Dwellers gain wealth of experience at regional meet

 PAPUA New Guinea champions, Lae City Dwellers lost their three group matches but learnt a lot in their first OFC Champion League appearance.

Coach Peter Gunemba, who could not hide his disappointment, said he accepted the first two defeats but not the final one against Solomon Warriors. 

The Solomon Islanders prevailed over the PNG champions 5-4, in what was a cat-and-mouse game, with the lead exchanged several times before the Warriors won. 

“We lost all three games,” Gunemba said.

“I accepted the first two defeats but not the third.

“I’m not happy with my players especially with my defenders at the back. 

“They were slow in their decision-making and in their counter-attack and that’s what cost us the game,” he said.

Gunemba said however overall his was happy with the performance of his players.

“Overall our first Champions League has been a great experience. 

“We learned a lot. If we get a chance to play in it next year, we will give our very, very best,” Gunemba said.

Solomon Warriors produced a thrilling win to finish third in Group A. 

Warriors coach Moses Toata heaped praise on his players following the entertaining encounter.

“Certainly, I am very happy for the players. They played very exciting football,” he said. “The wet conditions did not make it easy, but the boys did well to settle down for a 5-4 win. It’s a good result for me.”

Meanwhile, the Auckland City FC left it late to secure a 3-1 victory over Amicale to set up a semi-final showdown against Tahitian club AS Tefana. The focus now turns to the semifinals, with Auckland City FC set to take on AS Tefana before Team Wellington face AS Magenta.