Eagles eliminate Vipers

The Wamp Nga Mount Hagen Eagles soar over the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers with a gritty 21-14 victory in the Elimination Final of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup on Sunday, 23 August 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium. 

The Vipers started the proceedings with high intensity, with Manase Watt scoring the opening try in the 5th minute and setting the stage for a bruising contest.

After Watt’s try, both sides muscled up in defence. However, eight minutes before halftime, Eagles’ inspirational player Sakias Komati bagged an equalizer.

The Vipers resumed the second stanza with a try through second-rower Junior Peter, but the Eagles returned the favor, trailing the Vipers by 2 points (12-10).

A few minutes later, the Eagles were penalized inside their 10-meter line, and the Vipers opted for 2 points, extending their lead to 14-10.

With a four-point ball game, the Western Highlanders scored back-to-back tries through Desmond Michael and Benji Kot, with Komati icing the game with a field goal. 

Eagles’ coach Henry Wan said he was happy with the win, noting the boys started slow but picked up their rhythm to seal the deal. 

“I’m very happy with their overall performance. We made some errors in the opening minutes of the game, but we came home, so I’m really impressed with their performance,” he said.

Wan admitted that they started the season poorly, but found their mojo in the middle of the season and maintained their form to the finals. 

“We started the season a bit low, but then picked up in the middle of the season. We had ups and downs, but the couple of wins leading towards the finals boosted the team’s spirit,” he said.  

The coach credited the team’s chief playmaker, Sakias Komati, who has been instrumental in the club’s resurgent form this season.

“He is incredible. His performance has been outstanding. He has been consistent throughout the season. I’m happy with his performance. He is leading the pack well,” Wan said.

The Eagles’ mentor praised the forwards, particularly experienced campaigner Jordan Pat and young Manu John, for laying the platform upfront, allowing Komati and the spine to execute the team’s game plan.

Despite the disappointing result, Vipers’ coach Wellington Albert remained positive, noting that it was a learning curve for the young side to come back strong next season.

“A lot of these young players have five or six years to play. It’s an exciting future for this club,” Albert said. 

Coach Wan said they would go back to the drawing board and polish up on a few areas to prepare themselves against the red-hot Gurias in the semifinal.