The Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG) opened the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025 with a 1-1 draw in their Group A clash on Sunday at Lawson Tama Stadium.
Making their first appearance in the competition since 2018, PNG started brightly in the first half, creating several goal-scoring opportunities but failing to convert their chances.
They were made to pay just minutes into the second half when substitute Joseph Rua calmly slotted into the bottom left corner from close range to give the Cook Islands the lead.
PNG responded by pressing high in search of an equalizer, but once again wasted multiple opportunities in front of goal.
Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 76th minute when John Mills capitalized on a poor clearance, turning the ball into the net to bring the sides level.
Both teams will be back in Group A action on Wednesday. PNG face Tahiti, while the Cook Islands meet Fiji.
In the second match, Fiji managed to get a narrow victory over Tahiti with a scoreline of 2-1.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
