15th Pacific Games

New Zealand Football's appeal to be considered next week

The All Whites were thrown out of the competition in Papua New Guinea’s capital after a protest made by semi-final opponents Vanuatu over the eligibility of South African-born Deklan Wynne was upheld at a disciplinary hearing on July 12.

Vanuatu, who were handed a 3-0 walkover win despite succumbing to a 2-0 defeat in their last-four encounter, went on to play Fiji in the final later that same day, losing 4-3 on penalties at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

Micronesia's soccer team determined to play on after record-breaking losses

But the players — who lost 30-0 to Tahiti, 38-0 to Fiji, and then 46-0 to Vanuatu at the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea — have vowed to remain on the field.

Stan Foster, the squad's Australian coach, said at the time that he was not concerned about the blow-outs and the competition was all about gaining experience for his players.

But post-match in PNG some of the players could hardly muster a word to explain the losses.

In their match against Vanuatu, they conceded goals at a rate of one every two minutes.

NZ Football files appeal over expulsion from Olympic qualification tournament

The All Whites were thrown out of the competition in Papua New Guinea’s capital after a protest made by semi-final opponents Vanuatu over the eligibility of South African-born Deklan Wynne was upheld at a disciplinary hearing on July 12.

Vanuatu, who were handed a 3-0 walkover win despite succumbing to a 2-0 defeat in their last-four encounter, went on to play Fiji in the final later that same day, losing 4-3 on penalties at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

PNG games rated the best Pacific Games

The facilities were classed as world class and there was a rush to finish them. There were security concerns which the Papua New Guinea Government quashed by having the police and military on the streets.

In Fiji, sporting bodies were getting their best together.

According to FASANOC president Joe Rodan, the Pacific Games was almost equivalent to the Olympic Games for some sports and for some island nations as well.

This was to be my first trip to Papua New Guinea, the "Land of the Unexpected" and believe me I was a bit anxious.

New Zealand Football to lodge appeal over expulsion from Olympic qualification tournament

Following a 2-0 semi-final win against Vanuatu on Friday (July 10), New Zealand's opponents protested the eligibility of South African-born Deklan Wynne.

The protest was upheld at a disciplinary hearing Sunday as Vanuatu were handed a 3-0 walkover, putting them through to the final against Fiji later in the day. 

Vanuatu lost 4-3 on penalties here following a goalless draw after extra-time at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

PNG Loop's Pacific Games medal tally

More updates will be coming shortly.

2 more gold for PNG

In the second session of the day, medal count for the host nation continues to flow.

PNG has now won five gold medals in powerlifting in day one of competition.

In the women's 63kg Melissa Tikio (PNG) got gold, Sanimere Abariga of Fiji won silver and Delia Dabwido of Nauru settled for bronze.

And in the men's 66kg Staron Slade of Nauru spoiled the PNG party winning gold, while PNG duo Henry Kelo and Brown Bilong sharing the second and third placing.

But in the men's 74kg division, PNG had the upper hand over Nauru, collecting two medals.

PNG thrash Tahiti 48-0

Five tries to PNG was the tale of the tape as they did it easy over a Tahiti side that was no match.

Bomai racked up 6 points converting three of the five tries.

In the second half is when Bomai grabbed her two tries one after the other.

The kicking responsibilities were left to Kymlie Rapilla who added the extras for both tries.

Alice Alois grabbed the last try for PNG in what has been PNG’s easiest win yet.

But PNG’s acid test will come tonight when they play Australia tonight at 8:30pm.

PNG, Samoa, Tonga prime opposition for Fiji: Ryan

Ryan told PACNEWS upon their arrival at Jackson International Airport  Tuesday that Samoa is always a tough team to play against in any 7s tournament.

“ I haven’t seen the team yet  so I don’t know the strength of the side  they brought over  but they will be looking to qualify for Olympics in November, so I’m sure with the new coach as well  they send for this tournament I’m sure they will be a huge threat as well .They always tough to play against.

“I think PNG, Tonga and Samoa this three will make up a prime opposition this week,” Ryan told PACNEWS.

PNG Loop's Pacific Games medal tally

More updates will be coming shortly.