City aim to top group

KUMUL Petroleum National Soccer League champions Lae City hold their fate in their own hands when they face hosts Malampa Revivors at Luganville Soccer City Stadium in Vanuatu today.
If the Peter Gunemba-coached side win, they will top group B while a draw would also see them advance to the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League quarterfinals.
City manager John Golupau said his side were ready to claim a spot in the next round.
“Our aim is to make the quarterfinals,” he said.
“In this case, we want to top the pool and bring the quarterfinals back home.” Lae made a number of changes for their 7-0 defeat of Lautoka and they may tweak their starting line-up again for the Malampa fixture.
Gunemba said: “We played Malampa twice and beat them onboth occasions. But they will step up on home soil.
“We can’t wait till they score and build their confidence. I don’t want to play catch-up football so we have to be organised.
“We are prepared to attack and defend with the energy. I have told my men to play their hearts out.”
The Revivors will need a win if they want to advance to the knockout stages and they will have a massive home crowd in attendance, given today is a public holiday in Vanuatu.
Malampa, who have drawn their first two matches, will regain the services of Vanuatu international Andre Batick from suspension.
“We have a great chance because one of our fastest strikers will be back,” Malampa coach Steve Varegali said.
“We believe that we will win.”