Solo finishes in fourth spot
PAPUA New Guinea are champions of the MSG PMs Cup after securing a 2-1 win over Vanuatu at the National Sports Stadium, in Honiara.
The David Muta coached side reclaimed the title thanks to goals from Ati Kepo in the 13th minute and a second half goal from veteran Raymond Gunemba in the 58th minute.
John Kaltack found Vanuatu’s response in the 85th minute, but could not find a second goal to finish their campaign at the third edition of the MSG PMs Cup, in fourth place.
PNG team Captain Alex Komolong said their boys deserved the win because a lot of hard work was put in their preparations.
“Today we just came to get the job done. I think it would have been disrespectful of us to come out here and not give Vanuatu a good game,” he said after their win.
“Despite what they’re going through, it’s 90 minutes on the field and whenever we step onto the field with our opponents everything else stops. So for us it was important we get the win.
“Now that the games over our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Vanuatu.
“We’re in the same accommodation and been having fellowships with their players and just assuring them we’re together on this and this I think is what this MSG Cup is all about,” Komolong said.
PNG’s coronation as the new MSG PM Cup champions meanwhile wraps up a difficult year for the Solomon Islands Football Federation’s national men’s team, who have won five and lost nine of their 12 international matches, this year.
Their 3-1 loss to Fiji in their final MSG PMs Cup campaign today sees Solomon Islands wrapping up their title defense in third place with six points, behind Fiji on eight points and PNG in first place with 10 points.
