Papua New Guinea (PNG) had secured their place in the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship after a dominant 6-1 victory over Tahiti in their Group A clash on Wednesday at Lawson Tama Stadium.
Both teams entered the match desperate for three points after dropping points in their opening games. PNG were held to a 1-1 draw against the Cook Islands on match day one, while Tahiti fell 2-1 to Fiji.
The Tahitians struck first in the 10th minute when Tiaitau Vauquelin broke through PNG’s defence and slotted home a fine finish into the bottom right corner.
PNG, however, responded with relentless pressure, and their persistence was rewarded just before halftime when a cross from John Milis was deflected into the net by Tahitian defender Raitua Tehio, sending both sides into the break level at 1-1.
After the restart, PNG shifted gears and took control. Peter Yagum fired them ahead just two minutes into the second half, before captain Leightan Enoch extended the lead in the 50th minute after capitalising on a loose ball.
Pacey forward Boas Tommy, then stole the show with a late hat-trick to seal the emphatic win and also earning him the Player of the Match award.
Head coach Mathew Witu praised his players’ response after halftime.
“A good combination from the boys and we played according to the game plan, knowing Tahiti were a good side and would come hard at us. We just kept our organisation,” Witu said.
The victory sets up a crucial final group-stage clash against Fiji on Saturday, with the winner of that match will qualify as Group A winners.
The win puts PNG on second place in the Group standing with four points while Fiji sits on top with six points.
Meanwhile, action continues on Thursday at the National Stadium with New Zealand facing New Caledonia at 12pm, followed by hosts Solomon Islands meeting Samoa at 3pm.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
