T&T Under-15 girls footballers prevailed over Papua New Guinea in the girls football competition's first penalty shoot-out at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore yesterday. Despite entering its last match without a win, T&T finished its tournament on a high as it recorded a 4-2 victory over Papua New Guinea.
A one-hour downpour just prior to kick-off meant that this game was postponed for 55 minutes, but it breathed a fresh, cool air into the Jalan Besar Stadium as the match got off to a lively start. T&T had more of the ball in the early stages with Marlique Asson and Jonelle Warrick constantly threatening the opponents' goal. Asson saw a shot hit the far post before Warrick raced clear and lobbed the ball narrowly over the bar.
Papua New Guinea spurned a golden chance to take the lead when Georgina Kaikas's spot-kick was saved by Lebrisca Phillip. However, the Caribbean side continued to press but failed to convert their dominance into real chances. The two sides pushed forward harder after the interval but a lack of accuracy remained the key problem. Both teams remained goalless at the end of regulation time.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, Rumona Morris and Biangka Gubag failed to convert from the spot, while T&T players made no mistake from their four attempts. They were Warrick, Asson Abigail Jacob and Corinna Sequea. "Both teams played quite well and it was good game. It was exciting for the crowds when the game went to the shoot-out. For us, losing the game in such a way could be cruel but the girls played their best, so I am still happy," Michael Robinson, Papua New Guinea coach.
