OFC Nations Cup

Gunemba still to confirm for training camp

After a class performance in the OFC Nations Cup, which doubled as the Oceania Stage 2 Qualifiers, Gunemba caught the attention of clubs from Columbia, Malaysia, Solomon Islands and Vietnam, but after careful consideration decided to make the move to New Zealand and take up an offer from Eastern Suburbs AFC based in Auckland.

The high profile Lae City Dwellers FC striker was excited to get a taste of the level of overseas football, but is now looking forward to returning to PNG and representing his country again.

PNG belts Malaysia in friendly

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.

PNG leading Samoans 2-0 in first half

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.

PNG belts Samoa 8-0

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.

OFC Nations Cup to see semi-final challenge

With teams taking on their final rounds in the pools, Pool B will kick start the final pool games with Vodafone Fiji in a crucial clash against Vanuatu before the favourites New Zealand All Whites go up against the Solomon Islands.

In Group A, host team Papua New Guinea will be confident of going through as they take on Samoa tomorrow evening at 4pm at the Sir John Guise stadium, leaving French rivals Tahiti and New Caledonia to go head to head for the other semi-final berth.

Tahiti come from behind to force 2-all draw with PNG

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.

PNG Kapuls lead over Tahiti in OFC

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.

Tickets to football games go on sale

The OFC Nations Cup, the U-20 women’s international friendlies and the senior men’s international against Malaysia have collectively been named the “Football Festival” and will get underway on May 24 and continue right through to June 17.

The OFC Nations Cup is the most prestigious tournament in Oceania and sees eight nations, including hosts Papua New Guinea, challenge for the opportunity to represent Oceania at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017.

Hekari make up bulk of national team

The PNG team boasts 12 players from Hekari, six from Lae City Dwellers, three each from Rapatona FC and FC Port Moresby and one from Welgris Morobe United FC.

Regulars David Muta and Koriak Upaiga from Hekari and Michael Foster, Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba from Dwellers will make a good team despite being rivals in the PNG National Soccer League.

The players have been called in for a three day camp in Port Moresby starting today.

The final preparation will be in Port Moresby a week before the event with the first match against New Caledonia on May 28.

PNGFA yet to select team for OFC Nations Cup

PNG Football Association has confirmed that it is yet to announce a squad.

The majority of the players will be selected from the Telikom National Soccer League competition which is currently underway.

PNG has been placed in Group A with Tahiti, Samoa and New Caledonia.

PNG will play its first match against New Caledonia on 28 May and the second match will be against Tahiti on 31 May and then Samoa on 4 June.

Group B consists of Fiji, New Zealand, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.