Raymond Gunemba calls on PNGFA to stand with players as unpaid MSG allowances remain unresolved

Papua New Guinea international Raymond Gunemba has called on the PNG Football Association to stand firmly behind its players and reconsider sending a national team to the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup if outstanding payments from previous editions remain unpaid.

The experienced striker has again raised concerns over money owed to players and officials following PNG’s participation in the 2024 and 2025 editions of the regional tournament. PNG won the competition in Solomon Islands in 2024 before hosting the following edition, but Gunemba says players from those campaigns are still waiting for payments they were promised.

Speaking directly to Oceania Football Center, Gunemba clarified that he does not consider PNGFA to be the source of the payment problem itself. According to him, responsibility for releasing the money lies with those tasked with funding the national teams.

“The problem is with the people who will send the money, but PNGFA should think of the players’ welfare, stand with the players and not send the team until and unless players receive their payment,” Gunemba told OFCe.

His comments add an important distinction to the ongoing dispute. Gunemba’s criticism of PNGFA is not that the federation has personally withheld the money, but that it should use its position to defend the players rather than proceed with another MSG campaign while previous commitments remain unresolved.

Gunemba had already expressed his frustration publicly after PNG began assembling its squad for the 2026 tournament. He said players had previously been told that payments would be made before or during MSG competitions, only for those assurances not to materialise after the events had concluded.

According to Gunemba, around 24 players, alongside members of management, technical staff and officials connected with the men’s and women’s national teams, remain affected. He also claimed that some supporting staff, tournament organisers and service providers had been paid while players were still waiting.

The issue became particularly sensitive after PNGFA previously indicated that Papua New Guinea would not participate in the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup unless the outstanding matter was resolved. The federation later moved forward with preparations for the competition following assurances that the payments would be addressed.

Gunemba believes that assurance must now translate into money reaching the players before the new tournament begins.

“The main thing is about our payment. If the payment comes through before the team takes part in this year’s MSG, then it should be okay. But if not, then PNGFA shouldn’t send a team,” he told OFCe.

For Gunemba, the issue goes beyond the immediate financial dispute and concerns how national-team footballers are treated after representing Papua New Guinea.

“Player welfare and wellbeing are important, so PNGFA should fight for the players, for the good of the players in the country,” he added.

In comments reported separately this week, Gunemba also stressed that he understands the importance of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup as an opportunity for players to represent their country and gain exposure. However, he argued that international representation should not mean accepting repeated delays in compensation.

“It is good for the players to go and play, expose their talents and represent our country, but we must be compensated,” he said.

His position therefore leaves a clear condition ahead of PNG’s 2026 MSG campaign: Gunemba is not calling for the national team to abandon the tournament regardless of circumstances. He wants the outstanding payments settled first — and believes PNGFA should be prepared to stand by the players if that does not happen.

That distinction actually makes the story stronger: this is no longer “Gunemba vs PNGFA.” It is Gunemba asking PNGFA to choose the players’ side in the dispute.

Photo: Sammie Campbell

New Caledonia go all-local for MSG Cup as financial constraints keep overseas contingent out

New Caledonia will head to the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup with a dramatically different national team, as new head coach Félix Tagawa has named an 18-man squad made up entirely of players currently based in the territory.

The Fédération Calédonienne de Football confirmed the final selection ahead of the tournament in Fiji, where Tagawa will take charge of the senior national team for the first time since succeeding Johann Sidaner. Rather than recalling the sizeable overseas contingent that formed the backbone of New Caledonia’s recent international campaigns, the new coach will work exclusively with players from the domestic game.

The decision is not, however, an indication that New Caledonia have abandoned their expatriate players. Financial limitations surrounding the trip have played a decisive role. FootNC reported during the preparation period that Tagawa had identified a wider pool of around 50 players, including roughly ten Cagous playing in metropolitan France, but the federation did not have the resources required to bring the overseas group back for the MSG tournament.

That left Tagawa working with a 35-man domestic preliminary squad before reducing it to the 18 players who will travel to Fiji.

