PNG end U16 Championship with heavy loss to host

PAPUA New Guinea ended their campaign in the OFC Under-16 Championship qualifier with a 0-7 shutout by the hosts Tonga on Friday.
The Marty Terry-coached side’s aim to finish off the tournament on a high note was thwarted as four goals from Tevita Falepapalangi inspired Tonga to a massive 7-0 victory in the final match.
Following confirmation of the Solomon Islands qualification for the OFC U16 men’s championship with victory earlier in the day, Tonga and PNG had only pride and second place on the standings to play for in the final match of the tournament.
Tonga settled into their rhythm quickly, backed on by a small, but loud home crowd at the Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa.
Falepapalangi four goals, including Siaki Lonitenisi’s double and Sione ‘Ainu’u goal ensured Tonga finish the championship in second on the standings, with six points and two wins from their three matches.
PNG’s defence was all over the place, and the pace and accuracy of their opposition was causing problems.
Coach Terry responded with some positional changes halfway through the opening stanza, with his side being outplayed.
It failed to stem the tide though, and the Tongan pressure eventually told when Tevita Falepapalangi broke the game open with a special cameo before the break.
Meanwhile, Solomon Islands will join New Caledonia, Samoa and hosts Tahiti in Group B of the OFC U16 Championship set for Tahiti in July after booking their spot at the qualifying tournament.
A 6-0 win against American Samoa has secured Solomon Islands at the centalised championship that serves as the qualifier for the Fifa U17 World Cup next year.
Leading 3-0 at half time, the Solomon Islands added three more goals in the second half to cruise to a comfortable victory.