PNG Kapuls

The Kapuls conceded three goals in the first and one in the second half to suffer a comprehensive defeat in the hands of their much-fancied opponents.

The Kapuls were starved for possession with most of the match being played in the Kapuls half of the pitch. Coach Moon saw what was coming for his side even before the game had started.

Sports Minister Don Polye made this announcement at the Sir John Guise Outdoor Stadium in Port Moresby and also congratulated the players for making the Kapuls team.

Minister Polye said he is expecting the PNG side to defend their Cup title when they travel to New Caledonia for the tournament later in the week.

Kapuls Coach, Harrison Kamake said the team is intact. He said most of the players named in the team retained their spots but there are few new boys making the squad.

The winner of the New Zealand tournament qualifies for the Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris, France.

The majority of the U23 men’s team were selected from the Premier Soccer League and are currently undergoing training for the New Zealand tournament.

Some notable players included in the squad are, Rex Naime, Bruce Tiempo, Joseph Waiwai, Solomon Rani and Obert Simon. They are also current senior national Men’s players but qualify through the age category. 

The full squad is:

This was the message from PNG Kapuls Coach, Harrision Kamake when arriving back in the country on Sunday 25^th June. He said the men’s national football team that went for the trials are a very young side and will only going to get better with exposure.

The Kamake and the officials took the friendly matches against Singapore and Malaysia as the opportunity to expose the young players at the international scene.

The draw for the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifier 2023 has been confirmed at the OFC Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland, New Zealand.

The tournament will take place across three venues in Auckland, The Trusts Arena, Go Media Stadium Mt Smart and North Harbour Stadium, from August 27 to September 9. The winner will qualify directly for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics next year.

New Zealand were the Oceania region representative at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, with Fiji competing in the previous games in Rio de Janeiro 2016.

The champion defender went under the blade in the hands of doctor Papakostas from Greece who did a good job.

After the surgery, Alwin spent a night in the hospital. Upon a further check-up with the Physio and Doctors, he was given the rehabilitation plans and was discharged from hospital.

Alwin’s visit to Aspetar in Qatar, the well renowned Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation Center in the world, has been a success, as he has been doing well. Alwin is still in the rehab and is anticipating quick recovery.

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.

Team manager, Joseph Ealedona said it is the FIFA World Cup atmosphere in Qatar and the team is enjoying the moment but with focus on the first game against New Zealand.

He said it was a long flight with six hours to Singapore transit for three hours and took eight hours flight from Singapore to Doha. The team will take some rest today before getting into training.

The Kapuls are in Pool B up against New Zealand, New Caledonia and Fiji.

PNGFA President, John Kapi Natto when addressing the PNGFA Kapuls fundraiser dinner at the Dynasty restaurant on Thursday evening, thanked Prime Minister James Marape, Sports Minister Wesley Raminai and major sponsors among dignitaries for showing their support to the national men’s team.

Kapi Natto congratulated Kapul’s head coach Marcos Gusmao and his 30-man squad for making the final cut.

PNG Football Association President, John Kapi Natto has warmly welcomed Gusmao, who has taken up his new role straight after arrival.

“On behalf of PNGFA Executive Committee Members, management, MA presidents and supporters of football in PNG. I take this time before our Christmas period to warmly welcome our football instructor and Head Coach of the Kapul Men’s National squad, Marcus Gusmao all the way from Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America to our shoes,” Kapi Natto said.