Fiji sealed top spot in Group A and booked their place in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship semi-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Papua New Guinea in a crucial group-stage encounter.

With both sides entering the match unbeaten, the winner would secure first place in the group and strengthen their hopes of making history.

Fiji made the perfect start, taking the lead after just six minutes through Zaman Shah.

The winger produced a moment of brilliance, curling a corner kick directly into the net to stun the home crowd.

Papua New Guinea’s task became even more difficult when Jau Eron was shown a red card following a heavy challenge, leaving the hosts to play the remainder of the match with ten men.

Fiji quickly capitalised on their numerical advantage. Jerry Levea doubled the lead in the 19th minute with a powerful long-range effort, his strike carrying all the way into the back of the net.

Just before half-time, Isoa Baselala added a third after creating space for himself, surging beyond the PNG defence before firing home to give Fiji a commanding 3-0 advantage at the break.

Despite the setback, Papua New Guinea refused to give in. Iga Steven injected urgency into the attack after the restart, bursting into the penalty area before delivering a dangerous cross, while captain Matthew Sopo twice threatened to reduce the deficit, forcing one save before later firing narrowly over the crossbar.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, Papua New Guinea continued to push until the final whistle, but Fiji’s defence held firm to secure an impressive victory.

Both teams book their place in the semi-finals and Fiji complete the group stages as Group A winners.