U17 side’s fine form brings smiles to soccer fans in country

 THE performance of the national Under-17 side at the Luganville Soccer City Stadium on Santo Island, Vanuatu, has put a smile on the faces of soccer followers in the country.

After drawing the first game against Vanuatu (1-1) and beating Cook Islands 1-0, the Papua New Guinea youngsters went down to Fiji 2-0 in yesterday’s match.

PNG made a slow start in the opening minutes and could not match the fired-up Fijians. 

The Fijians dominated the first 20 minutes and that resulted in a goal by Jonetani Buksh who headed in a good cross from Iosefo Verevou to give them the lead.

PNG had a great chance from Randoll Bongi in the 16th minute but he could not beat Fiji goalkeeper Misiwani Nairube from close range.

They had another chance when captain John Ray hit a free kick towards goal from a long range but the effort was deflected away.

Fiji fired some good shots but PNG goalkeeper Koniel Vagi was equal to the task by making crucial saves.

Fiji led 1-0 at half-time.

PNG made a substitution, with Jonel Kambual replacing Nicky Benjamin. 

The goal scorer for PNG against Cook Islands, Steven Inia, had the opportunity to level the score against Fiji but his shot went over the cross bar.

Striker Verevou put Fiji two goals up in the 50th minute when he broke into the PNG box and found the far corner with a low shot.

PNG skipper Ray, with his never-say-die attitude, led by taking long range shots at goal.

Kambuka flick another Steven Inia free kick over the bar. 

PNG tried their best to get into the match but clear-cut chances proved hard to come by.

Both teams tried their best but could do little as time ran out on them,with Fiji winning 2-0 to keep their hopes alive.

PNG still has two matches to play – against New Caledonia and New Zealand – before they return next week.

Upcoming matches:

l Cook Islands v Vanuatu, 9.30am local time, Tuesday, April 23, Luganville Soccer City Stadium, Luganville, Vanuatu;

l Papua New Guinea v New Caledonia, 12.30pm local time, Tuesday, April 23, Luganville Soccer City Stadium, Luganville, Vanuatu.

l New Zealand-Fiji, 3.30pm local time, Tuesday, April 23, Luganville Soccer City Stadium, Luganville, Vanuatu.

The FIFA U17 World Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 17 to November 8.