The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has named its U16 Men’s National Football Team that will depart on Monday, Aug 11 for Honiara, Solomon Islands, to compete in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship which also serve as the qualifying tournament for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
The squad qualified for the championships with two wins and a draw in Tonga in May, topping their qualifying group and raising PNG’s hopes for a spot at next year’s world cup tournament. PNG U16 National Coach Matthew Witu states that he is confident in the ability of his charges.
“We have selected a group of boys who are disciplined, talented, and ready to rise to the challenge,” said Witu.
Witu states the national team is looking at making history, and preparations have been in full swing with the squad performing well in friendlies, including a 2-0 victory over National Youth Soccer League side Gulf Komara.
“Our preparations went well and we are now focused in giving our best in the tournament,and we have consistency with the core of the squad has been maintained from the qualifying campaign” said Witu.
PNG has been placed in a competitive group alongside Melanesian rivals Fiji, the Cook Islands and Tahiti.
“To get into the final, it comes back to us, we just need to get our tactical plans right, put our mindset together and work as a unit to achieve it.” said Witu.
The OFC U16 Championship will be held from the 15th – 30th August in Honiara, Solomon Islands and will feature top youth teams from Fiji, Cook Islands, Tahiti, New Zealand, Samoa, New Caledonia and Solomon Islands, all aiming to secure one of the two qualification spots to the FIFA U17 World Cup.
The team is scheduled to depart on Monday 11th of August.
PNG U16 Fixtures – Group Stage
Venue: Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara
- Match 1: PNG vs Cook Islands | 17/08/25 | 12pm (11am PNG time)
- Match 2: PNG vs Tahiti | 20/08/25 | 12pm (11am PNG time)
- Match 3: PNG vs Fiji | 23/08/25 | 3pm (2pm PNG time)
Squad – Luther Rodrick Rodney, Junior Sabua, Alexander Possiri (goalkeepers), Christopher Eugene, Ryan Blu, Bomecge Basananuc, Leonidas Scooping, Henry Bill, George Nasa, Brian Kisito (defenders), Albhan Rani, Polos Muip, Junior Pepea, John Millis, Carl Yaling, Johnsford Tava, Toka Goro, Sebulon Andrew Kenong, Leighton Enoch (midfielders), Peter Yagum, Boas Moran Tommy, Jaru Eron, Harrison Ima (forwards). Officials – Mathew Witu (Head Coach), David Muta (Assistant Coach), Godfrey Baniau (Goalkeeper Coach), Daniel Natto (Team Manager), David Kaura (Kit Manager).
ENDS…///
For further information or interview requests:
media@pngfootball.com.pg
+675 7603 3337
Patricia Keamo
Media & Communications Manager– PNGFA