Host nation Samoa triumphed over 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 only goal in the first half, giving them a narrow lead at the break.
Trainor struck again in the 47th minute, extending Samoa’s lead. Papua New Guinea’s Nalau Moses pulled one back, but Juan Gobbi’s goal in the 82nd minute secured the win for the home side.
The victory sets up a compelling clash for Samoa against champions New Zealand on Tuesday, while Papua New Guinea will now focus on achieving a positive result against New Caledonia.