PNG aiming for more points

After managing to break down the strong defensive approach of the Tongans in their opening OFC U19 Championship match, Papua New Guinea will face a different kind of challenge when they come up against hosts Tahiti at Stade Pater at 2pm today.
Meanwhile, hosts Tahiti will be out to draw first blood against a lively PNG side keen to add to their points tally after notching the full three on day one.
When the two nations met at the U17 level at Stade Mahina on Feb 17 last year, it was the Melanesians who came out on top.
Jonathan Allen and Emmanuel Simongi were on the scoresheet for PNG in the 2-1 victory, with Eddy Kaspard the author of Tahiti’s only goal.
All three of them are back this year to help their nations prove a point, and all three will be likely play key roles in tomorrow’s encounter, with Kaspard and Allen both getting on the scoreboard in their openers. PNG coach Harrison Kamake made a couple of tactical changes in his side’s first game, including replacing striker Jonathan for younger brother Abraham.
“We had to take him out because we wanted to speed up the attack. Abraham did that and we were happy with the two goals he scored.”
Looking ahead, Kamake knows Tahiti’s style of play and their opponents’ physicality will cause problems for his side.
But he is hopeful the players will adopt the tactical approach he wants to see implemented.
“We know the side that Tahiti have and we’re happy to go up against them,” he said.
Despite going down to New Zealand, Tahiti can be proud of the performance they put on for their fans, who turned up in numbers at Stade Pater on Monday to see their team in action.
Coach Bruno Tehaamoana said his side had shown their abilities and cohesion, which he believes will help carry his squad through the event.
“We watched Papua New Guinea’s first game and we took some points away from it, both in terms of their strengths and weaknesses,” Tehaamoana said.
“I hope we will perform as we did against New Zealand.
“With all due respect to our opponent, if we can retain the level of the first match, we shouldn’t have too many difficulties.”