PNG land Iran friendly

Papua New Guinea’s preparations for stage three of Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifying have moved up a gear in the November window.

The Papua New Guinea FA has recently confirmed friendlies against Iran and Malaysia.

The Kapuls, who sit out the start of Stage 3 as Tahiti and Solomon Islands get Group B underway in their absence, are not cooling their heels with the match against 27th ranked Iran.

Both friendlies will be played in Shah Alam, Malaysia, with the OFC Nations Cup finalists facing Iran on November 11 and Malaysia on November 14.

PNG men’s national team head of delegation, Joseph Ealedona, hailed the match against Iran – Asia’s top ranked team – as “massive in football history for Papua New Guinea and a wonderful pathway for the PNG national team in preparations for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualifiers”.

Ealedona expects a fair amount of curiosity from home fans after Papua New Guinea defeated Malaysia 2-0 in Port Moresby in June.

“We are mindful that Malaysia is seeking to settle their loss to PNG recently,” he said.

The Kapuls moved into camp today with young players Stahl Gubag and Kolu Kepo, as well as New Zealand based Rodney Mobiha, included in a squad comprised largely of players from the OFC Nations Cup campaign.

Papua New Guinea squad for Malaysia tour:

Ronald Warisan - LCD

Leslie Kalai - Hekari

Ismiel Pole - Hekari

Felix Komolong – Canterbury United, New Zealand

Roland Bala - POM

Philip Steven - Rapatona

Daniel Joe - Marist, Solomon

Koriak Upaiga - Marist, Solomon

Jacob Sabua - POM

Alwin Komolong - USA

Simon Emmanuel - Hekari

David Muta - Marist, Solomon

Michael Foster - Malaita Kingz, Solomon

Raymond Gunemba – Hamilton Wanderers, New Zealand

Nigel Dabinyaba - LCD

Patrick Aisa - Rapatona

Tommy Semmy - Marist, Solomon

Rodney Mobiha - New Zealand

Stahl Gubag - Madang

Kolu Kepo - Kalo

Flemming Serritslev - Head coach

(Image: OFC via Phototek)

Author: 
Press release