Kapuls aim for glory

PAPUA New Guinea coach Fleming Serritslev is hoping his side can continue the fairytale by going where no national side has gone before – the OFC Nations Cup final.
The Kapuls face the Solomon Islands in the second semifinal today for a chance to become the first PNG team to make a regional final.
It will be a difficult task but not an impossible one.
“I believe it’s a 50-50 game for us,” Serritslev said.
“We had two friendlies against the Solomon Islands in March and both teams had a win.”
The Dane said the home ground advantage would be both a blessing and curse.
“It puts more pressure on us,” Serritslev said.
“On the other hand, we have great support from our fans and this will help us to perform.
“The players need to get used to playing under pressure too.”
Captain David Muta could not hide his excitement after his side had defied all the odds to progress to an OFC Nations Cup semifinal.
“I am very excited and all the players are excited to be part of creating this history for PNG football,” he told the media conference yesterday afternoon.
The influence of the former Denmark coach Serritslev has had an impact on the side and their approach.
With the majority of players coming from just two clubs, albeit very successful domestic clubs in Hekari United and Lae City, it would have been easy to assume that the side would play as they do in the National Soccer League.
But with some experienced journeymen as well as youthful up-and-comers, PNG has assembled a side that is more than capable of pressing for the title.
The Komolong brothers (Alvin, Felix) have formed an effective and resilient defensive line in the midfield, while the Kapuls do not lack attackers on the flanks or through the middle, with Tommy Semmy, Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabingyaba at or near their peaks.
Solomon captain Henry Fa’arado is leading an equally determined side who are perhaps slight favourites based on past form.
This will be their fifth appearance in OFC Nations Cup semifinals.
“We were in this position four years ago and unfortunately we lost to Tahiti back then,” Fa’arado said.
“We know PNG will be trying to qualify at home in front of their fans, but we have high expectations for ourselves as well.” The first semifinal will be between New Zealand and New Caledonia.