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Papua New Guinea national soccer team facts for kids

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Papua New Guinea
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Kapuls (Cuscus)
Association Papua New Guinea Football Association
Confederation OFC (Oceania)
Head coach Felipe Vega-Arango
Captain Ronald Warisan
Most caps Emmanuel Simon (40)
Top scorer Raymond Gunemba (16)
Home stadium Hubert Murray Stadium
FIFA code PNG
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 168 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 153 (June 2017)
Lowest 206 (October–November 2015)
Elo ranking
Current 178 Steady (3 March 2019)
Highest 134 (1989)
Lowest 188 (2003)
First international
 Fiji 3–1 Papua and New Guinea
(Suva, Fiji; 29 August 1963)
Biggest win
 Papua New Guinea 20–0 American Samoa 
(Nouméa, New Caledonia; 15 December 1987)
Biggest defeat
 Malaysia 10–0 Papua New Guinea 
(Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia; 20 June 2023)
OFC Nations Cup
Appearances 5 (first in 1980)
Best result Runners-up (2016)
Melanesia Cup/MSG Prime Minister's Cup
Appearances 8 (first in 1989)
Best result Melanesia Cup: Third place
(1994)
MSG Prime Minister's Cup: Champions
(2022, 2024)
Medal record
Pacific Games
Bronze 1969 Port Moresby Team
Bronze 1987 Nouméa Team
Bronze 2015 Port Moresby Team

The Papua New Guinea national soccer team is the men's national soccer team for Papua New Guinea. The Papua New Guinea Football Association controls the team. Their nickname is the Kapuls, which means Cuscus in the local language, Tok Pisin.

The team's highest ever FIFA ranking was 153rd in June 2017. As of April 2024, they were ranked 166th out of 211 countries. This was a small drop from February 2024. The team once left the FIFA rankings because they didn't play any matches between July 2007 and August 2011. They returned to the rankings after playing in the 2015 Pacific Games. In June 2016, they played in the 2016 OFC Nations Cup. They made it to the final but lost to New Zealand in a penalty shootout after a 0–0 tie.

Team History

Early Years (1963–1978)

The Papua New Guinea national team played its first game at the 1963 South Pacific Games. They lost 3-1 to Fiji and were out of the tournament. At the 1966 South Pacific Games, they reached the third-place match but lost. Three years later, in 1969, they won the bronze medal by beating Fiji 2-1.

At the 1971 South Pacific Games, they lost in the semi-finals. Then they were beaten 8-1 by Tahiti in the third-place game. In 1975, they were eliminated early in the group stage.

Growing the Game (1979–1995)

At the 1979 South Pacific Games, they lost 3–2 in the quarter-finals. The next year, they played in the 1980 Oceania Cup. They beat the New Hebrides team but lost to Australia and New Caledonia, so they didn't move past the first stage.

In the 1983 South Pacific Games, they lost the match for third place. In 1987, they won another bronze medal by beating Vanuatu 3-1. However, in the 1991 and 1995 Games, they were eliminated in the first round.

New Millennium Challenges (1996–2012)

After not playing in three OFC Nations Cup tournaments, they qualified for the 2002 tournament. They only managed one draw, 0-0 against the Solomon Islands, and were out in the first round. In the 2003 South Pacific Games, they didn't do well, getting only four points from five games.

They didn't play in the 2007 tournament. In the 2011 Pacific Games, they were eliminated in the first stage. In the 2012 OFC Nations Cup, they drew with Fiji but lost to the Solomon Islands and New Zealand. This meant they were out in the group stage again.

Recent Years (2013–Present)

Alwin Komolong
Alwin Komolong has played many soccer matches for Papua New Guinea.

In 2015, Papua New Guinea was chosen to host the 2016 OFC Nations Cup. In the group stage, they drew 1–1 with New Caledonia and 2–2 against Tahiti. They also had a big 8–0 win against Samoa. They won their semi-final match 2–1 against the Solomon Islands. In the final, they lost to New Zealand in a penalty shootout after a 0–0 draw. On June 20, 2023, Papua New Guinea had their biggest loss ever, losing 10–0 to Malaysia.

FIFA Series Tournament

In 2024, Papua New Guinea played in their first tournament outside of Oceania. FIFA invited them to the 2024 FIFA Series in Colombo. They played against Sri Lanka and Central African Republic.

Kit Sponsors

Kit supplier Period
Spain Joma 1998–2000
Germany Puma 2007–2010
Italy Lotto 2011
United States Nike 2012–2014
N/A OFC 2014
United Kingdom Kukuri 2015
None 2016
Germany Adidas 2017–2023
Australia Veto 2024–

Recent Matches

The following are some of the recent match results for the team.

