Fiji and PNG march into OFC semifinals after commanding wins

Fiji and hosts Papua New Guinea are through to the semi-finals of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Under-16 Men’s Championship after both secured crucial victories in Port Moresby on Wednesday.

Fiji produced another polished display to thrash Sāmoa 5-0 while Papua New Guinea (PNG) held their nerve to beat New Caledonia 1-0 and seal their place in the final four.

The two results mean Fiji and PNG have now qualified from Group A with a match to spare, ending New Caledonia’s hopes and leaving Sāmoa needing other results to go their way.

Fiji looked dangerous from the opening whistle and were rewarded in the 19th minute when Shahil Prasad weaved his way through the Sāmoan defence before calmly finding the far corner.

Seven minutes later, Ryan Swami doubled the lead from the penalty spot after he was brought down inside the area.

Fiji stayed on top and added a third just before the break. Rayyaan Mohammed broke free down the right and delivered a low cross for Isoa Baselala to finish from close range.

Sāmoa improved after half-time and briefly threatened to pull a goal back but Te Koha Gabriel Schick fired narrowly wide from a tight angle.

Fiji quickly took control again. Baselala grabbed his second of the afternoon just after the hour mark, turning his defender before firing home from an excellent pass by Zaman Shah.

Swami went close to adding another before Sāmoa’s difficult afternoon ended with an own goal 10 minutes from full-time. Atapana Fatu Fasi accidentally turned Jerry Levea’s cross into his own net.

The 5-0 win continues Fiji’s impressive start to the tournament and underlines their status as one of the teams to beat.

Earlier, Papua New Guinea had to work much harder to secure their semi-final place against New Caledonia.

The visitors created the better chances before the break. Titouan Deniaud forced an excellent save from goalkeeper Luther Rodney before Steevy Andrew struck the post with a bold effort from near halfway.

PNG came out stronger after the interval and gradually took control, although Iga Steven missed a golden opportunity when he dragged his shot wide from close range.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 73rd minute.

Papua New Guinea players celebrate after Iga Steven’s second-half winner sealed a 1-0 victory over New Caledonia and booked the hosts a place in the OFC U/16 Men’s Championship semi-finals. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Steven raced onto a long pass from Henry Bill, beat the New Caledonia defence and fired past goalkeeper Jeremy Fere to send the home crowd into celebration.

Nigel Gunemba nearly doubled the advantage moments later but his effort sailed over the bar.

One goal proved enough as PNG held firm for a hard-earned victory to join Fiji in the semi-finals while New Caledonia’s campaign came to an end.

On Thursday sees Group B fixtures: Vanuatu face Solomon Islands while defending champions New Zealand take on Tahiti.

The OFC Under-16 Men’s Championship ends on 25 July. For more information, click here.

In world football, England’s World Cup dream ended this morning (NZT) after defending champions Argentina scored twice late from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez to claim a dramatic 2-1 semi-final win and book a showdown with Spain in the final.

Spain defeated 2022 World Cup finalists France 2-0 to secure their place in the final on Monday 20 July, 7am (NZT) at the MetLife Stadium (officially known as New York/New Jersey Stadium for FIFA), East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.

The third-place play-off between England and France will be played the day before on Sunday, 19 July, 9am (NZT) at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida.

For more details, visit fifa.com