Papua New Guinea vs Vanuatu

Papua New Guinea opened their 2026 MSG Prime Minister's Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Vanuatu in Suva. A goalless first half gave little hint of the grandstand finish still to come. Vanuatu struck first, breaking the deadlock in the 76th minute, but Papua New Guinea hit back twice late on, levelling in the 85th minute before snatching the winner in the 90th. Yellow cards were shown either side of half-time and again after the hour, though no reds or penalties were needed to settle it. It's a statement win for Papua New Guinea under returning coach Bob Morris, avenging last year's penalty-shootout final defeat to the same opponents in their first match since. Vanuatu, without title-winning coach Lars Hopp and several key players, take an early stumble in their bid to defend the trophy they won for the first time in 25 years.