The scale of the change becomes particularly clear when the new squad is compared with the group that represented New Caledonia in the FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-off against Jamaica in March. Of the 26 players selected for that historic trip to Mexico, only goalkeeper Mickaël Ulile and attacker Pierre Iékawé are included in the MSG Cup squad.

That means some of the most established names in Caledonian football will not be involved. Angelo Fulgini, Georges Gope-Fenepej, César Zeoula, Jekob Jeno, Pierre Bako, Didier Simane, Joseph Athale and Germain Haewegene are among those absent after forming part of the squad that came within one match of playing for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The contrast is particularly striking considering where New Caledonia stood only months ago. Sidaner’s side travelled to Guadalajara with arguably the deepest pool of overseas-based talent assembled by the country, adding former France youth international Fulgini to an experienced group that had already carried the Cagous through the OFC qualifying campaign. New Caledonia eventually lost only 1-0 to Jamaica, ending an unprecedented run as the first Melanesian nation to reach a FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-off.

Tagawa is therefore beginning his tenure under very different circumstances.

The former Hienghène Sport coach, who famously guided the club to the 2019 OFC Champions League title, was appointed in August with a long-term mandate to lead New Caledonia through the next international cycle. The federation has spoken ambitiously about maintaining the Cagous among Oceania’s leading sides and ultimately challenging for direct qualification to the 2030 World Cup.

For the MSG Cup, however, Tagawa’s immediate task will also become an examination of the depth available inside New Caledonia itself.

Several members of the new squad will receive an opportunity that would have been considerably more difficult to obtain had the federation assembled its strongest possible group from across New Caledonia, France and other overseas competitions. The tournament therefore becomes both Tagawa’s first test and an important showcase for players performing week after week in the domestic system.

New Caledonia’s 18-man squad is:

  • Goalkeepers: Jean-Gilles Hnamuko (SC Ne Drehu), Mickaël Ulile (ASC Gaïca), Jean-Pierre Welepane (AS Magenta).
  • Defenders: Gregory Diko (SC Ne Drehu), Fabrice Iopue (AS Magenta), Sipane Qaeze (ASC Gaïca), Neil Wahiobe (ASC Gaïca), Timotei Zeter (Hienghène Sport).
  • Midfielders: Brice Dahite (Hienghène Sport), Cedric Decoire (CA Saint-Louis), Jemmanuel Siwoine (AS Lössi), Kandjo Teanyouen (FC Bélep Mont-Dore), Aymard Tidjite (Hienghène Sport), Djibril Tufele (AS Lössi).
  • Forwards: Pierre Iékawé (Tiga Sport), Willy Read (Tiga Sport), Roan Thale (ASC EMO BILOUP), Stephane Wahaga (Hienghène Sport).

The 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup will be staged in Fiji from September 17 to October 3, bringing together Melanesian national teams in one of the region’s traditional international competitions.

For New Caledonia, though, the significance extends beyond the tournament itself. Only months after their World Cup dream ended by the narrowest of margins against Jamaica, almost an entirely new group will now wear the national colours.

The circumstances may have forced New Caledonia to look inward, but they also give Tagawa an early opportunity to discover how much depth exists at home. What happens in Fiji could therefore influence more than the MSG Cup: some of these 18 players will be trying to prove they deserve to remain when New Caledonia’s overseas internationals become available again.

Ba complete domestic treble with 18th BOG crown after defeating Rewa at packed Govind Park

Ba FC have completed a remarkable domestic treble in Fiji after defeating Rewa FC 2-1 in the final of the 2026 Battle of the Giants, lifting the trophy on home soil at 4R Stadium, Govind Park.

The Men in Black entered the competition having already secured the Extra Premier League and BiC Fiji FACT titles and finished the BOG by adding a third major trophy to an increasingly dominant 2026 campaign.

It was also a significant piece of history for Fiji’s most decorated BOG club. Ba had not lifted the trophy since defeating Suva in the 2018 final, meaning the victory ended an eight-year wait and delivered a record-extending 18th Battle of the Giants title. The club had also not won the competition at Govind Park since 2013.

