By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.
Papua New Guinea defeated Tonga (5-2), in their first game of the OFC U-16 tournament that kicked off at Teufaiva Stadium, in Nuku’alofa today.
The boys from PNG dominated the field in the first half of the match with back-to-back goals. Meanwhile, Tonga’s defence, including goalie Gordon Vi, struggled to keep the ball away from their side of the goal.
PNG’s no. 7 midfielder, Albhan Rani, scored the first goal within six minutes into the first half. This was followed by another goal by no. 17, Peter Yagum on the 12th minute.
The third goal was set up by Peter Yagum, who kicked it over to no. 21, Boas Tommy who head butted the ball into Tonga’s goal.
PNG’s forwards, Boas Tommy and Peter Yagum, scored two more goals securing 5-0 on the first half.
Tonga’s no. 13, Sitaleki Kautai finally scored the first goal for Tonga in the 65th minute in the second half and was followed by a second goal scored by no. 22, Sioeli Veatupu.
However, Tonga ran out of time before they could catch up to Papua New Guinea’s winning lead.
Team Lists
Tonga
- Gordon Li (C)
- Vainga Mafi
- Tevita Tupou
- Sione Tonga
- Sione 'Ainuu
- Siaki Lonitenisi
- Fonua Moala
- Sitaleki Kautai
- Fe’ofa'aki 'Aho
- Soane Tonga
- Sioell Veatupu
Papua New Guinea (PNG)
- Luther Rodney
- Darren David
- Alexander Possiri
- Nathanial Ovia
- Bomecke Bosananuc
- Jaru Eron
- Leondios Mausen
- Alexender Aure Jr
- Ryan Blu
- Henry Bill
- Donald David
- Johnsford Tava
- Leighton Enoch
- Albhan Rani
- Polos Muip
- Sebulon Kenong
- Genesis Oukie
- Ezzikel Aure
- Peter Yagum
- Boas Tommy
