Papua New Guinea through to OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 with dominant win

Papua New Guinea have secured their place at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 in Samoa with a strong 5-1 victory over Cook Islands, sealing top spot in the qualifying tournament.

Entering the decisive fixture knowing a draw would be enough to advance, Papua New Guinea took control in a competitive affair – as the hosts only needed a win to qualify.

Two goals in the first 20 set the platform for Mathew Witu’s side, putting them in command before a tense second half as the hosts pushed for a response. Rual Api opened the scoring after reacting outside the penalty area, finishing from range to give his side the advantage.

The goal settled Papua New Guinea, who began to dominate possession and create more opportunities through hat-trick hero David Tita,  Benjamin Kila and captain Nalau Moses. Tita was at the heart of the second goal, collecting a long pass from Bomecge Basananuc before driving towards the box area and delivering a low cross for captain Nalau Moses to finish and double the lead.

The Cook Islands pushed before half-time when Maui Denny free-kick found Kima Webb, whose header went just over the cross-bar. Set-pieces and long-range efforts from Denny and Josh Barrymore-Udan kept the pressure on, but they could not finish.

Papua New Guinea struck immediately after the restart when Basananuc released David Tita upfield, striking instantly to score his fourth goal of the qualifying stage. After numerous chances, Cook Islands set-piece plays finally paid off when Charlie Noovao-Martin met a curling Denny delivery, heading home to put the hosts on the board.

But Papua New Guinea sealed the result with two goals in the dying stages of the game.  John Millis accelerated into the box beating defenders, before substitute Benjamin Sumabru finished to extend the lead. Sumabru was influential in the final goal, feeding Jaru Eron who struck home sealing the result.

The victory sends Papua New Guinea through to the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 alongside New Caledonia, Samoa and Solomon Islands, while Cook Islands’ spirited qualifying campaign comes to an end.

Photo credit: OFC Media via Creators Hype

HT: 2-0

Papua New Guinea: (Rual API 15’, Nalau MOSES 19’, David TITA 46′, Benjamin SUMABRU 87′, Jaru ERON 90+5′)
Cook Islands: (Charlie NOOVAO MARTIN 80′)