PNG fall to Vanuatu in penalty shoot-out at Oceania youth tournament

VANUATU gave home fans something to smile about by avoiding the wooden spoon following a thrilling penalty shoot-out win over Melanesian rivals Papua New Guinea.
Playing for pride, Vanuatu started brightly, holding both ball and territorial possession during the early exchanges without causing too much headaches for their Pacific rivals.
With both sides keen to finish the tournament on a high note, PNG responded with probing attacks through the dangerous Morris Devi, who was the first to create a chance with a brilliant run before the first of many crucial blocks by the impressive Nicholas Kings at the centre of Vanuatu’s defence.
Joseph Ealedona came the closest to open the scoring in the first half when his volley from close range shaved the crossbar of Vanuatu goalkeeper captain James Chilia.
With both teams struggling in the final third, the only goal-scoring chance came midway through the second period when Jonah Abel hit the post from a pinpoint cross by Pietro Takaro before the rebound off the post fell for Julian Banga, who flashed wide of the PNG post.
In the final minutes of the match, Jason Wadunah hit the post at the other end with a brilliant free-kick as the likelihood of a penalty shoot-out was looking increasingly likely.
The hosts suffered a scare at the end of regulation time following a red card for Armando Ravo, while PNG replaced their keeper Andrew Baniau with Adrian Redenut.
Chilia produced a save to deny Joku while Jayson Bule drove his shot straight at Redenut to open the penalty shoot-out duel.
Joseph Waiwai and Junior Okao both converted before Chilia gave the advantage to Vanuatu with another save, this time from Renagi Ila.
Froncois Atel made no mistake before Chilia stamped his authority on the shoot-out by keeping out Joshua Urro.
Julian Banga blasted his shot over the bar to give PNG a last chance, which skipper Butler Hosea took advantage of to level the scores 2-2 with one last kick.
The responsibility of winning the match for Vanuatu fell on the shoulders of Takaro who made no mistake from to the delight of his home fans.