Papua New Guinea U17 men’s soccer team ended their friendly matches in New Zealand on a high note, leading into the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Championships.
They defeated Onehunga Mangere 2nd Division team 2-0 on Saturday, February 4, at Mt Smart, Auckland, following a 3-3 draw with Auckland Central Academy Football Club.
PNG’s two goals were scored 10 minutes to half time through Yagi Yasasa and Captain Ricky Wadunah.
It was a tough encounter early in the game but Yasasa broke the ice, scoring PNG's first goal 1-0 in the 32nd minute.
Just five minutes later, Wadunah scored PNG’s second goal (2-0) after a good build-up and combination play with Oberth Simon, who substituted Yasasa.
Coach Harrison Kamake gave credit to his boys who showed character, discipline, spirit and maturity in the game.
Kamake was pleased with the result, especially going into the OFC U17 Championships next week as it will give a positive boost for the boys.
The OFC championship will be hosted in Tahiti, scheduled from February 11-24.
Kamake said the friendlies have helped to prepare the team mentally in terms of approaching games with positive attitudes leading up to the tournament.
The PNG side departs for Tahiti on Monday, February 6.
PNG is pooled in Group A alongside New Caledonia, Tahiti and Vanuatu.
Group B consists of Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and New Zealand.
(Picture courtesy of PNG Football Association)