Telecom Fijiana captain Ana Maria Roqica was happy with their good start and the performance of newcomers Asena Yalenauli and Ana Maria Naimasi.

“It was a good first game,”she said.

“Coach Iliesa Tanivula told us they are a good side as they won some games in Australia.

“The teamwork has been really good and a good start to our campaign.

“The new girls did really well and I am proud of them.

“It is understandable they would be nervous in their first game and they will learn from their mistakes.”

Meanwhile, PNG coach John Larry said they have what it takes to compete in the tournament but the girls need to believe in themselves.

“The Fijians are a really tough team, we want to see where we stand and where we finish off in the tournament, it is not only about winning,” Larry said.

“We need to work hard and we need self- confidence, I could see that as soon as the Fiji team started scoring, the girls lost hope.

“We need to believe in ourselves if we want to stand a chance of not only competing with the bigger teams but winning a game.”

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  Justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj