Host nation Samoa dominated Papua New Guinea in their opening Group B match of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Apia today.
Captain Pharrell Trainor scored Samoa’s lone goal of the first half, giving them a narrow lead at the break. He added another goal in the 47th minute before PNG’s Nalau Moses scored to narrow the gap. However, Juan Gobbi’s goal in the 82nd minute secured the win for Samoa.
This victory sets up an exciting clash for Samoa against champions New Zealand on Tuesday, while Papua New Guinea will need a positive result against New Caledonia to stay in contention.