A crowd of 9,769 watched the final in Ba as former captain Praneel Naidu and Penisoni Tirau scored the goals that gave the hosts the title. Rewa remained in the contest through Merrill Nand, who found the net during the second half, but the Delta Tigers were unable to complete the comeback and finished the match with ten players.

Naidu’s contribution was particularly important. The experienced midfielder not only scored in the final but was named Player of the Match, adding another memorable chapter to his long association with Ba.

The triumph was made even more impressive by the circumstances surrounding Ba’s route through the tournament.

Ba opened their BOG campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nadi, with John Orobulu scoring the decisive goal. Their position changed dramatically one day later when Rewa produced one of the most emphatic performances of the group stage and defeated the hosts 3-0.

That result left Ba under significant pressure heading into their final Group B match against Lautoka. A draw would have eliminated the Men in Black, while victory was required to keep their title challenge alive.

Ba responded with perhaps their most important performance of the group stage.

Etonia Dogalau headed the hosts in front after only five minutes against Lautoka before Rusiate Doidoi doubled the advantage. Nabil Begg then converted from the penalty spot as Ba established a commanding three-goal advantage before half-time.

Lautoka eventually reduced the deficit through Luciano Castro, but Ba’s 3-1 victory secured second place in Group B behind Rewa and sent the hosts into the semi-finals.

The knockout stage brought another difficult challenge against Suva, who had topped Group A after an impressive campaign that included a 3-0 victory over defending champions Labasa.

Once again, Ba delivered.

Dogalau opened the scoring before Begg doubled the advantage during the second half. Suva responded through a Malakai Lavecake penalty and received another opportunity to change the match when Begg was sent off.

Reduced to ten players, Ba were forced to defend their lead during the closing stages. Goalkeeper Isikeli Sevanaia played an important role as Suva pushed for an equaliser, but the Men in Black survived the pressure and secured a 2-1 victory.

The red card also meant Begg, one of Ba’s most influential players during the competition, was suspended for the final.

Rewa reached the decider through an equally dramatic semi-final.

Nasinu twice took the lead against the Delta Tigers, first through Raneet Maharaj and later through Solomon Islands forward Paul Francis. Josaia Sela produced Rewa’s first equaliser before substitute Epeli Valevou changed the contest, scoring twice during the closing stages to complete a 3-2 comeback and send Rewa into the final.

That created an intriguing rematch.

Only eight days earlier, Rewa had overwhelmed Ba 3-0 at the same venue. This time, however, the stakes were completely different — and so was the outcome.

Ba took control of the decisive match through goals from Naidu and Tirau. Rewa refused to disappear and Nand’s second-half goal ensured the final remained competitive, but the hosts protected their advantage until the final whistle.

The victory triggered celebrations around Govind Park as Ba lifted the BOG trophy in front of their own supporters and collected FJ$17,000 in prize money.

It also completed an extraordinary turnaround for a club that had endured several years without dominating Fiji football in the manner traditionally associated with the Men in Black.

Ba ended a seven-year wait for the national league championship earlier this season before capturing the Fiji FACT for the first time in 16 years, defeating Navua on penalties in the final. The BOG has now followed, giving the club three major titles in the same campaign.

There was also something fitting about the identity of their final opponent.

Rewa had inflicted Ba’s heaviest defeat of the tournament and looked capable of derailing the hosts’ campaign during the group stage. Instead, Ba recovered, survived a must-win encounter against Lautoka, played part of their semi-final with ten men and finally defeated the same Rewa side when the trophy was on the line.

For the Men in Black, the 2026 Battle of the Giants therefore became much more than another entry in their already unmatched record in the competition.

Eight years after their previous BOG triumph, Ba are the giants of Fiji once again — and their 18th crown completes a season in which the Men in Black have so far taken every major domestic trophy placed in front of them.

The next major challenge will be the Inter-District Championship, where Ba will have the opportunity to push an already remarkable 2026 season even further.

