PNG to defend MSG Prime Minister’s Cup

THE Papua New Guinea men’s football team will have a mammoth task in defending their Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Minister’s Cup in New Caledonia less than three weeks from now.
With Fiji pulling out of the tournament to focus on the Pacific Games, PNG will be competing against the hosts, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu from Oct 8-14. PNG Football Association said the tournament would be used as lead up preparations for the Pacific Games, however, no announcement has been made on the Kapuls squad or a training camp.
The Melanesian countries are using this tournament to prepare for the upcoming Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands in November. PNG will take on Vanuatu in the tournament opener on Oct 8 at Au Stade De Numa Daly in Noumea in what would be the replay of last year’s MSG Cup final.
The Kapuls defeated Vanuatu in the final on penalty shoot-out after both teams drew 2-all in regulation time and extra time.
Following their match with Vanuatu, PNG will take on the hosts at Au stade de Yoshida on Oct 11 before their final match against Solomon Islands on Oct 14.
PNGFA is yet to announce a squad and team officials for the tournament that would possibly be the Kapuls only lead up fixtures before the Honiara Games.