U17s did PNG proud: Kamake

Sports

By HENRY MORABANG
AN injury-time goal by New Zealand substitute Oliver Whyte may have ended Papua New Guinea’s impressive run at the Oceania Football Confederation Under-17 men’s championship but coach Harrison Kamake hailed his side’s effort as inspirational.
PNG made history reaching the semifinal of the regional championship for the first time but fell short of realizing their World Cup dream going down to 2-1 at Stade Mahina, Papeete, Tahiti yesterday.
Before Whyte’s 93rd minute winner, the match between PNG and the five-time champions was delicately poised at 1-1.
Kamake though disappointed with the result said he was proud of his side’s performance.
“Tonight`s performance really speaks volumes in terms of matching it in this age group with countries like New Zealand. Every player stood out tonight,” he told The National from Tahiti.
Despite being without shot-caller and captain Ricky Wadunah, Oberth Simon and Yagi Yasasa deputised well directing play.
Kamake said he was confident that some of his players could excel at senior football.
“There are players here that can make the senior side but there’s definately a big difference in how the game is played at that level.
“The speed, and especially  the style of play and philosophy of the coach (Fleming Serritslev) are things that take time to develop.”
He thanked the fans for their support.
Kamake said he hoped to keep the squad and build for their next age group tournament, the U20 OFC championship.
In the first semifinal, New Caledonia defeated Solomon Islands 3-2, earning them a place at the 2017 Fifa U17 World Cup along with NZ from the Oceania region.
The Kiwis’ opening point came off an own goal by PNG fullback Aben Pukue who miscued  a cross in the 3rd minute.
Barthy Kerobin hit back for PNG for a 1-1 score line at halftime.
The semifinal was headed for a shootout until Whyte goaled.
New Zealand 2 (Aben Pukue OG 3’, Oliver Whyte 90’+3) PNG 1 (Barthy Kerobin 34’). H/T: 1-1.