Cylo Gope makes history as Horizon Patho bring the Coupe de Calédonie to Maré for the first time

Horizon Patho have written a new chapter in New Caledonian football history after defeating AS Kunié 1-0 in the Coupe de Calédonie final, bringing the trophy to the island of Maré for the first time.In front of more than 4,000 spectators at Stade Numa-Daly, the 70th edition of the competition was decided late in the match.

Young forward Cylo Gope scored the only goal in the 84th minute, delivering Horizon Patho the biggest title in the club’s history in their first appearance in a Coupe de Calédonie final.

The final had remained goalless despite AS Kunié enjoying the better of long periods of the contest. The Île des Pins side pushed for the breakthrough, but Horizon remained in the match and eventually found their decisive moment six minutes from the end of regulation time.

Once again, it was Gope who made the difference. The youngster had already scored twice in Horizon Patho’s 4-2 semifinal victory over FC Bélep Mont-Dore, and his cup run ended in the best possible way. His 84th-minute strike at Numa-Daly proved enough to separate the two island sides and secure a historic trophy.

The achievement extends far beyond Horizon Patho. No club from Maré had ever won the Coupe de Calédonie before Saturday’s final. JS Maré had previously come closest, reaching consecutive finals in 1978 and 1979, but lost both against USL Gélima. Horizon Patho, founded in 1962, had themselves reached the semifinals in 2016 and 2025 without progressing further.

This time, there would be no such disappointment. Yellow and blue celebrations took over Numa-Daly after the final whistle, while the victory was also celebrated back on Maré. Support for both finalists had been considerable in the build-up, with more than 1,500 supporters’ shirts sold between the Horizon Patho and AS Kunié camps and a giant screen organised at Stade Taduremu on Maré for supporters unable to travel to Nouméa.

For AS Kunié, the defeat prolongs their own wait for the trophy. The Île des Pins club were returning to the Coupe de Calédonie final for the first time in 34 years and came within minutes of taking the match beyond the 90 minutes, only for Gope to end their hopes late on.

Horizon Patho’s triumph could now take their historic season beyond New Caledonia. Winning the Coupe normally opens the door to the Coupe de France, although their participation is not yet guaranteed. The Fédération Calédonienne de Football faces the challenge of financing the team’s travel to Metropolitan France after changes concerning the payment of airfares for New Caledonian and Tahitian representatives.

For now, however, the focus belongs entirely to Maré. Seventy editions into the Coupe de Calédonie, the island finally has its name among the competition’s winners — and Cylo Gope’s 84th-minute goal will forever be the strike that put it there.

Lae City demand answers from PNGFA after travel chaos derails Hekari United fixture

Lae City FC have called on the Papua New Guinea Football Association for clarification after their outstanding Premier Soccer League fixture against Hekari United failed to go ahead, with the club describing serious communication and travel problems surrounding the rearranged match.

The reigning PNG champions were expected to travel from Lae to Port Moresby to fulfil one of the several matches still outstanding from their domestic campaign. However, according to a statement issued by club president Edwin Rumbam, Lae City players and officials arrived at Nadzab Tomodachi Airport only to discover that six members of their playing squad had been booked onto a separate PNG Air flight, while the remainder of the travelling party had been checked in with Air Niugini.The situation was particularly problematic because three of the six players separated from the main group were Lae City’s registered goalkeepers.

“This created an immediate logistical problem for the club, particularly because three of the six players booked on the PNG Air flight are our registered goalkeepers,” Rumbam said.

The disagreement also involves the scheduling of the fixture itself. Lae City say they had understood their next outstanding match would be against Port Moresby Strikers, before subsequently being informed that Hekari United would be their opponent instead. According to the club, the alteration was apparently connected to Hekari’s involvement in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.Lae City stressed that their objection is not to facing Hekari, but to the way the rearrangement and travel arrangements were communicated.

“Our concern is not about playing Hekari United FC. We are ready to play our football and fulfil our obligations,” the club stated.The episode comes amid an unusually demanding period for Lae City. After competing at the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League in Fiji, seven of their players were selected for Papua New Guinea’s U-19 national team and travelled to Samoa only two days after returning from the continental competition. Those players did not return to Lae before joining the national side, forcing the club to continue its domestic programme without them.

