Gunemba’s double pushes PNG to MSG PM’s Cup Big Dance

Veteran campaigner, Raymond Gunemba, scored 2 goals for PNG in the second half, helping the hosts secure their spot in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup Grand Final after defeating Fiji 2-0 in the Men’s Semifinal clash yesterday (20th November 2025) at PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby.

In a high-stakes semi-final clash, with the grand final spot on the line, both teams brought their best game to the pitch in the early proceedings. With an equal ball possession and territorial plays, the two sides’ impregnable defense ensured that neither team was able to break the deadlock, leaving the score nil all at the interval.

The intense arm wrestle peaked in the second spell as both teams fought hard to find the back of the net. In the 57th minute, Nigel Dabinyaba placed a cheap kick, and the Fijian defender failed to make the clearance, which saw Raymond Gunemba run to slot the loose ball with his left boot. 

After that goal by captain Gunemba, PNG dominated the match and continued to put the Fijians under immense pressure. In the 65th minute, substitute player Rex Naime struck the ball inside the penalty box area, but the goalkeeper blocked it off, which saw Gunemba kick the ricocheted ball to seal the deal and send the crowd into frenzy. 

PNG Kapuls, who are the reigning champions of the MSG PM’s Cup, are aiming to defend their title on home soil, with assistant coach Bob Morris attributing the team’s victory to consistency and combination, coupled with youth and experience.

“Our performance was very consistent. Everything that we instructed the players to do, I think they executed the game plan today. Fiji had tall and strong players, but we told the boys to hang in there, studying the game tactic and adjusting in the second half to get the win,” Morris said. 

Mr. Morris credited the strong leadership of skipper Gunemba, whose 2 crucial goals powered the Kapuls to the decider, including the support from experienced players like Tommy Semmy, Emmanuel Simon, and Nigel Dabinyaba, who blended well with the young players.

With a 48-hour turnaround, the Kapuls need to polish up on a few areas and recover well, with Morris adding: “There’s no problem with the 48-hour resting. Our recovery is very good. The players are okay, and we are ready to play in the grand final.”

The MSG PM’s Cup Grand Final is set to take place on Sunday (23rd November) at Sir John Guise Stadium, with both PNG men’s and women’s teams to face off against Vanuatu (men’s) and Fiji (women’s), respectively, including the third and fourth placing matches between Vanuatu and Solomon Islands (women’s), as well as Fiji and Solomon Islands (men’s).