Samoa came out on top 3-1 in a hard-fought battle against Papua New Guinea in their opening match of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Apia on Saturday afternoon.

Captain Pharell Trainor played a man-of-the-match game grabbing a brace.

Papua New Guinea should have been ahead in the first five minutes with striker Johnson Belle wasted a gifted opportunity, metres out from an empty goal, he sent his shot sailing over the crossbar.

German-based striker Trainor was ever-present in Samoa’s attack, causing Papua New Guinea issues in defence, but for the most part, they handled him well.

Battling the hot and humid conditions, both sides struggled to gain the ascendency in the first period with neither team testing each other’s goal.

Approaching half-time the breakthrough came, and it was Samoa’s captain Trainor that provided it. He showed great composure to control a cross, before calmly slotting it past Daniel Sakora.

Trainor almost had his second in two minutes, showing great creativity as he used his heel to direct the ball goalwards, but Sakora managed to beat the ball to the net to stop it.

Papua New Guinea’s Jason Goble-Lote had a chance of his own. He caught the hosts on the counterattack, dribbling into the box before unleashing a strike only to be denied by the strong hands of Joel Bartley.

Samoa made the perfect start to the second half with Trainor doubling the host’s advantage. He picked the ball up just beyond the 18-yard box, dribbling past two PNG players before slotting it into the bottom corner.

However, Papua New Guinea hit right back. Sloppy defending from the hosts saw Nalau Moses get in behind the defence. His shot deflected off a defender and into the back of the goal.

It was end-to-end stuff for the remainder of the second period, both teams relentless on attack as they knew the importance of getting off to a good start at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship.

Juan Gobbi put the game beyond doubt in the final stages of the match, powering his shot past Sakora into the back of the net. He could have had a second in added time, but his chip shot just drifted over the crossbar.

Coach Valerio Raccuglia said this was the start the team needed.

"We normally chase, and we always have to catch up so it's good to be in this position but the job is not done," he said.

"Tonight, we will enjoy this win, and then tomorrow we focus on New Zealand. I don't think you'll find anyone prouder than me at this moment. But to be fair the group worked hard for the last two weeks they've been together.

"Maybe they had a few nerves when they started especially playing in front of their home crowd but we wanted to perform and we wanted to win. We took our chances and were super happy with the outcome."

There were a few players who had minor injuries from the game however Raccuglia assured that he has the best people backing them and they know ways to recover quickly. He was grateful for everyone who came out to support him and the team.

Captain Pharell Trainor thanked the P.N.G team for showing good sportsmanship and the fans who turned up at the football field to cheer them on.

"I'm feeling awesome, starting the competition strong with three points. Its nothing better than to do it on our home soil in front of the home crowd as well," he said.

"The P.N.G team was very strong, fit, and athletic. It was indeed a good team and a great first game for us. Thank you very much to everyone who turned up today for us it helped us.

"I think the boys follow me very well, they gave their hundred per cent for their country especially when we are playing in front of all our people. That's how I think I could control everyone and we made a connection in our short time together."

The victory for Samoa sets up an intriguing clash against New Zealand on Tuesday, while for Papua New Guinea they’ll look to rebound against New Caledonia.