OFC Nations Cup

With the team spirit still on fire after the OFC nations Cup final last weekend, the Kapuls outdid Malaysia with a stunning victory with two goals from PNG's utility Tommy Semmy.

PNG bagged the first goals with a set play from Raymond Gunemba and Tommy Semmy.

Gunemba placed a left footy through for Semmy to easily slide the ball to the back of the net in the early minutes.

Minutes later, Semmy scored his second with a header that slipped off the goalkeeper's hand before he made a second attempt with a touch from the tip of his boots to find the net.

Thirteen minutes into the game, PNG flanker Micheal Foster found an opening to belt a powerful right footy into the goal to lead 1-0.

Samoans fought hard to cross into the PNG territory but faced a strong Komolong-brother combination that held them off the half-way line.

Raymond Gunemba then bagged the second goal for PNG in the 32nd minute with a stunning dribble in front of the goal mouth, avoiding the Samoan opponents before slotting it behind the net for 2-nil.

After leading 2-0 at half time, the host team added six more goals on the board, beating the helpless Samoans in a one-sided match.

PNG’s flanker Michael Foster opened the second half with his second goal before striker Nigel Dabinyaba added another point for a clear 4-0 lead.

Raymond Gunemba finds the net once again after a cross for his second to put PNG on the line for a decider to qualify as forward Koriak Upaiga sealed the deal with a chip over the goalkeeper for a 6-0 lead.

Raymond Gunemba's second goal straight after half time gavePNG a clear lead before Tahiti hit back with a  10 men team after captain Nicolas Vallar was sent off for a dangerous tackle to Raymond Gunemba.

Minutes later Tahiti slammed in two goals to level with PNG.

With just 15 minutes before fulltime Tahitian striker Teaonui Tehau slotted in the second goal from a corner from a nicely place kick  to see  the  find the net to force the draw.

Tahiti held off the attacking PNG side until the final whistle.

It was a tough match throughout the first half as Papua New Guineans gave the reigning champs a hard time driving through the back with the Komolong brothers Alvin and Felix partnering with sweeper  Danial Joe to maintain a strong backline.

Despite PNG Skipper David Muta and mid-fielder Jacob Sabua both given yellow cards, Sabua returned with a stunning comeback after the warning with a right wing cross that leaves Veteran Gunemba who swindled the ball with his left foot past the Tahitian goalkeeper.

PNG scored right on half time to  lead Tahiti 1-0.

Solomon Islands had to withstand an early onslaught by Vanuatu who seemed to be in total control in the opening 15 minutes.

Pressing high up the field, Vanuatu striker Kensi Tangis looked particularly dangerous, causing plenty of problems to the Solomons’ defenders with his physical presence and movement.

Head coach Moise Poida has confirmed his 23-man line-up, including 18 locally-based players and five who play their trade offshore, in Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.

Vanuatu senior team physiotherapy, Albert Kaipam reported that Fred had a problem with his right foot when he played for Amicale FC against Auckland City in the OFC Champions League competition few weeks ago.

“Dominique Fred injured his right foot and he will not be able to train with the national team for two or three weeks.” said Albert Kaipam.

“He is a very good player and we need him in the squad.”

“I will do my best to help him come to training as soon as possible if God’s will.”