  • On March 22, 2024, Papua New Guinea drew 0–0 with Sri Lanka in Colombo.
  • On March 25, 2024, they lost 4–0 to the Central African Republic in Colombo.
  • On June 16, 2024, they lost 1–5 to Fiji in the 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup.
  • On June 19, 2024, they drew 1–1 with Tahiti in the 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup.
  • On June 22, 2024, they won 2–1 against Samoa in the 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup.
  • On October 10, 2024, they lost 3–1 to New Caledonia in a World Cup qualifier.
  • On November 14, 2024, they drew 3–3 with Fiji in a World Cup qualifier.
  • On November 17, 2024, they lost 1–2 to the Solomon Islands in a World Cup qualifier.
  • On December 12, 2024, they won 3–2 against the Solomon Islands in the 2024 MSG Prime Minister's Cup.
  • On December 15, 2024, they won 1–0 against Solomon Islands B in the 2024 MSG Prime Minister's Cup.

Coaches Through the Years

  • Papua New Guinea Richard Tamari Nagai (1996–1998)
  • Papua New Guinea John Davani (2002)
  • New Zealand Steve Cain (2002)
  • Papua New Guinea Ludwig Peka (2003–2004)
  • Brazil Marcos Gusmão (2004–2011)
  • Australia Frank Farina (2011–2013)
  • United States Mike Keeney (2013)
  • New Zealand Wynton Rufer (2014–2015)
  • Denmark Flemming Serritslev (2015–2018)
  • Papua New Guinea Bob Morris (2019–2021)
  • Brazil Marcos Gusmão (2021–2022)
  • Argentina Santiago Marina (2022–2023)
  • Australia Warren Moon (2023–present)

Team Players

Current Squad

These players were chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches in November 2024.

Caps (games played) and goals are correct as of November 17, 2024.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Dave Tomare (1997-04-26) 26 April 1997 (age 28) 5 0 Papua New Guinea Hekari United
1GK Charles Lepani (1994-08-20) 20 August 1994 (age 30) 1 0 Papua New Guinea Lae City
1GK Christinus Biasu (1995-06-02) 2 June 1995 (age 30) 0 0 Papua New Guinea Hekari United

2DF Daniel Joe (1990-05-29) 29 May 1990 (age 35) 37 0 Papua New Guinea Hekari United
2DF Alwin Komolong (1994-11-02) 2 November 1994 (age 30) 30 2 Australia Queensland Lions
2DF Kolu Kepo (1993-07-15) 15 July 1993 (age 32) 24 3 Papua New Guinea Hekari United
2DF Joshua Talau (1996-04-19) 19 April 1996 (age 29) 9 0 Papua New Guinea Lae City
2DF Nathaniel Eddie unknown 3 0 Papua New Guinea Hekari United
2DF Arol Tateng (1997-04-05) 5 April 1997 (age 28) 2 0 Papua New Guinea Southern Strikers
2DF Derek Kimai unknown 2 0

3MF Rex Naime (2003-10-23) 23 October 2003 (age 21) 11 0 Papua New Guinea Hekari United
3MF Simon Oberth (2001-01-01) 1 January 2001 (age 24) 10 0 Papua New Guinea Hekari United
3MF Joseph Joe (2002-06-14) 14 June 2002 (age 23) 7 1 Papua New Guinea Hekari United
3MF Solomon Rani (2002-05-22) 22 May 2002 (age 23) 5 0 Papua New Guinea Hekari United
3MF Shane Sakael (1992-12-31) 31 December 1992 (age 32) 3 0 Papua New Guinea Hekari United
3MF Juduh Asar unknown 2 0
3MF Ritzoki Tamgol unknown 2 0 Papua New Guinea Port Moresby
3MF Chappy Upaiga unknown 0 0
3MF Ethan Mom unknown 0 0

4FW Raymond Gunemba (1986-06-04) 4 June 1986 (age 39) 34 15 Papua New Guinea Lae City
4FW Tommy Semmy (1994-09-30) 30 September 1994 (age 30) 28 11 Australia Melbourne Knights
4FW Ati Kepo (1996-01-15) 15 January 1996 (age 29) 24 8 Papua New Guinea Hekari United
4FW Logan Biwa unknown 1 0

Recent Call-ups

These players have also been called to the Papua New Guinea squad in the last year.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Ronald Warisan (1989-09-20) 20 September 1989 (age 35) 34 0 Papua New Guinea Lae City v.  New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
GK Vagi Koniel (1996-10-26) 26 October 1996 (age 28) 0 0 Papua New Guinea Southern Strikers 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup

