Lae City Dwellers

The Dwellers will stop over in Fiji for two friendly matches against Suva FC and the Fiji national team before heading up to New Zealand for the OFC Champions League.

Dominated by upcoming players, the side will also be bolstered with the presence of their experienced campaigners, Raymond Gunemba, Troy Gunemba, Valentine Nelson, Ronald Warisan, Japhet Tiampo and Emmanuel Simon.

Head coach Peter Gunemba said the side expected tough competition in their pool.

Foster played for Malaita in the semi-professional 2016 Telekom Solomon National League competition in Honiara.

He is a current PNG Kapul and played for Lae City Dwellers in the 2015-2016 Telikom National Soccer League in Port Moresby.

Foster is back in the country after Kingz bowed out of the competition, finishing fourth on the ladder which was the best finish for the team.

Masalo said that Foster has been an outstanding player, one of the most consistent players for the Club and looks dangerous every time he touches the ball.

Foster, who played with Lae City Dweller in the PNG Football Association’s 2015-2016 Telikom National Soccer League (NSL), says the S-League was a good competition.

He has been a stand out player for Malaita Kings Football Club at the semi-professional league competition.

“It has been a good and new experience for me playing abroad for the first time in this competition,” Foster said.

In his final match with Malaita Kingz last week, Foster scored their only goal, while fellow countryman Tommy Semmy scored a hat trick for Marist FC, who won the match 3-1.

The group stage ended on the weekend with Hekari finishing second in Group B while Dwellers failed to secure a win, settling in fourth place in Group A.

Hekari failed to qualify for the semifinals after being defeated by Team Wellington 4-0.

Wellington progressed with the maximum nine points while Hekari’s campaign was over despite two impressive victories from their three matches.

Hekari defeated AS Lossi in their first game 1-5 and beat Suva FA 3-0 in their second game.

They were denied a historic first-ever win in the OFC Champions League with a close 5-4 loss against Solomon Warriors at QBE Stadium in Auckland.

Dwellers wasted no time taking the lead 1-0 three minutes into the game when an intended cross from captain Raymond Gunemba found its way inside the opposition’s near post.

Warriors responded quickly in spectacular fashion when Brian Kaltack smashed a shot four minutes later through the grasp of goalkeeper Ronald Warisan from just outside the area to level 1-1.

Despite missing out on qualifying for the semifinals, Dwellers will be hoping to register their first in the tournament.

They’ll take on Solomon Warriors today in their last Pool A match.

Both teams made their debut this year and are yet to win a match as they sit at the bottom of the pool ladder.

Dwellers are down with three players who are injured. They’re Matheson Nasa, Cyril Muta and John Kichani.

Dwellers lost to defending champions Auckland City 2-1 in a close encounter today.

The first half was tough as both teams failed to score which resulted in nil all at half time.

In the second half, the home team was the first to score 1-0 in the 65th minute through Daewok Kim.

Kim pops up to score his second goal of the tournament by tapping in from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

Dwellers leveled the score in the 85th minute through Raymond Gunemba who scored their first goal of the tournament.

The PNG title holders showed glimpses of their potential in their 3-0 defeat to Amicale.

Dwellers will be banking on PNG internationals and former Hekari United strikers Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba to push forward with some quick counter attacks.

With Auckland City likely to dominate possession, the Dwellers’ counter-attacking prowess could be dangerous weapon against the defending champions.

Dwellers coach Peter Gunemba stated that his side will go into the match with a positive attitude.

Dwellers made their regional debut losing to 2014 runners-up Amicale FC of Vanuatu 3-0 today at QBE Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.

Amicale was too good for the newcomers, scoring two goals in the first half and another goal in the second half.

Adam Dickinson scored a double in the first half and Diego Nadaya scored the third goal.

Captain Raymond Gunemba put up a good fight for Dwellers, who fought hard and made several attempts to score but were blocked by Amicale’s strong defense.

Dwellers are placed in Group A alongside Auckland City FC (NZL), Amicale FC (VAN) and Solomon Islands club champions (SOL).

Dwellers are looking positive after taking out the PNG National Soccer League title in the last two seasons.

The Lae team will be banking on national representatives Ronald Warisan, Valentine Nelson, Michael Foster, Raymond Gunemba, Nigel Dabinyaba, Obert Bika and the experience of Cyril Muta.

Dwellers will play their second game on Wednesday, April 13, against Auckland City FC and their third match on April 17 against Solomon Warriors.