.The first round was but a prelude to the carnage to come in the 85 seconds which the first round lasted. A punishment doubled by the dynamite which also explodes from Garcia's right fist.Conor was reduced to crawling on the canvas by a two-fisted assault to which he had no answer. When he staggered drunkenly to his feet referee Thomas Taylor looked long and hard into his glazed eyes before letting him carry on.The kill was mercifully swift. A combination of lefts and rights which the third man in the ring could no longer ignore.This is a warning which his handlers must not forget. This was fight too much, too soon. As Garcia had warned he done nothing to deserve the tilt at the WBC belt his father had worn with such pride. Nor his elevation the top of a bill in the T-Mobile arena nor in this Mecca of boxing Whether he will ever be ready to mix with the company of prize-ring loyalty is doubtful.He was not only outclassed, out-sped an out-thought but was treated to punching of almighty power with which his dad could not gift him.The last 24 hours before the first bell had been consumed by doom-casts about Benn’s drastic weight draining to reach the welter limit of 147 lbs. Followed by extraordinary claims that he had put on more than two stones following Friday’s weigh-in which, if authentic, would have catapulted him into the ring three divisions even heavier than the super-middleweights.The truth would out as his robe slipped off. But if he had gorged himself between stepping on the scales and the first bell that might done him much good. Such drastic shifts in poundage are as debilitating as dehydration.If this was another of the mind games played by Benn and Garcia throughout the wind up and build up it seemed doubtful that any of that would have a material effect on the fight itself. Would anyone in this hardest of all games risk being beaten by indigestion.The substantive issue was Garcia’s boxing class and knock out power versus Benn’s frenzy and punch resistance.For the high-paying fans – Benn’s long-haulers from the old country and Garcia’s Gen Z armies of groups from his two nations of identification the US and Mexico – what mattered most was that both delivered the barn-burner of a fight they promised.The substantive issue was Garcia’s boxing class and knock out power versus Benn’s frenzy and punch resistance.For the high-paying fans – Benn’s long-haulers from the old country and Garcia’s Gen Z armies of groups from his two nations of identification the US and Mexico – what mattered most was that both delivered the barn-burner of a fight they promised.Quite beautifully those three congregations fell silent together in commemoration of one boxer who never gave in, never gave up, never delivered a disappointing fight, never offended anyone, never betrayed a friend.The giant screens in the 02 went into black and white mode for a nostalgic picture of Ricky Hatton who died too young as the previous British fighter to top the bill in what was until recently the fight capital of the world. Over to you Master Benn.Garcia came to the ring to the strains of a patriotic Mexican song, wrapped in that country’s flag and to rapturous acclaim from the baying Amex majority in the house. Unabashed and as expected Benn went instantly on the offensive only to be met by barrage of Garcia’s trademark left hooks. Less than three minutes later it was all over. Source: Daily Mails

President of Bougainville H.E Ishmael Toroama, has condemned the recent damage to mining properties and says Bougainville will not be intimidated by individuals or factions seeking to undermine the efforts to redevelop the Panguna Mine.“I strongly condemn the actions of those who assaulted personnel and destroyed equipment at the Lloyds Metals camp in Panguna this morning. While the majority of Bougainvilleans look forward to this development, certain elements have chosen to undermine the authority of the government and the collective efforts of our people,” said the President.He said the actions of these individuals are selfish and serve only their own greedy intent. “They do not have the best interests of our government or our people at heart. This type of behavior has no place in Bougainville and will not be tolerated.”He further said that those responsible for this incident will face the full force of the law through the Bougainville Police Service. A coordinated community effort is also underway to apprehend the suspects and prevent any further incidents of this nature.“I want to reassure our people that this morning's incident does not weaken us; it only strengthens our resolve. We will take all necessary steps to enforce the government’s mandate to reopen the Panguna Mine.”“Let me be very clear: this government is of the people and by the people. We will not cower to terroristic acts of violence designed to cause disunity and distract us from our agenda of creating a socio-politically and economically viable Bougainville,” said President Toroama.