Lae City say their Round 12 match against NCD FC on 29 July was their final league fixture before departing for the OFC Champions League. A large portion of their remaining regular-season programme subsequently had to be accommodated through outstanding fixtures.

The club had already completed rearranged matches against FC Morobe Wawens and Admiralty FC, but several fixtures remained to be played as Lae City attempted to catch up with a domestic schedule heavily disrupted by their continental and international commitments.

That context is central to the club’s complaint. Lae City insist they have continued to release players for PNG national-team duty and attempted to fulfil their PSL obligations despite the difficult calendar. What they are now seeking from PNGFA is clearer communication over when and how the remaining matches will be staged.

“All we are asking for is clear communication, proper coordination and a fair opportunity to play our remaining matches,” Rumbam said.

The case highlights another challenge facing Papua New Guinea’s domestic competition in 2026. Clubs involved in OFC competitions and supplying significant numbers of players to national teams have had to balance multiple commitments, while postponed league fixtures have created additional pressure later in the season.

For Lae City, the immediate question is now what happens to the unplayed Hekari United fixture and how PNGFA will organise the club’s remaining matches. The champions have made clear that they intend to complete their Premier Soccer League campaign — but want the logistical conditions to allow them to actually do so.

Rewa fight back twice to end Nasinu’s BOG run and book final against Ba

Rewa are through to the final of the 2026 Battle of the Giants after surviving a major challenge from Nasinu to claim a 3-2 victory in an entertaining semifinal at 4R Stadium, Govind Park.

The Giant Killers led twice during the contest through Ranit Maharaj and Solomon Islands international Paul Francis, but Rewa responded on both occasions before Epeli Valevou emerged as the decisive figure with a brace.

Josaia Sela scored Rewa’s other goal as the Delta Tigers completed the comeback and ended one of the tournament’s most impressive underdog runs.Nasinu could hardly have asked for a better start. Maharaj opened the scoring after only five minutes, immediately putting Rewa under pressure and continuing the fearless approach that had carried the side into the knockout stage.

Rewa had entered the semifinal as the more experienced side and responded rather than allowing the early setback to dictate the match. Josaia Sela brought the Delta Tigers level, restoring parity and seemingly giving Rewa an opportunity to take control.

Nasinu, however, had already demonstrated throughout the BOG that they were capable of competing against the tournament’s stronger sides. Instead of retreating after conceding, the Giant Killers struck again — and once more a familiar Solomon Islands name was involved.

Paul Francis scored to put Nasinu back in front, continuing an excellent individual tournament for the Solomon Islands international. Francis had already played a decisive role in Nasinu’s qualification for the semifinals, scoring in the 2-1 group-stage victory over Suva alongside compatriot Billy Afi.

His latest goal meant Rewa had to come from behind for a second time.This time, Epeli Valevou took responsibility for the Delta Tigers. The Fiji international found the net twice as Rewa eventually overturned Nasinu’s advantage and moved ahead 3-2.

After twice finding themselves behind, the Delta Tigers finally had a lead to protect.Nasinu continued fighting for a way back into the contest, but there would be no third breakthrough. Rewa held their advantage until the final whistle to secure a place in the BOG decider.

The defeat brings an end to a memorable campaign for Nasinu.The Giant Killers had started the tournament with a 1-0 defeat against defending champions Labasa, leaving little margin for error in their remaining group matches. They responded by beating Navua 1-0 before producing their most important result of the group stage against Suva.

That 2-1 victory over the Capital City side, with Francis and Afi providing the goals, sent Nasinu into the semifinals against expectations. It was their first appearance at this stage of the Battle of the Giants since 2019 and another reminder of the progress made by a side competing against some of Fiji’s traditional football powers.

Their semifinal performance reinforced that impression. Nasinu did not simply attempt to contain Rewa: they scored twice, led twice and forced one of Fiji’s strongest teams to chase the match for significant periods before Valevou’s intervention eventually turned it around.

