PNG U19 side edged despite taking lead twice in friendly

The Papua New Guinea U19 national soccer team put on an impressive performance against Manurewa Academy despite losing 3-2 in a friendly in New Zealand last Thursday.
Despite going up against a quality side, Papua New Guinea put their best foot forward to give Manurewa a good run for their money.
Jonathan Allen got PNG off to a good start when he put his side ahead in the 30th minute, but Manurewa bounced back to equalise before halftime.
In the second half, substitute Abraham Allen scored PNG’s second goal to regain the lead.
But Manurewa, with a few tricks up their sleeves, equalised and went on to seal the match in the 88th minute.
PNG team manager Besi Simongi said their preparations were going well, but the side found it tough to acclimatise to the New Zealand weather.
“The temperature was the main factor as it was pretty cold for our players,” Simongi said.
Coach Harrison Kamake said he was satisfied with the result ahead of their first match against Tonga on Sunday.
The team left for Tahiti on Monday after two weeks in New Zealand. PNG will play Tahiti on Aug 8 and New Zealand on Aug 11.
PNG are in Group A with New Zealand, Tonga and hosts Tahiti.