Memu 2.9.6 won't connect with Google Play

[old-duffer]

I thought Google killed Play connectivity in anything less than 4.4?

You can create a 4.4 instance with Multi-Memu.

Try updating Google Play manually (install a more recent apk), or force it to update (Launch Google Play. Go to settings, and click on the build number).

MEmu 2.9.6.1 offers no option to create a 4.4 instance.  I tried exporting 4.4 from a later version of MEmu but 2.9.6.1 would not import it.