THE Papua New Guinea Under 23 soccer side showed flashes of brilliance in holding Fiji’s super premier side Suva 1-1 at the capital’s Post Fiji Stadium on Tuesday night.
The visitors, playing a warm-up match ahead of the Oceania Olympic play-offs starting this weekend, took a lot of positives out of the clash against one of the giants of Fijian National Soccer League.
George Cowie’s men enjoyed territorial advantage and a lion’s share of possession throughout the match but the former West Ham United representative must have been disappointed with his team’s finishing.
Striker Neil Hans scored from the penalty spot early in the second spell to equalize after fluffing two easy opportunities – a header and a shot over the crossbar – in the first spell.
Chances were at a minimum in the second half. It was in the first half that PNG could easily have been 6-1 ahead if they had capitalized on the many chances created by some good constructive football.
Suva defender Mira Saheb had to clear off the line while Samuel Kini missed an early chance as well. In between, a lapse in concentration in defence saw tiny Suva linkman Yogesh Narayan bulge the roof of the PNG net with a well executed volley.
PNG had the chance to level terms at the other end but were denied by some good goalkeeping by Alifereti Baleiloa, who made a double save inside a minute.
Left wideman Fabian Bagi, who showed exceptional footwork and pace down the tramlines before being rested in the second spell, forced a terrific save out of Baleiloa. From the ensuing corner kick, the Suva stopper was at the rescue again – this time diving to his left to parry striker Jason Wesley’s vicious drive.
In the 30th minute, Hans glanced his header wide from straight in front following a show of dazzling skills down the left channel by the exciting Bagi.
Five minutes from the break, Bagi again skipped clear from his marker but his well-weighted delivery inside the penalty box was skied into the still of the Suva night by Hans, who at times looked very low on confidence in front of goal.
Wesley had an opportunity to head his side into the lead after the breather but under pressure from the Suva defence, he put it wide.
In the end, PNG could take heart out of this performance except for their prowess in front of the opposition goal.
Cyril Muta was rock-solid in defence ably supported by Kini in front of him.
Captain David Muta was in commanding form in mid-field and a little injury scare late in the game could be a concern. Mathias Apo was always razor-sharp going forward and tireless on the retreat.
PNG faces the Solomons in Saturday’s opening match in Lautoka.