PNG maintained their perfect record with a 2-0 win over Vanuatu at the HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday night.
After a goalless first half, Phylis Pala opened the scoring in the 47th minute before Keren Kalapai doubled the advantage in the 70th minute.
The victory moved PNG to nine points from three matches, with 10 goals scored and only one conceded for a goal difference of +9.
Earlier, Solomon Islands strengthened their final hopes with a 1-0 victory over New Caledonia, courtesy of substitute Madaline Arukau’s 80th-minute goal.
The result moved Solomon Islands to seven points, level with Vanuatu, but with one match still to play.
Vanuatu have completed their four round-robin matches with seven points and a +4 goal difference, while Solomon Islands have seven points and a +2 goal difference after three matches.
Solomon Islands face PNG at 4pm on Tuesday in a match that will decide the second finalist.
A win or draw will take Solomon Islands through to the final as they would move above Vanuatu on points.
If Solomon Islands lose, they will remain on seven points and their current +2 goal difference will drop further. If overall goal difference is the first tiebreaker for teams level on points, Vanuatu would therefore finish ahead of Solomon Islands.
Fiji and New Caledonia, both without a point after three matches, are out of contention for the final and will meet at 7pm on Tuesday in their final match.
The top two teams will contest the Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final on Saturday, October 3.
