PNG soaring with a dominant win over Vanuatu

Papua New Guinea Gold kicked off their campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory against Vanuatu in the women's clash of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Minister's Cup today (13th November) at PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby. 

Midfielder Ramona Padio put PNG on the scoreboard in under 10 minutes of play. A few minutes later, Vanuatu's friendly fire gave PNG's second goal on a silver platter, and Marie Kaipu assisted Michaelyn Butubu, with PNG taking a 3-0 lead at the break.

The home side would have blown the Vanuatu girls off the park. However, they failed to maintain their first-half mojo, though a couple of goal-scoring opportunities went begging. Phylis Pala scored the solo goal in the second half, giving the host a commanding 4-0 win. 

The visitors had their chances to reduce the deficit, but they shot themselves in the foot with bad finishes. A few of Vanuatu’s players stood up to the challenge and asked questions, but they could not convert those chances into goals. 

Coach Erickson Komeng said that though he was pleased with the outstanding win, he admitted that there is more work to be done in their next two matches against the Solomon Islands and Fiji Kulas.

“The girls’ attitude and approach to the game today was a hundred percent spot on. We wanted to come here and beat the Vanuatu side. It’s a bit challenging, but the girls came out with a positive attitude and delivered the result,” he stated.

“The first game is always the toughest. I know they can improve as we go on. We will play the Solomon Islands and Fiji in the other pools, so it’s going to be tough for the girls, but if we can put our minds together and have the right attitude, we can go all the way.” 

Meanwhile, the PNG men’s Gold team will face the Solomon Islands at 4:00 pm to wrap up the second day of the MSG PM’s Cup 2025 in the nation’s capital, with day 3 to resume on Saturday, 15th November.