Papua New Guinea have made a winning start to OFC U-19 Men’s Championship2026 – Qualifying, defeating Tonga 4-0 in the opening game of the tournament at the CIFA Academy in Rarotonga.
Appearing at the qualifying stage for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship for the first time, David Tita was the star for Papua New Guinea, scoring three and setting up the fourth to guide his nation to three points on opening day.
It’s just Papua New Guinea’s third victory at U-19 level in OFC competition since 2016, of which all three have come against Tonga – giving them the advantage in the fight to qualify for OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 in Samoa.
Their pace up top continually breached holes in-behind the Tongan defence throughout the contest, and led to the opening goal of the qualifying tournament in the 14th minute. Papua New Guinea captain Nalau Moses turned and fed David Tita, who beat goalkeeper Gordon Li from a one-on-one situation.
Tonga weren’t without their opportunities and Tevita Falepapalangi looked a threat whenever he advanced into a forward position. Tonga’s best chance of the first half came through the playmaker, who held up the ball for his attacking partner Siaki Lonitenisi in the penalty box – only for the latter to pull his effort high over the crossbar from close range just before the half-time break.
Falepapalangi continued to try and inspire his side in the second stanza, but couldn’t find the equalising goal, spurning his clearest opening straight into the gloves of Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Ricky Hulana. Frustration eventually boiled over for Tonga in the final twenty minutes when defender Vainga Loti was shown a second yellow card and dismissed for a high foot on an opposing player.
David Tita took advantage in the final ten minutes, scoring twice to complete his hat-trick and seal the three points for Papua New Guinea. Both were superb moments of individual quality, turning and finding the top of the net from long range with a wonderful left-footed strike for his second goal, before dancing past multiple defenders and the goalkeeper on a solo run for his third.
He added one more touch of class in second half stoppage-time, picking out Benjamin Kila with a low cross into the penalty box for Papua New Guinea’s fourth and final goal of the afternoon.
Both teams have one more match to play against the host nation, with Tonga needing a win against the Cook Islands next on Tuesday to keep their campaign alive. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea can secure their place at OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 should they defeat the hosts when they take to the field again on Friday.
Tonga: 0
Papua New Guinea: 4 (David TITA 14′, 82′, 85′, Benjamin KILA 90+1′)
HT: 0-1
Photo credit: OFC Media via Creators Hype