PNG hit five as Vanuatu secure Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final place

Papua New Guinea finished the Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup round-robin stage in emphatic fashion, defeating Solomon Islands 5–1 to confirm top spot and send Vanuatu into Saturday’s final.

The Bilums had already secured their place in the decider before the final round, but they left no doubt about who has been the tournament’s dominant team. Their victory over Solomon Islands completed a perfect campaign of four wins from four and set up a final against Vanuatu at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

Solomon Islands entered the match needing at least a draw to overtake Vanuatu and claim the second final place. Instead, PNG produced another ruthless attacking display.

Keren Kalapai opened the scoring for Papua New Guinea, continuing the outstanding tournament form that has made her one of the competition’s leading players. Calista Maneo then doubled the advantage before Kalapai struck again to put the Bilums 3–0 ahead.

Meagen Gunemba extended the lead with PNG’s fourth goal, underlining the depth of their attack. Solomon Islands did find a response through Gracester Kini, who reduced the deficit to 4–1, but there was no way back. Gunemba scored again to complete the 5–1 result and a remarkable performance from the defending champions.

PNG finish the group stage with 12 points, 15 goals scored and only one conceded. Their results have included wins over Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, making them clear favourites to retain the title they won in Port Moresby last year.

For Solomon Islands, the defeat was painful because a point would have been enough to reach the final. They leave the competition with seven points after two wins, one draw and one defeat, but their goal difference is inferior to Vanuatu’s.

Vanuatu therefore secure second place and a return to the final. Their campaign has included a draw with Solomon Islands, narrow wins over Fiji and New Caledonia, and a 2–0 defeat to PNG. The final now offers them a chance to avenge that loss and claim the Melanesian title.

In the other final-day match, the Fiji Kulas finished their campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over New Caledonia. Elesi Tabunase scored the decisive goal, giving Fiji a positive ending after three difficult earlier defeats.

New Caledonia leave without a point but showed commitment throughout their first Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup campaign. Fiji finish fourth on three points, while Solomon Islands take third.

The focus now moves to Saturday’s final: Papua New Guinea versus Vanuatu. The Bilums have been the competition’s strongest side, but Vanuatu have already shown they can defend with discipline and compete in tight matches. A major Melanesian showdown awaits in Suva.