Papua New Guinea have qualified for the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025, with Boas Tommy’s five goals leading them to victory over American Samoa in Nuku’alofa.

Their victory here, coupled with Tonga and Vanuatu’s 2-2 draw later in the day has confirmed their spot.

Both teams had contrasting fortunes on match day one, with American Samoa conceding twice late on to drop two points against Vanuatu, whilst Papua New Guinea impressed in their victory over hosts Tonga.

Three goals in a little over ten minutes put Papua New Guinea in control in the opening period. Tommy Boas broke the deadlock following great work down the left-hand side by Jaru Eron. Talo Lauofo saved Eron’s initial effort but was unable to stop Semmy, who slotted home from close range.

Semmy doubled his and his team’s tally minutes later, beating the American Samoa backline before keeping his composure to slide the ball home and put Papua New Guinea in control.

A spectacular third put the result beyond doubt. Peter Yagum finding space in the inside-right channel and firing an outstanding effort across Lauofo and into the far corner to reinforce his side’s dominance.

Yagum added a fourth early in the second-half, latching on to a through pass and expertly lifting his effort over Lauofo – the ball having just enough on it to cross the line.

In the race for a hat-trick, it was Tommy who struck first. Finishing from close range when an initial effort had been saved well by Lauofo. The in-form striker added his fourth and Papua New Guinea’s sixth just past the hour mark.

An almost carbon copy finish minutes later gave Tommy his fifth as American Samoa’s high defensive line struggled to contain his pace.

Papua New Guinea will look to complete a flawless campaign when they face Vanuatu on match day three, with American Samoa taking on hosts Tonga.

American Samoa: 0
Papua New Guinea: 7 (Boas TOMMY 28′, 34′ 49′ 63′ 66′, Peter YAGUM 39′, 46′)

HT: 0-3

Vanuatu again came from two goals down to claim a 2-2 draw with Tonga, ensuring that Papua New Guinea have confirmed their qualification for the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2025.

The hosts had suffered defeat at the hands of Papua New Guinea on match day one, whilst Vanuatu rallied late on against American Samoa to salvage a 2-2 draw.

It was the home side that took a crucial lead. Siaki Lonitenisi’s effort from range was arrowing wide of the target before the intervention of Sioeli Veatupu, who stuck out a foot to prod the ball home past Vanuatu goalkeeper Selwyn Kaltanak.

Lonitenisi added to his assist with a goal of his own just past the half hour mark. Picking the ball up on the edge of the area, his fierce strike flew past Kaltanak, as Tonga capitalised on their territorial dominance.

Vanuatu lifted their performance in the second-half but despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession could not convert it into goal scoring opportunities, with Tongan goalkeeper Gordon Li largely untroubled.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was from a set piece that Vanuatu found a way back into the game. Nelson Tawia excellently controlling a crossed free-kick before firing high into the net to give his side a lifeline.

That lifeline would be capitalised on in the final ten minutes. Substitute Wycliff Iarel arriving late at the back post to convert a deep cross from feel sub Alexis Lolten and draw his side level.

It finished 2-2, meaning Papua New Guinea’s qualification is confirmed, with their six points unassailable on the final match day.

Tonga: 2 (Sioeli VEATUPU 22′, Siaki LONITENISI 31′)
Vanuatu: 2 (Nelson TAWIA 71′, Wycliff IAREL 83′)

HT: 2-0

Photo Credit: OFC Media via TFA