PNG makes a statement win over Samoa

Papua New Guinea kicked off their OFC U-16 Men’s Championship to a flying start after smashing Samoa with a 4-0 victory on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

With a respectable home ground advantage, PNG dominated the first 10 minutes and created a flurry of chances, but Samoa’s defensive line held on. 

The game opened up in the 13th minute when PNG defender Jaru Eron tackled Samo’s forward and passed the ball to his teammate, who made a through pass to Eron, where he feinted the goalkeeper to net the opening goal.

Playing with high intensity, PNG doubled the advantage after Iga Steven passed the ball inside the penalty box, and Samoa’s defender failed to make the clearance, which hit Toka Goro on his chest, and he scored the second goal.

The home side exerted its dominance and created a few more goal-scoring opportunities, but Samoa kept turning them away, leaving the halftime score at 2-0.

Samoa stood up to the challenge in the second half, but PNG broke their defensive line in the 60th minute after Boas Semmy received a through pass from his teammate to score PNG’s 3rd goal.

Iga Steven netted PNG’s 4th goal following a scrambling defence by Samoa and put the game beyond doubt, giving the hosts a well-deserved win to start their campaign.

Captain Matthew Sopo led by example on the field, barking orders and guiding the team to a comprehensive victory, and claiming the Man-of-the-Match. 

Riding on this success, PNG is stoked to meet New Caledonia on Wednesday, July 15th, at PNG Football Stadium.