PNG win not enough - Fiji and Tahiti advance

Papua New Guinea knew they had to win on the final day of Group B. In the end, even that wasn’t enough.

Papua New Guinea beat Samoa but it wasn’t enough (Photo: OFC via Phototek)

PNG knew a win over Samoa, might not be enough, as they needed to overturn their 5-1 goal difference from the loss to Fiji.

Tommy Semmy ignited hope for PNG with a first half goal, before a crucial second arrived in the early stages of the second period, thanks to a combination from the Kepo brothers. Kolu releasing Ati with an excellent through ball and the forward made no mistake, tucking the ball under Taupau to double the lead.

Papua New Guineas Tommy Semmy and Papua New Guineas Alwin Komolong celebrate Semmy’s goal. (Photo: OFC via Phototek)

But just aftet hour mark Samoa managed to pull one back as Pharrell Trainor headed in a cross.

And there would be no more goals, meaning PNG would have to hope for a Fiji hammering of Tahiti in the late kick off.

But their hopes were crushed as the match ended in a 1-0 win to the hosts, which was not enough for PNG.

A Roy Krishna penalty – his third in two matches – and his 40th international goal, more than any OFC player – was the catalyst for a scrappy win for Rob Sherman’s side, who will now play Vanuatu in their semi-final in Port Vila on Thursday.