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 dominantContinue reading “PNG hit five as Vanuatu secure Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final place”
Tag Archives: Papua New Guinea Football
15-year-old Bomecge Basananuc completes stunning rise from PNG U-16s to senior Kapuls in 2026
Few footballers experience three different levels of international football in the space of a single season. Bomecge Basananuc has done exactly that in 2026 — while still only 15 years old. The Lae City defender has gone from representing Papua New Guinea at U-19 and U-16 level to earning his place with the senior KapulsContinue reading “15-year-old Bomecge Basananuc completes stunning rise from PNG U-16s to senior Kapuls in 2026”
Roy Krishna and Sterling Vasconcellos fire Fiji past PNG to revive MSG Cup final hopes
Fiji finally claimed their first victory of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup on Sunday night, producing a much-improved performance to defeat Papua New Guinea 2-0 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. With only one point from their opening two matches, the Bula Boys entered the encounter knowing that another setback would leave their hopesContinue reading “Roy Krishna and Sterling Vasconcellos fire Fiji past PNG to revive MSG Cup final hopes”
PNG book Women’s MSG Cup final as Solomon Islands keep their hopes alive
Papua New Guinea became the first team to secure a place in the 2026 Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after defeating Vanuatu 2-0 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, while Solomon Islands strengthened their own qualification hopes with a narrow 1-0 victory over New Caledonia. The latest round of matches provided an important turnContinue reading “PNG book Women’s MSG Cup final as Solomon Islands keep their hopes alive”
Ezekiel Vela embraces his Kapuls opportunity after first international goal
Papua New Guinea’s campaign at the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup has already brought Ezekiel Vela a moment he will not forget. The Gulf Komara centre-back scored his first international goal in the dramatic 2-1 victory over Vanuatu, an early reward for a player still establishing himself within the Kapuls setup. Vela’s goal came duringContinue reading “Ezekiel Vela embraces his Kapuls opportunity after first international goal”
Ferdallas Namuesh relishes Papua New Guinea return as Kapuls turn focus to New Caledonia
Papua New Guinea made an ideal start to the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup with a dramatic victory over defending champions Vanuatu, and for experienced defender Ferdallas Namuesh, the opening match carried an additional significance: the opportunity to wear the Kapuls colours again. PNG overturned a late deficit to defeat Vanuatu 2-1 at HFC BankContinue reading “Ferdallas Namuesh relishes Papua New Guinea return as Kapuls turn focus to New Caledonia”
South Pacific supporters face US$50 overseas pay-per-view cost to watch MSG Cup
The 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup is bringing major Melanesian international football back to Fiji, but many supporters outside the country face a significant cost to follow their teams live. Mai TV has announced pay-per-view coverage of the tournament, including every football match, the opening and closing ceremonies and the Cultural Night programme. The packageContinue reading “South Pacific supporters face US$50 overseas pay-per-view cost to watch MSG Cup”
PNG turn defeat into victory with dramatic late response against Vanuatu
Papua New Guinea transformed a likely opening defeat into a significant 2-1 victory over defending champions Vanuatu with two goals in the closing minutes of their first match at the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. Tony Kaltak put Vanuatu ahead in the 77th minute at HFC Bank Stadium, but the match changed after substitute NalauContinue reading “PNG turn defeat into victory with dramatic late response against Vanuatu”
PNG make early statement as women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup gets underway in Fiji
The second edition of the Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup kicked off in Suva on Thursday, with defending champions Papua New Guinea immediately sending a warning to their Melanesian rivals while Solomon Islands and Vanuatu shared the points in the tournament opener. Papua New Guinea produced the standout performance of the first day, defeating hostsContinue reading “PNG make early statement as women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup gets underway in Fiji”
MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2026: the complete guide to Melanesia’s battle in Fiji
International football returns to the heart of Melanesia this September as Fiji hosts the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, bringing together five neighbouring nations in a competition that carries considerably more history and importance than its relatively low international profile might suggest. For somebody approaching Pacific football for the first time, the tournament can beContinue reading “MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2026: the complete guide to Melanesia’s battle in Fiji”
