PNG Reds, Vanuatu tie in MSG PM’s Cup opener

The Papua New Guinea Reds (men’s development side) pulled off a late comeback to draw 1-1 with Vanuatu in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup opening fixture yesterday (11th November 2025) at Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby.

Vanuatu wasted no time and found the back of the net just under 10 minutes of play, with Alex Saniel scoring the only goal for the team, which was assisted by Kerry Iawak.

The first half was largely dominated by the Vanuatu men, but the team missed many goal-scoring opportunities to widen the margin.

The two teams went into halftime with Vanuatu maintaining its 1-0 lead. However, things changed in the second half, with PNG growing in more confidence.

The boys in red improved their game with counter-attacks and ball possessions, while Vanuatu tried to maintain their lead.

As the minutes wore down, the home side levelled the goal in the 71st minute when Vanuatu’s goalkeeper Zakariah Walu left the goal-mouth unguarded and Nalau Moses capitalized on that opportunity to score the equalizer.

Despite the bad weather, Vanuatu were the better side with tactical cohesion and well-coordinated plays, while PNG had their moments, ending the match in a stalemate.

In the women’s match, PNG Reds led the contest 1-0 at half-time, but the Fiji Kula fought back in the second half to stun the development side, 2-1.

Meanwhile, the senior men’s and women’s games will start tomorrow (13th November) at PNG Football Stadium.  

Kicking off the proceedings, PNG Gold will take on Vanuatu in the women’s fixture, while PNG Gold will face the Solomon Islands in the men’s clash.