PNG Stun Vanuatu with Two late Goals in MSG Cup

A late burst from PNG turned the game on its head as Papua New Guinea came from behind to beat Vanuatu 2-1 in its first MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2026 fixture at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

PNG looked set to begin the tournament without a point after Vanuatu moved in front with just 13 minutes remaining, but Nalau Moses and Ezekiel Vela struck within two minutes of each other to seal the comeback.

 PNG Stun Vanuatu with Two late Goals in MSG Cup/Photo supplied

The opening 45 minutes produced little between the two sides as they cancelled each other out and went into halftime with the score still locked at 0-0.

Vanuatu broke through in the 77th minute when Tony Kaltak finished to give his side the advantage.

PNG refused to allow the setback to dictate the outcome and continued to push forward in search of an equaliser.

That pressure paid off in the 85th minute, with Moses bringing PNG level.

Momentum quickly shifted towards the visitors and, two minutes later, Vela delivered another blow to Vanuatu by putting PNG ahead for the first time.

Vanuatu then threw players forward looking for a late response, but PNG managed the final stages well enough to preserve its 2-1 advantage.

PNG now turns its attention to New Caledonia, with the two sides scheduled to meet on Thursday, September 24, at 7pm.

Before then, Vanuatu will face Fiji on Monday, September 21, at 7pm. Both games are scheduled for HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.