New Caledonia claimed victory at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship after a closely contested match against Papua New Guinea in Samoa.
Both teams came into the match without a win, having defeated New Zealand and Samoa on match day 2 of the competition, respectively.
The match started with New Caledonia showing strong early form, as Paul Qaeze narrowly missed scoring a header into the empty goal.
Papua New Guinea’s best opportunity came just before half-time, with Solomon Kamake entering the box but failing to execute his pass. In extra time, New Caledonia finally scored with Quaze’s strike, curling the ball into the top corner.
Both teams went on the offensive in the second half, with goalkeeper Gabin Rachel setting up Qaeze for a shot on goal, but Papua New Guinea’s substitute keeper, Lomani Nahiet, saved the ball.
A shot resembling a cross from Papua New Guinea’s David Tita caught the New Caledonia goalkeeper off guard. He initially thought the shot was going over the crossbar. However, the ball curled back in and hit the post, almost resulting in an equalizer.
Papua New Guinea deserved a goal in the second half, and they got one when Tonny Sagana capitalized on an under-hit pass from captain Kandjo Teanyouen, who collided with Rachel before scoring into an empty net.
Antonie Simane then dribbled past multiple Papua New Guinea defenders and placed the ball perfectly into the net.
New Caledonia will face Samoa later this week, while Papua New Guinea must defeat New Zealand to advance to the semi-finals.
Papua New Guinea: 1 (Tonny SAGANA 83’)
New Caledonia: 2 (Paul QAEZE 45’, Antonie SIMANE 89′)
HT 0-1
Click to read more about Football.
