Papua New Guinea U-23 Head Coach Percy Mataio has named his squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic qualifiers at the end of the month in Fiji.
The 20-man squad, who will contest the OFC Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Fiji from 21 September to 5 October, includes two players who were part of the senior men’s team to the Pacific Games in Felix Komolong and Gregory Togubai.
PNG will take a team of young players to the qualifier with a “win it” attitude, according to coach Percy Mataio.
“We have an inexperienced squad where most players are first timers in playing international matches. However, we expect the team to go and play good football and the results will look after themselves,” he said.
Standing their way in their pool are hosts Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga, all vying for a spot in Tokyo.
Mataio is confident his team will be ready for a tough challenge from their Oceanian rivals.
He is pleased to have the experience of Felix Komolong and Gregory Togubai including Gimale Essacu, Emmanuel Simongi, Ricky Wadunah, Yagi Yasasa and Peter Dabinyaba Jnr in the squad.
Mataio is taking nothing for granted in Fiji. He expects a tough challenge with Olympic qualification on the line.
The Madang and Lae based players fly in today and will join the Port Moresby based players for a two-week camp in Port Moresby before the team leaves for Fiji.
PNG U23 Squad: Jordan Tobem (Morobe United), Felix Komolong (USA), Carlos Onne (Eastern Stars), Gimale Essacu (USA), Peter Dabinyaba Jnr (Toti City), Timothy Mali (FC Bougainville), Gregory Togubai (Eastern Stars), Freddy Kepo (Hekari United), Pokana Mea (Port Moresby United), Frank Toboroyan (Hekari United), Bernard Purari (Enga Laima), Ricky Wadunah (Tusbab Stallions), Gabby Yanum (FC Bougainville), Jerry Seriba (Kagua Erave), Tyran Vapara (Southern Strikers), Edward Joshua (Toti City), Ernest Gwaitep (Toti City), Yagi Yasasa (Besta PNG United), Emmanuel Simongi (Besta PNG United), Jonathan Pole (Aporro Mai)