PNG dominates Cook Islands, securing final spot

Papua New Guinea has booked its ticket to the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship Final after a commanding 5-1 victory over the Cook Islands in the Qualifying Stage today (June 13th) at the Cook Islands Football Academy in Rarotonga.  

PNG, who remained undefeated in the tournament, needed a draw or a win to secure a spot in the final, and the Cook Islands also needed a victory to advance to the final.

With the final spot on the line, PNG took things under control and found the back of the net in the 15th minute through Ruel Api, and Nalau Moses doubled the lead in the 18th minute, leaving the half-time score at 2-0.  

PNG extended the advantage immediately after the resumption through David Tita, keeping the Cook Islanders flat-footed. After a couple of attempts, the hosts scored their first goal in the 80th minute, but the red-hot PNG side hit back with 2 goals to seal the deal.

Talented midfielder David Tita played an instrumental role in PNG's successful championship run. He scored 4 goals in the tournament, assisted a few, and walked away with the Man-of-the-Match honors.

PNG Coach Matthew Witu credited the players, attributing the victory to the team's positive mindset and fitness level.  

“The boys have performed exceptionally well, and I am proud of them. What we planned was executed well,” he said.  

“In our first game, we lost the ball too quickly due to bad passing, but we quickly recovered and controlled the possession, which was good. 

“I was confident while watching the game they played against Tonga, knowing that we would win because my boys looked fit.” 

Despite the positive outcome, Witu revealed that changes would be made depending on the players’ performance. 

“I would make a few changes, but I will wait patiently and see how these players perform in their Premier Soccer League clubs,” he said.  

“In preparation for September, I will ask the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) if we could prepare early and focus on the final, which will be hosted in Samoa.”

Coach Witu thanked his coaching staff and team management, PNGFA, and the fans for their support during the tournament in the Cook Islands.

“I want to thank my technical team comprising Harrison Kamake, assistant coach, team manager, goalkeeper coach, and PNGFA under the leadership of President John Kapi Natto and his staff,” he expressed.

The victory sends PNG through to the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, slated from 1-14 September 2026, in Samoa. PNG, New Caledonia, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands will battle for supremacy, while the Cook Islands has bowed out of the race.

PC: OFC