Papua New Guinea name 20-man Kapuls squad for 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Fiji

Papua New Guinea have confirmed a 20-man squad for the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Fiji, with head coach Bob Morris combining senior internationals, OFC Pro League players and a younger generation that has emerged strongly through domestic and regional competitions this year.

The Kapuls squad includes experienced names such as Ronald Warisan, Daniel Joe, Yagi Yasasa, Ati Kepo, Oberth Simon and Tommy Semmy, while a number of younger players from Lae City, Morobe Wawens and the national youth setup have also been given their opportunity.

One of the most notable inclusions is Tommy Semmy, who is back in Papua New Guinea football with PNG Hekari after spending several years abroad. His return to the national team gives Morris an experienced attacking option alongside Ati Kepo and a group of younger forwards.

There is a significant PNG Hekari presence in the squad. Goalkeeper Dave Tomare, Daniel Joe, Solomon Rani, Oberth Simon, Ati Kepo and Semmy are all attached to the country’s professional representative in the OFC Pro League. Kepo was one of PNG Hekari’s leading attacking contributors in the inaugural season, scoring three goals and adding two assists.

Rex Naime also remains connected to PNG Hekari but is currently playing in Fiji with Labasa FC. The young attacker has already made an impression in Fijian football this season after moving to the Babasiga Lions, having previously established himself as one of Hekari’s main attacking threats in regional competition.

Lae City are also strongly represented after their recent OFC Men’s Champions League campaign. Goalkeeper Ronald Warisan, defender Langarap Samol, midfielder Abraham Allen and younger players Bomcege Basananuc, David Tita, Solomon Kamake and Nalau Moses all come from the Lae-based club.

That group reflects one of the most interesting elements of the selection. Lae City entered the OFC Champions League with one of the youngest squads in the tournament, and several of those players are now being pushed into the senior national-team environment.

Solomon Kamake and Nalau Moses were particularly impressive during the continental competition. Kamake scored in Lae City’s opening 4-1 win against Tupapa Maraerenga, while Moses was heavily involved in the attacking play and directly contributed to several of the goals.

The squad also includes three players from Morobe Wawens: goalkeeper Jordan Tobem, defender Henry Kurkur and Ferdahlas Namuesh. Ezekiel Vela represents Gulf Komara, adding another domestic pathway into Morris’ selection.

There are also two Australia-based players. Yagi Yasasa remains with Bendigo City in Victoria, where he has now completed his second season in Australian football, while Hossain Kaio is currently based in Brisbane – but yet to confirm which club Kaio is linked to.

For Yasasa, the call-up continues a national-team career that has developed alongside his move overseas. His experience in Australia gives Papua New Guinea another player accustomed to a different football environment, while Kaio adds another overseas-based option to the group.

The balance of the squad suggests the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup will serve both competitive and developmental purposes for Papua New Guinea. Senior players such as Warisan, Semmy, Kepo, Simon and Joe provide an experienced core, while Kamake, Moses, Tita, Basananuc and others are being given an opportunity to establish themselves at senior international level.

Papua New Guinea will travel to Fiji looking to challenge their Melanesian rivals while Morris continues shaping the next version of the Kapuls.

Papua New Guinea squad — 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup

Goalkeepers: Ronald Warisan (Lae City FC), Dave Tomare (PNG Hekari), Jordan Tobem (Morobe Wawens).

Defenders: Langarap Samol (Lae City FC), Ezekiel Vela (Gulf Komara), Bomcege Basananuc (Lae City FC), Henry Kurkur (Morobe Wawens), Ferdahlas Namuesh (Morobe Wawens), Daniel Joe (PNG Hekari).

Midfielders: Abraham Allen (Lae City FC), Yagi Yasasa (Bendigo City FC, Australia), Solomon Rani (PNG Hekari), Oberth Simon (PNG Hekari).

Forwards: Ati Kepo (PNG Hekari), Rex Naime (Labasa FC, Fiji / PNG Hekari), David Tita (Lae City FC), Hossain Kaio (Brisbane, Australia), Tommy Semmy (PNG Hekari), Solomon Kamake (Lae City FC), Nalau Moses (Lae City FC).

Head coach: Bob Morris.