APIA: Papua New Guinea has recorded their first win of the 2004 OFC Nations Cup/FIFA World Cup Stage 1 preliminaries with a commanding 10-0 win over the bottom placed side in Group 2, American Samoa in Apia today.
Led by New Zealand based striker Reginald Davani who scored four goals, PNG cruised to a 7-0 lead and were held to just three goals in the second half. Midfielder Andrew Lepani was also in good goal-scoring touch with a hat-trick.
The win improves the chances of PNG of sneaking the runner up qualifying spot for Stage 2 depending on the outcome of the other remaining matches. In both their previous matches, PNG had golden opportunities to win but were forced to draw 1-1 in their opening match against Vanuatu after conceding a stoppage time goal, then went down narrowly to Fiji.
Goals: Reginald Davani (4), Andrew Lepani (3), Maurie Wasi, Paul Komboi, Michael Lohai.
FULL MATCH REPORT TO FOLLOW