Fiji narrows PNG’s chance at World Cup qualification following 3-3 draw
A late goal by Fiji's Merrill Nand in extra time held Papua New Guinea to a heartbreaking 3-3 stalemate in FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers.
PNG Kapuls hopes of winning a home match was crushed in just 30 seconds when Nand scored the equalizer, forcing the hosts further down the race in group A.
With five minutes added time, the scores were locked at 2-all as the home fans stood on their toes, hoping for a miracle goal to seal victory over a classy Fijian outfit.
Veteran midfielder Raymond Gunemba delivered what looked to be the match winner when he found the back of the net, but post goal celebrations gave Fiji enough room to draw the game.
A first home game in seven years, the hosts led by skipper Alwin Komolong put up a defensive game in their second pool match in Port Moresby.
Coach Felipe Vega-Arango said despite an improved performance compared to both team’s clash during the OFC Nations Cup in June, the last-minute equalizer from Fiji was a huge let down from the home side.
“We knew they were going long in their game plan, scoring our third goal was worth celebrating however we let our guard down in the last minute and that cost us a loss," Arango said after the match.
The visiting Fijians were determined despite trailing 1-2 at halftime.
Their determination in the eleventh hour paid off as they had the last laugh with a goal in the dying stages of the game which silenced the home crowd at PNG Football Stadium.
Skipper Komolong described a feeling of loss in the post-match press despite the final result standing as 3-all.
“Although it’s a draw, it feels like a loss. I could only do my job as the captain by screaming, at the boys, but then, this is senior men’s football and not kid's football. It’s a lesson we will take on,” Komolong said.
“I do not blame anyone; it’s a team game and this is on us. The challenge now is to regroup and look forward to Sunday against Solomon Islands.”
Kapuls were also taught a memorable lesson by Fiji to remain focus and avoid early celebration.
A tone of disappointment was obvious in the post-match press conference when coach Arango addressed the media.
“This is the first time in my career to see something like this happen. I was screaming at the boys telling them that they would go long, but we thought we won, and we forgot to play,” Arango said.
The draw has put Kapuls quest to 2026 FIFA World Cup in doubt as they will need to dig deep into their pockets to beat Solomon Islands on Sunday, by more than four goals.
PNG's shot at the World Cup remains slim, with hopes placed on New Caledonia defeating Fiji for a possible final spot.
Meanwhile, Fiji coach Rob Sherman expressed satisfaction with the result and will now draw their attention to the undefeated New Caledonia side when both meet on Sunday.
“New Caledonia is next, and we must beat them because we want to finish on top of the pool and hopefully avoid New Zealand in the semis,” Sherman said.
Sherman praised the last-minute equalizer goal by Nand which has kept Fiji second in their respective pool A.
Goals:
Papua New Guinea: 3 [Joseph JOE 2’, Ati KEPO 45’, Raymond GUNEMBA 90+5′] Fiji: 3 [Thomas DUNN 43’, Roy KRISHNA [P] 54′, Merrill NAND 90+6′]