DF Godfrey Haro (1998-06-30) 30 June 1998 (age 27) 12 0 Papua New Guinea Hekari United v.  New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
DF Felix Komolong (1997-03-06) 6 March 1997 (age 28) 25 0 Papua New Guinea Lae City 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
DF Lennard Atterwell (2005-11-21) 21 November 2005 (age 19) 0 0 Australia Brisbane Roar 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
DF Raymon Diho (2007-01-01) 1 January 2007 (age 18) 3 0 Australia North Geelong Warriors 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
DF Philip Steven (1995-01-19) 19 January 1995 (age 30) 3 0 Papua New Guinea Port Moresby 2024 FIFA Series
DF Joseph Waiwai (2001-03-07) 7 March 2001 (age 24) 0 0 Papua New Guinea Port Moresby Strikers 2024 FIFA Series

MF Emmanuel Simon (1992-12-25) 25 December 1992 (age 32) 38 4 Papua New Guinea Lae City v.  New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
MF Yagi Yasasa (2000-08-17) 17 August 2000 (age 24) 17 0 Papua New Guinea Hekari United v.  New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
MF Kenneth Arah (1996-01-15) 15 January 1996 (age 29) 5 0 Papua New Guinea Gulf Komara v.  New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
MF Bruce Tiampo (2002-07-25) 25 July 2002 (age 23) 3 0 Papua New Guinea Lae City v.  New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
MF Pala Paul (1999-07-25) 25 July 1999 (age 26) 8 1 Papua New Guinea Southern Strikers 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
MF Troy Dobbin (2001-09-24) 24 September 2001 (age 23) 6 0 Australia Queensland Lions 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
MF Lee-Navu Faunt (2003-05-04) 4 May 2003 (age 22) 5 0 Australia Redlands United 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
MF Jethro Yumange (2002-03-10) 10 March 2002 (age 23) 3 0 United States River Light 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
MF Nigel Dabinyaba (1992-10-26) 26 October 1992 (age 32) 19 11 Papua New Guinea Hekari United 2024 FIFA Series

FW Matu Ben (2004-01-31) 31 January 2004 (age 21) 2 0 Papua New Guinea Lae City 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup

Player Records

These statistics include only official matches recognized by FIFA. Players in bold are still playing for Papua New Guinea.

Most Games Played

Rank Name Caps Goals Career
1 Emmanuel Simon 40 4 2014–present
2 Daniel Joe 39 1 2012–present
3 Ronald Warisan 36 0 2014–present
Raymond Gunemba 36 16 2012–present
5 Michael Foster 31 7 2003–2022
6 Alwin Komolong 30 3 2016–present
7 Tommy Semmy 26 10 2014–present
Kolu Kepo 26 4 2016–present
9 Ati Kepo 25 9 2019–present
10 Felix Komolong 23 0 2016–present

Top Goal Scorers

Rank Name Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Raymond Gunemba 16 36 0.44 2012–present
2 Reggie Davani 13 17 0.76 2002–2012
3 Tommy Semmy 10 26 0.38 2014–present
4 Nigel Dabinyaba 9 21 0.43 2014–present
Ati Kepo 9 25 0.36 2019–present
6 Michael Foster 7 31 0.23 2003–2022
7 Nathaniel Lepani 6 8 0.75 2004–2011
8 Neil Hans 5 8 0.63 2007–2014
Andrew Lepani 5 12 0.42 2003–2011
Mauri Wasi 5 14 0.36 2002–2014

Tournament Highlights

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Papua New Guinea has tried to qualify for the FIFA World Cup several times. They first entered the qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup. They have not yet qualified for the main tournament.

OFC Nations Cup

The team has played in the OFC Men's Nations Cup several times. Their best result was being the Runners-up in the 2016 OFC Nations Cup. This was a big achievement for the team.

Pacific Games

Papua New Guinea has won bronze medals at the Pacific Games twice: in 1969 and 1987. They have often reached the semi-finals or quarter-finals in this competition.

MSG Prime Minister's Cup

The team won the MSG Prime Minister's Cup in 2022. They also finished third in the 1994 (which was part of this competition).

Team Honours

Major Competitions

Regional Competitions

  • Pacific Games
    • Bronze medal (2): 1969, 1987
  • Melanesia Cup
    • Champions (1): 2022
    • Third Place (1): 1994

Head-to-Head Record

Papua New Guinea national football team results

Historical Kits

1996 Home
2002 Home
2004
2011 Home
2014 Home
2014 Away
2015 Home
2015 Away
2017 Home
2017 Away
2022 Home
2022 Away
2022 Third
2024 Home
2024 Away

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Papúa Nueva Guinea para niños

  • Papua New Guinea women's national soccer team
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