Keeper Baniau pulling out all the stops to impress dad

YOUNG Andrew Baniau, pictured, and his dad Godfrey are both in love with football and wearing the national team jersey.
A former Papua New Guinea international goalkeeper, it was Godfrey’s pursuits on the football field which inspired his son to follow in his footsteps.
The younger Baniau, who hails from Madang, started playing in goal as an 11-year-old and has been representing Madang at the PNG Football Association Youth Championship.
It was during this competition that Andrew caught the eye of PNG U16 coach Anthony Pakakota and how he came to now find himself representing the nation at the OFC U16 Championship in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Andrew, 16, was a pillar in the PNG goalmouth during their first match against the Solomon Islands and despite conceding five goals, he made a number of impressive saves to keep their opponents relatively in check.
Being able to walk this path, as his father did before him, has been a dream come true for Andrew.
“It was my first international match and I am proud to represent my country at this level,” he said.
“I used to watch my dad playing on this pitch wearing the PNG colours and it was a dream come true to play here and share that.
“But I was disappointed with myself for not saving those five goals against the Solomon Islands.
“I’m not happy with the result of our first match.
“We’re going to try our best and forget about it.” – OFC