City ready for Galaxy

Sports

By PATRICIA KEAMO
ALWIN and Felix Komolong will lead Lae City’s defence as the brothers look to contain Vanuatu’s Galaxy in their Oceania Football Confederation Champions League opener today (10am kick-off, PNG time).
The Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side will also count on experienced goalkeeper Ronald Warisan to help shore up their defence at the Ngahue Reserve in Auckland, New Zealand.
Head coach Bob Morris has named his strongest side as City look to get off to a winning start.
“We are prepared for the tournament, and will do our best to win our opening match,” he told The National yesterday.
“Our flight took two days due to cancellations.
“We arrived in Auckland yesterday morning (Tuesday).
“Although the players were jet-lagged from the trip, it didn’t distract our focus on our purpose here.
“We are not here for a holiday.
“We need to start well, so players can gain confidence and build from there.”
Morris’ first 11 will see Thomas Yagum and Phillip Steven joining the Komolong brothers and Warisan in the backline.
Flanked by Stahl Gubag and Jacob Sabua, skipper Emmanuel Simon will look to take control of the midfield to create opportunities for forwards Jonathan Allen, Bruce Tiampo and Obert Bika.
Morris will have bench options in Joshua Oscar, Joshua Talau, Alu Awi, Charlie Lepani, Walbo Komuna, Jordan Tobem and Mathew David.
David could hold the key to unlocking Galaxy’s defence as City’s super sub after his two late goals helped the side to a win over Hekari United in the national playoff in June.
Meanwhile, Alwin – who has recovered from an injury which he had suffered during the playoff – said he was ready to help his side achieve their goal of qualifying for the Fifa Club World Cup later this year.
“I’m feeling good, coming back from injury,” he told this paper.
“Maybe not at the level I would’ve liked, however, I am mentally ready to play.
“This will be my first Champions League appearance, so our aim is to record a positive result (against Galaxy).
“We believe we can take all three points.
“My job is to ensure that we don’t concede goals.
“Other than that, I aim organise the team from the back because defending is also a collective effort.
“Remaining disciplined and organised is also a priority.
“Tournament football is different from league football, so we will take each game as it comes.”