Hat-trick from Tau secures win
against Vanuatu
STRIKER Winnie Tau yesterday scored a hat-trick to help PNG beat Vanuatu 7-2 in their final match of the Oceania Olympic qualifier in Lautoka, Fiji.
The win was major boost as it pushed PNG into top four of the six-team qualifying tournament.
The win over Vanuatu is also the second recorded on the tournament following their first 6-1 win over the Cook Islands on Friday. PNG lost their three opening matches to the Solomon Islands (6-0), Fiji (7-1) and New Zealand (5-2).
The Vanuatu and PNG matched kicked off in fine conditions at Churchhill Park to decide the minor placings.
PNG wasted not time as striker Raymond Gunemba fired a shot at Vanuatu goal but was saved by goalkeeper Kalnasei.
About 10 minutes later, nippy midfielder Samuel Kini scored the first goal for the afternoon, and three minutes later, co-striker Tau Winnie scored the first of his hat-trick and his fourth goal of the championships.
Soon after Winnie was brought down and David Muta scored with ease to put PNG in a better position three goals up against Vanuatu.
PNG were now in full control with three goal advantage. And the PNG boys defended well to maintain a 3-0 score at half time.
Six minutes into second half, fourth official Andrew Moli of the Solomon Islands had to replace Rakesh Varman of Fiji because Varman withdrew due to injury.
Vanuatu bounced back strongly in the second half and kept PNG defence busy with their striker Brian Melar pounding the PNG defence. They finally found the net through Michael Kaltak in the 52nd minute when sweeper Tarcissius Mandarip failed to clear the ball.
Unfortunately, Kaltak did not last the match as he was red-carded for foul on David Muta. Muta was replaced by Jason Wesley.
PNGís Gunemba scored his second goal of the afternoon after a good set of play to put PNG in front 4-1.
And then Wesley made fine volleyed cross to find Winnie to put PNG in front 5-1. Winnie had an opportunity for the sixth goal but he missed the shot.
Welgris Highlander Koriak Upaiga beat Kalnasei one-on-one and rifled home a sixth for Papua New Guinea before Vanuatu pulled one back through Fenedy Masauvakolo to trail 6-2.
Winnie never gave up and finished the tournament with his sixth goal to seal the game for PNG.
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