New Zealand have beaten Papua New Guinea 5-0 to secure their place in the semi-finals of the OFC U-19 Championship 2022.
A brace in each half from Dan McKay and Oliver Colloty, plus a superb free-kick from Jay Herdman, took the Junior All Whites to a comfortable quarter-final win at Stade Pater in Papeete, Tahiti.
Papua New Guinea demonstrated their threat early on, with New Zealand at times struggling to deal with their pace in attack, Rex Naime, Jezshril Warren and Michael Gambu all trying their luck from range.
Despite the promising signs from PNG the reigning champions soon established their superiority, with McKay scoring twice in quick succession.
His first was a neat first-time finish from just inside the box but his second was the pick of the pair, an out-swinging effort from 25 yards that left Christian Jimmy in the PNG goal with no chance.
Oliver Colloty came close to adding a third for New Zealand on two occasions either side of half-time before Herdman’s swerving free-kick did stretch the lead on the hour mark.
PNG’s task became more difficult when Nigel Kiaka was sent off after receiving two yellow cards within a minute of each other.
Colloty then finally got the goals his performance deserved, scoring twice from close range late on to make it 5-0.
New Zealand will face the winner of this evening’s final quarter-final between hosts Tahiti and Vanuatu in the semi-finals on Wednesday, September 21.
New Zealand U-19 5 (Dan McKAY 20′, 27′, Jay HERDMAN 60′, Oliver COLLOTY 89′, 90+2′)
Papua New Guinea U-19 0
Half-time: 2-0