For Paul Francis, the tournament also provided another chapter in a strong period in Fiji football. The former Real Kakamora attacker has become an increasingly important figure for Nasinu, and scoring in consecutive crucial BOG matches further underlined his influence. His contribution also continued the considerable impact of Solomon Islands players during this year’s tournament.

Rewa, meanwhile, return to the BOG final after demonstrating another side of their credentials.The Delta Tigers had been impressive during the group stage, beginning with a 2-0 victory over Lautoka before producing one of the tournament’s standout results by beating Ba 3-0. Qualification was already secured before their final group match, when a rotated Rewa side lost 1-0 to Nadi.

Against Nasinu, the challenge was different. Rewa were required to respond to adversity rather than dictate the game from the beginning. Falling behind twice and still finding a route to victory provided a significant test ahead of the final.

It now sets up a particularly interesting rematch.Rewa will face Ba in the BOG final at Govind Park, only days after the Delta Tigers comprehensively defeated the Men in Black during the group stage. Ba reached the decider after beating Suva 2-1 with ten men in the first semifinal and remain in pursuit of another major trophy after already winning the league and Fiji FACT this season.

Rewa have already shown they can beat Ba. Doing it again, however, with the Battle of the Giants trophy at stake and the Men in Black playing on their home ground, will be an entirely different challenge.

For Nasinu, there will be no final, but their 2026 BOG campaign ends with considerably more than the semifinal defeat. From losing their opening match to defeating Navua and Suva and then twice taking the lead against Rewa, the Giant Killers made themselves one of the stories of the tournament.

For Rewa, one final obstacle remains — and it is a very familiar one.

Ten-man Ba survive Suva fightback to reach BOG final and keep treble dream alive

Ba are through to the final of the 2026 Battle of the Giants after overcoming Suva 2-1 in a dramatic semifinal at 4R Stadium, Govind Park, keeping alive the possibility of completing a remarkable domestic treble.

Playing in front of their home crowd, the Men in Black established a two-goal advantage through Etonia Dogalau and Nabil Begg before being forced to defend their lead with ten men following Begg’s dismissal. Suva reduced the deficit through Malakai Lavecake from the penalty spot, but Ba resisted the late pressure to secure their place in Sunday’s decider.

The result sends Ba into another major final in what has already been a highly successful season. Ravinesh Kumar’s side have won the Extra Premier League and the Fiji FACT, meaning victory in the BOG would give the Men in Black a third major domestic trophy in 2026.

Ba entered the knockout stage having experienced very different moments during the group phase. They opened the tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nadi before suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat against Rewa, a result which left their qualification under pressure. The hosts responded when it mattered, defeating Lautoka 3-1 in their final group match to secure second place in Group B.

Suva, meanwhile, arrived in the semifinal after topping Group A. The Capital City side had beaten Navua 3-1 and defending champions Labasa 3-0 before losing 2-1 to Nasinu in their final group match. Seven goals across the group stage had made Suva one of the tournament’s most productive attacking teams.

Against Ba, however, it was the hosts who struck first.

Etonia Dogalau continued his productive tournament by opening the scoring in the 21st minute. Dogalau had already found the net during Ba’s decisive group-stage victory against Lautoka and once again delivered in an important moment for the Men in Black.

Ba carried their advantage into half-time and strengthened their position shortly after the restart. In the 54th minute, Nabil Begg made it 2-0, apparently putting the hosts firmly in control of the semifinal.

The match then changed considerably.
Begg was shown a red card following a foul on Suva’s Abhishek Deo, leaving Ba to protect their two-goal advantage with ten players. His dismissal also turned what had looked like a controlled Ba performance into a test of the hosts’ ability to withstand increasing pressure.

Suva were eventually given an opportunity to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot. Substitute Malakai Lavecake converted to make it 2-1 and reopen the contest.

With the numerical advantage and only one goal separating the teams, Suva pushed for an equaliser that could have forced the semifinal into a very different conclusion. Ba, however, managed the closing stages and protected their narrow lead until the final whistle.

