Haji Mnoga: This is how it felt to score maiden goal for my hometown club Pompey

And the exciting Southsea prospect told how he anticipated the memorable occasion unfolding as he opened the scoring in the 3-0 Papa John’s Trophy victory at Cheltenham.

Mnoga broke the deadlock in the 15th minute, showing some impressive composure to cut back on to his left foot before burying his finish.

That moment added to the 18-year-old’s promising reputation, but there was less control about the academy graduate’s celebration.

Mnoga told how he had a plan for marking his first Pompey goal and even sensed the moment was coming at Whaddon Road.

That all went by the wayside on a night the former Trafalgar School pupil will never forget.

He said: ‘I had a feeling that I was going to get a goal tonight.

‘I don’t know why, but I just felt like I was going to get one.

‘I just didn’t know what to do with myself really!

‘I’ve been working on a celebration but when it went in all of that just went out of the window!

‘I may have to take some pointers from Jordy (Hiwula), but it’s been a really good evening and I’m pleased with it.

‘A massive rush went through me after scoring and, to be honest, I just didn’t know what to do with myself but it was a brilliant feeling.’

Mnoga once more operated as a wing-back as he made his11th senior appearance and continued his Pompey emergence

He feels operating in that position hands him a licence to provide goal threat - and he feels there’s no reason more strikes can’t follow for him at senior level.

Mnoga added: ‘I feel like I was composed in the moment.

‘To be fair, though, I haven’t been too composed recently but I felt like a goal was coming.

‘I have been saying the goal has been coming and playing right wing-back scoring more goals is something I can look at.

‘I’m getting into advanced positions so I don’t think there’s any reason why not.

‘There was the chance at Ipswich where maybe just a bit more composure was needed, but ‘I’m just pleased with how it’s going.’