PNG hold off Solomon Islands

Papua New Guinea Gold managed to overcome the Solomon Islands with a hard-earned 1-0 win on the second day of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Minister’s Cup yesterday (13th November) at PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby.

Both sides strutted their stuff in the first half with pacey attacks and well-coordinated plays to find the back of the net. Several goal-scoring opportunities were created for the two teams, but neither side failed to convert those chances, leaving the half-time score at nil all.

The intense contest continued into the second spell as the two sides fought desperately to open up the game. With less than 15 minutes left before full-time, PNG’s substitute player, Pala Paul, slotted a corner kick, which swerved and hit the net, putting the home side on the scoreboard. 

Racing against the time, the Solomon Islanders quickly regrouped into their attacking position to register an equalizer, but the reigning champions (PNG) defended their lead courageously to shrug off the determined visitors with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. 

Coach David Muta said he was proud of his men’s performance, but admitted that there is still room for improvement, with the focus ahead of their next two matches as they aim to defend their title consecutively.

In the women’s clash earlier, PNG stormed away with a commanding 4-0 victory over the struggling Vanuatu girls. Both PNG senior men’s and women’s teams are in the prime position to claim the 2025 MSG PM’s Cup. 

Meanwhile, the participating teams will rest today (14th November) and resume day 3 of the tournament tomorrow (15th November) at Port Moresby’s renowned Sir John Guise Stadium.