Tahiti holds Papua New Guinea to a 1-1 draw

Papua New Guinea’s effort to progress into OFC Men’s Nations Cup semifinals was shattered Wednesday afternoon by Tahiti after a 1-1 stalemate.

Tahiti made a crucial start in their bid with a significant win against Samoa. It looked promising to advance to the finals after holding PNG accountable at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Fiji.

The Warren Moon-coached side needed the 3 points to keep their hopes alive but a resilient Tahitian outfit has pushed PNG further down in the race, as both sides picked up 1 point each.

Despite the results in the group B encounter, PNG is still in contention to secure a potential spot in the semifinals slated for Vanuatu.

The draw was a recoil for the Alwin Komolong-captained PNG team, who at least needed a point to keep them in the finals contention circle.

PNG took control of the first half but a goal by Tahiti’s Matéo Degrumelle in the 15th minute set the tone for an exciting finish.

It didn’t take long for Moon’s men to respond as Tommy Semmy and Ati Kepo beefed up PNG’s attack.

Kepo’s pace accelerated as he flawlessly assisted reserve forward Pala Paul for the equalizer nine minutes after the first goal of the game.

PNG kept the game under their wings as Semmy and Yagi Yasasa almost reached the net but Tahiti managed to hold on with superb defence in the box.

With scores tied at 1-all, heading into the break, both sides needed a phenomenon to break dreadlock.

Komolong’s team almost pulled off a decisive win after Tahiti’s Matatia Paama was sent off with a red card.

But PNG couldn’t surge past a brick wall set by the defenders in the extra time as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.