PNG, Vanuatu U17s tie

A LACK of concentration and the lapses in defence by Papua New Guinea allowed Vanuatu to come from behind to force a 3-3 draw in their second Group A game at the Oceania Football Confederation Under-17 Championship in Papeete, Tahiti, yesterday.
The draw means PNG has a slim chance of qualifying after hosts Tahiti and New Caledonia also drew 1-1 in the other group fixture.  PNG’s final match is against hosts Tahiti tomorrow.
Coach Harrison Kamake’s side got off to a good start in the 16th minute when Aben Pukue blasted one past Vanuatu goalkeeper Joshua Willie.
Nine minutes later, Vanuatu replied through Dilland Ngwele to equalise after a messy defensive effort in the box by PNG. Flanker Barthy Kerobin scored in the injury time of the opening half to put PNG in front 2-1 at halftime.
In the second-half, Vanuatu drew level through Albert Vanva, who tapped the ball into the net after goalkeeper Graham Berigami fumbled the ball at the goal mouth.
The game see-sawed until the dying minutes when Kerobin looked to have won the match for PNG after scoring his second goal of the afternoon.
However the lead was shortlived as Zidane Maguekon grabbed the equaliser from a free kick.
Scoreline: PNG 3 (Anen Pukue 16′, Barthy Kerobin 45’+4′ pen 81′) Vanuatu 3 (Dilland Ngwele 25′, Abert Vanva 55′, Zidane Maguekon 83′). H/T: 2-1 (PNG)