Papua New Guinea Make Impressive Start To Campaign With Victory Over Tonga
All five of their goals came in the first half, with both Peter Yagum and Boas Tommy scoring twice, before Tonga rebounded for two consolation goals of their own in the final quarter.
Papua New Guinea are hoping to reach the OFC U-16 Men's Championship for the first time since 2018 at this year's qualifying tournament, a seven year absence.
And they made a blistering start, Albhan Rani and Pater Yagum scoring to give them a two-goal lead inside the first thirteen minutes.
Tonga briefly steadied the ship, and should have scored from two big opportunities close to the half-hour mark. Instead, they were three goals behind in the 30th minute when Tommy nodded home a delivery from Yagum off the right flank.
He added his second from the penalty spot seven minutes later, with Yagum completing his double just before the break to give Papua New Guinea a five-goal lead.
They struggled to maintain the same intensity through the second half however, as injuries and errors dented their progress.
That allowed Tonga to score two late consolations, giving the home fans something to cheer about.
Sitaleki Kautai scored their first in the 66th minute, before Sioeli Veatupu added a second goal deep into stoppage-time.
All four sides are back in action again on Tuesday, when Papua New Guinea face American Samoa, and hosts Tonga do battle with Vanuatu.
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