The result ends Suva’s BOG campaign after a tournament in which the Whites had shown significant improvement, particularly during the group stage. Their emphatic victory over defending champions Labasa had been one of the notable performances of the opening weekend, but they were unable to overcome Ba when the competition reached the knockout stage.

For the hosts, the significance is considerably greater.

Ba are the most successful club in Battle of the Giants history and will now have the opportunity to add another title in their own backyard. Their route to the final has not been straightforward, with the 3-0 group-stage defeat to Rewa exposing them before victories against Lautoka and Suva restored their campaign.

They will also enter the final with one important disciplinary concern. Begg’s red card means the midfielder will miss the decider, while Ba had already entered the semifinal without John Orobulu because of suspension.

Even so, the Men in Black remain one victory away from turning an already successful year into an exceptional domestic campaign.

Having secured the league and Fiji FACT titles, Ba will now meet Rewa in Sunday’s BOG final at Govind Park, with a third major trophy of 2026 at stake.

Vanuatu United complete historic sweep over Central Coast Mariners as Joe Moses strikes again

Vanuatu United complete historic sweep over Central Coast Mariners as Joe Moses strikes again

Vanuatu United have completed a memorable week in Port Vila by defeating Central Coast Mariners 1-0 at Freshwater Stadium, securing a second consecutive victory over the A-League club and completing a clean sweep of the two-match PacificAus Sports Challenge.

Joe Moses scored the only goal of the match, becoming decisive against the Mariners for the second time in four days. The Vanuatu international had already opened the scoring inside the first 30 seconds of Wednesday’s historic 3-2 victory and has now found the net in both matches of the series.

The second encounter produced a very different contest from the five-goal opener. While Wednesday’s match developed into an open first-half battle, the return fixture was tighter and Vanuatu United proved capable of protecting a narrow advantage against Australian professional opposition.

Moses’ goal ultimately separated the teams, while the Vanuatu United defence completed the job by keeping Central Coast scoreless. After conceding twice in the opening game, the clean sheet is another encouraging sign for a team still developing its structure ahead of its next OFC Pro League campaign.

The result means Vanuatu United finish the series with two wins from two matches, five goals scored and only two conceded against the Mariners.

The achievement carries particular significance considering these were Vanuatu United’s first official matches on home soil. The club had already made history in the opening encounter, which became the first meeting between an OFC Pro League side and A-League opposition in Vanuatu. Four days later, the hosts showed that the first victory was not an isolated result.

Central Coast travelled to Port Vila as part of their preparations for the coming A-League season. Their squad has a strong emphasis on younger players, but several involved in the tour are members of the club’s professional senior setup. That context remains important when assessing the results, but it does not diminish what Vanuatu United have achieved.

For the Vanuatu side, the series represented an opportunity to test a predominantly Ni-Vanuatu group against players operating inside a fully professional Australian environment. They responded by winning twice.

The first match showed Vanuatu United’s attacking potential. Moses struck almost immediately before Bill Kaltack converted from the penalty spot and Claude Aru produced what proved to be the winning goal in a 3-2 result.

The return fixture offered evidence of a different quality: the ability to control a match, defend a lead and find a way to win without requiring another high-scoring performance.

Moses emerges as one of the biggest individual winners from the series. His explosive start in the first game immediately placed Central Coast under pressure, while his second goal of the week proved enough to decide the rematch altogether.

For Vanuatu United, the two victories also strengthen the broader picture surrounding the OFC Pro League. The competition was created partly to provide Pacific players with a professional environment capable of narrowing the gap with established leagues elsewhere in the region. Results in friendly matches cannot provide a definitive measure of that progress, but defeating an A-League club twice within four days offers an encouraging early indication.

Freshwater Stadium has consequently witnessed a remarkable beginning to Vanuatu United’s home history.

The club arrived at the series still building its squad and identity. It leaves with back-to-back victories over Central Coast Mariners, a clean sheet in the second match and Joe Moses scoring in both games.

For Vanuatu United, it could hardly have been a better first week at home.

