PNG Prime Minister Xl Men Soccer Team are the champions of the inaugural MSG Prime Minister Cup after defeating host Vanuatu DT 4-1 in the penalty shoot-out in the packed Korman Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu last night.
The Raymond Gunemba led side came from 2-0 deficit in the early part of the match to equalized and went into the extra-time. Both teams scored a goal each in the both half of the extra time to forced the game into the penalty shoot-out.
PNG penalty kickers managed by Daniel Joe, Alwin Komolong, Emmanuel Simon and Paul Paul converted their penalties while Vanuatu kickers early penalty kicks were saved by goalkeeper Roland Warisan and the second kicker blew up the chance by sending the ball over the cross bar which literally forcing them out of the game.
The match went down to the wire as both teams tried to find each others net. Vanuatu Team led by former Hekari United FC player Barry Mansale and skipper Carl Bong scored two quick goals in the first half before Nigel Dabinayaba pulled one back before the break to make PNG team in the contention of the final.
In the second half, PNG fired another killer shot from Emmanuel Simon crossed by Dabinyaba who scored his double to force the game into the extra time.
In the opening half of the extra time, Vanuatu scored to take the lead at half time 3-2. PNG with the no care attitude did not give up. They continued to bombard Vanuatu defence to see Raymond Gunemba level the score 3-3 to force the team into penalty shoot out.
The Bula boys from Fiji managed to secure the third spot to beat the star-studded side Solomon Island 1-0.
PNG picked up Vatu 1,000,000 plus MSG Prime Ministers Cup and the runner up pick the medallions.