Papua New Guinea have staged an impressive fightback to thump Tahiti 6-1 in their second Group A clash at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Honiara.
Fresh from winning the OFC U-16 Championship Qualifying tournament in Tonga earlier this year, PNG impressed early at Lawson Tama Stadium with their high pressing game, creating a couple of chances for striker Boas Tommy, who would go on to complete a second half hat-trick.
But it was Tahiti who struck first against the run of play in the 10th minute, when Tiatau Vauquelin unleashed a powerful left-footed drive past Luther Rodney.
PNG responded strongly, dominating possession and territory. In the 23rd minute John Mills forced a sharp save from Tahiti goalkeeper Tokihi Tahutini with a header, before the equaliser finally came in first-half stoppage time. Jaru Eron’s surging run down the left ended with a dangerous cross that was turned into his own net by Tahiti defender Raitua Tehio.
The goal lifted PNG, and whatever coach Matthew Witu said at halftime clearly worked. Within three minutes of the restart, they had turned the game on its head. Peter Yagum finished clinically to make it 2-1, before captain Leighton Enoch pounced on a rebound to extend the lead with a composed finish three minutes later.
Tahiti coach Sébastien Labayen rang the changes in an attempt to spark a response, but his side struggled to break down PNG’s momentum. The contest was put beyond doubt in the 67th minute when the always lively Tommy scored with a well taken left footed strike inside the box.
It went from bad to worse for Tahiti when John Mills was brought down in the penalty box and Tommy calmly slotted home PNG’s fifth of the game and his second, before adding one more goal before full time to complete a hat-trick and earning the player of the match honours.
With four points from two matches, PNG are now well-placed for a semi-final berth ahead of their final Group game against Fiji on Saturday.
Tahiti, meanwhile, are effectively out of contention and will complete their group campaign against the Cook Islands.
Papua New Guinea 6 (OG 45+2 Peter YAGUM 47’ Leighton ENOCH 50’ Boas TOMMY 67’ 74’ 90+1)
Tahiti 1 (Tiatau VAUQUELIN 10’)
HT: 1-1