City wary of Komara

By ROBINSON LEKA
REIGNING champions Lae City say they are wary of outsiders Gulf Komara ahead of their Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League semifinal in Port Moresby tomorrow (1pm kick-off).
Satisfied with his side’s performance despite a goalless draw with Vitiaz United last time out, City coach Bob Morris wants a simpler approach against David Aua’s men.
“Komara have been building over the past few weeks,” the former men’s national team coach said.
“I’ve watched a few of their games so I think we need to be going back to the basics to retain possession.
“We need to be more confident on the ball and just play our style of football.”
Komara, under skipper Roland Bala, will be out to make their intentions known with Ilagi Geno, Jordan Kaven and Pala Paul up front.
City will be counting on their midfield combination of skipper Emmanuel Simon and Jacob Sabua, with the Komolong brothers – Alwin and Felix – expected to step up in defence.
Meanwhile, the second semifinal tomorrow will see Hekari United and Vitiaz United battle for a place in next Saturday’s grand final (7pm kick-off) at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium.
An in-form Hekari side, with star forwards Raymond Gunemba, Kolu Kepo and Nigel Dabinyaba, will be on show against competition rookies.
Elliott Foni, Yagi Yasasa and Eliud Fugre will lead Vitiaz’s attack alongside the league’s leading goal-scoring duo of Jonathan Allen and Mathew David. The winners of the semifinals will advance into the grand final while the losers playoff for third spot.