EQUALIZER NARROWS PNG’S CHANCES IN OCEANIA QUALIFIERS

By Lethisa KOLOKOL

IT was a tough battle between host PNG Kapuls and Fiji Bula Boys, in Round 2 of the 2026 Oceania Qualifiers yesterday, that saw both teams equalized at 3 all, narrowing PNG’s chances of qualifying.

The first attempt at a goal by the homeside was made just 2 minutes into the game, an error from the Fijian side resulted with a corner kick and the Kapul’s Joseph Joe finding the nets for the first PNG goal.

Lack of concentration from the Kapuls resulted in several free kicks for the Fijian side however, the defensive skills of the Kapuls goal keeper, Dave Tomare was on point and impressive saving many unsuccessful attempts by the visiting side.

Robert Sherman’s side managed to find the nets through Robert Dunn minutes going into 5-minute extra time of the first half. A few minutes after the Fijian goal, Ati Kepo, Kapul’s striker stroke through the Fijian Keeper, Jarome Narayan to make the halftime score 2 goals to 1.

The second half saw an incredible ball play from the Fijian side but a penalty to the visitors gave Captain, Roy Krishna a direct penalty kick, bringing the score to a 2 all and PNG spectators on the edge of their seats.

5 minutes of extra time was added into the second half which Raymond Gunemba from the Kapuls used to bring his side closer to victory, however was stolen a minute later when Fijian Merill Nand stroke passed Tomare in the dying seconds of the game.

The final score was a draw at 3 all between Coach Felipe Vega-Arango Alonso and Coach Robert Sherman’s side.

The home side also received 2 yellow cards to Ati Kepo and Solomon Rani in the first half and second half respectively.

The Kapuls will need to work extra hard to get a win against the Solomon Islands on Sunday to qualify.

Picture Caption: Round 2 Match between PNG Kapuls and Fiji Bula Boys in the 2026 Oceania Qualifiers in Port Moresby yesterday.

Picture Courtesy of OFC Media.