PNG draw with Samoa

By HENRY MORABANG
PAPUA New Guinea women finished a disappointing third after a 1-1 draw with Samoa in the closing match of the OFC Under-19 Women’s championship.
New Zealand, who went through the tournament undefeated, have booked the ticket to Fifa U20 World Cup in France while Fiji finished second.
Fiji now officially become the soccer champions of the Pacific Islands in the U19 age group, taking over from Papua New Guinea.
PNG have been runners-up in the past two outings to hold number one spot in the region but now have surrendered the title to a fast-improving Fiji.
The game yesterday started off well with Nicollete Ageva, Selina Unamba and Jacklyn Maiyosi leading the attack.
Samoa captain Shalom Fiso played a blinder in the middle of the park but it was good defence that denied them from scoring.
The game see-sawed for a while until Ageva finally found the back of the net after a strong build-up from her team to score in the 41st minute.
As half time was fast approaching, complacency crept into the PNG team and Samoa easily capitalised to see striker Hunter Malaki equalise before the break.
In the second half, both teams tried their best to crack the defence but were unsuccessful.
Ageva and Maiyosi, until replaced, tried their best but to no avail.
Maiyosi’s replacement, Melisa Jofari, went out on fresh legs but could not do much.
Experienced Ramona Padio and Unamba also tried their best but had no way to go because of Samoa’s solid  and physical defence.
Ageva had the opportunity to increase the score but her one-on-one challenge could not get past Samoa goalkeeper Jecky Toma, who managed to tip the ball over the cross bar.
PNG coach Rachel Wadunah rushed in some fresh players in Isabella Natera for Leah Karo while Gorethy Paofa went in for Serah Tambol but that was still not enough to get over Samoa.
The match ended 1-1 at full time.
PNG 1 (Nicolleta Ageva), Samoa 1 (Hunter Malaki).