NGCB PNG Kapuls

The hype is on after beating New Caledonia 1-0 in a physical and entertaining encounter at Suhaim Bin Stadium but despite Fiji’s big loss to New Zealand 4-0, the Kapuls should not take the Fijians lightly.

Team manager, Joseph Ealedona, said: “The team is faring well and will treat the game like a grand final match. This is the ultimate game as a win or draw takes us into the semifinals.”

Fiji will definitely come back fighting and both teams will run in with high hopes but only the better side will come home.

Brazilian coach, Marcos Gusmao told the players during team talk to believe in themselves.

“We are playing final. Every game is final and I believe in you. The New Zealand Whites the favourite but we will play as final and play to win. We need to score goals.

“The team is very focused on the game and wants revenge, we are sure we will have a great game,” the coach said.

After Team Talk, coach Marcos Gusmao, has announced a strong team including several of those players in 2016 drawn match in Port Moresby, where New Zealand won on penalty. 

The other goals came from Godfrey Haro who scored his first international goal along with Ati Kepo. Kapuls came on with a slow start but made sure their defense was intact. Al Matar managed to score the first 2 pointer to lead 2-1 at half time.

Kapuls Coach, Marcos Gusmao said, “The game was very tough for Papua New Guinea and the opponent was a very strong team that gave us a lot of problems in our defense, midfield and they dominated the first half.”

Team Manager, Joe Ealedona said the boys had their first training in world-class facilities yesterday and are enjoying the atmosphere ready for game time.

“Their first friendly today is against Al Maha and another club here next week. These are teams from the Qatar second tier. I am told Al Maha is a very good team and these teams are professional clubs so it's good for the Kapuls,” he said

Ealedona said the team remains positive and are looking forward to the two practice games should enable the coach to finalise his first 11 against New Zealand on 18 March.