International football returns to Rarotonga as Cook Islands prepare for two matches against Tahiti

The Cook Islands men’s national team will return to international action on home soil later this month, with Tahiti travelling to Rarotonga for a two-match series at the CIFA Complex.

The two Pacific nations will meet on Saturday, 26 September, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm, before facing each other again on Wednesday, 30 September, at 4pm.

Both matches will be played at the Cook Islands Football Association Complex in Rarotonga, with free entry announced for supporters.

The fixtures give the Cook Islands a valuable opportunity to play senior international football at home and come during a period of renewed activity around the national team.

Rhys Ruka was appointed head coach of the Cook Islands men’s national team in August, placing the Tahiti matches among the first major assignments of his tenure.

Tahiti will provide a demanding test.

The two nations have met several times across Pacific competitions and international friendlies, with Tahiti traditionally holding the stronger record. Their most recent meetings came in French Polynesia in 2023, when Tahiti recorded victories in both matches.

Those results included a 9-1 win followed by a 3-0 victory, meaning the upcoming games will offer the Cook Islands a chance to measure their development against familiar regional opposition three years later.

There is also added significance in the location.

Senior international fixtures in Rarotonga are relatively uncommon compared with the regular international schedules enjoyed by some of Oceania’s larger football nations. Two matches against established OFC opposition therefore provide not only competitive preparation but also a rare opportunity for the local football community to watch the national men’s side at home.

For Tahiti, the trip offers another chance to maintain international activity against Pacific opposition while broadening the playing opportunities available to the squad outside major OFC competitions.

For the Cook Islands, however, the importance is more immediate. Two matches in four days against one of Oceania’s established national teams will give Ruka and his staff an opportunity to assess players, combinations and the direction of the side in a genuine international environment.

The first match takes place on 26 September at 6pm, followed by the second encounter on 30 September at 4pm, both at the CIFA Complex in Rarotonga.

All Whites add Palestine and China PR friendlies to busy post-World Cup calendar

New Zealand have added two more international matches to an increasingly busy programme following their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, with the All Whites set to face Palestine and China PR before travelling to Japan for the Kirin Cup.

Darren Bazeley’s side will take on Palestine on 24 September before facing China PR on 28 September, with both matches to be played in Chongqing. The additions mean New Zealand are now scheduled to play four games during the extended September-October international period.

The All Whites will move directly from China to Japan, where they have already been confirmed as one of four participants in the 2026 Kirin Cup alongside hosts Japan, Ecuador and Panama.

New Zealand open the tournament against Panama at Yokohama International Stadium on 1 October. Japan face Ecuador later on the same day, with the competition then moving to Tokyo’s National Stadium on 5 October. The winners of the opening matches will meet one another, while the defeated teams will contest the other fixture, meaning New Zealand will finish the tournament against either Japan or Ecuador.

It represents a demanding Asian programme for a team beginning a new cycle immediately after competing at the World Cup.

All four nations involved in the Kirin Cup also featured at the 2026 World Cup, giving Bazeley another opportunity to test his squad against opposition accustomed to football at the highest international level.

When New Zealand announced their participation in the tournament, Bazeley highlighted the importance of continuing to expose the squad to strong international opposition and to tournament-style football.

The September and October programme also demonstrates New Zealand Football’s intention to maintain the momentum surrounding the national team beyond the World Cup rather than entering a quieter rebuilding period.

The All Whites’ year will not finish in Asia either.

New Zealand will return home in November for a two-match series against India, meeting the South Asian side at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on 12 November before playing again three days later at the new One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

The Christchurch fixture will be particularly significant as the first football match announced for the new venue and will also mark another rare meeting between the two national teams.

New Zealand and India have only met twice previously at senior level. Their first encounter finished goalless in 1981, while the All Whites defeated India 2-1 at the 2018 Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai.

The India series is scheduled to close New Zealand’s 2026 international programme.

With Palestine, China PR, Panama, either Japan or Ecuador and then two matches against India all awaiting after the World Cup, the All Whites are set for a particularly active conclusion to the year — and one which gives Bazeley little shortage of opportunities to begin shaping the team for its next international cycle.