Kapuls dominate warm-up tie

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE national men’s football team won their first international friendly 5-0 on Friday against Qatari amateur team AZ Zubara at the Qatar University grounds.
The Kapuls scored the opener in the first half through a goal from midfielder Emmanuel Simon followed by a double from veteran striker Raymond Gunemba, giving the Marcos Gusmao-coached side a 3-0 lead at the break.
The second half remained scoreless for Zubara as Kapuls midfielder Stahl Gubag netted a goal followed by rookie Pala Paul’s first international goal, sealing the win for Gusmao’s men.
Gusmao’s 11-man line-up was a mixture of experience and youth starting with Ronald Warisan, Alwin Komolong, Felix Komolong, Daniel Joe, Godfrey Haro, David Muta, Emmanuel Simon, Jacob Sabua, Raymond Gunemba, Mathew David and Obert Bika.
Gusmao told The National that the team were still working on their combinations for their World Cup regional qualifying opener against New Zealand.
“We played very well, our pressure on the opponent was very strong,” the Brazilian said.
“Our speed has improved as well as our dominance in the midfield.
“Our attack was aggressive without the ball and it was a great game for the players.
“Our opponents played well, they’re a very good senior team.”
The Kapuls’ second friendly will be against second-tier club AL Matar before they face New Zealand on Saturday.
When asked about the line-up for the opening match, Gusmao said he would finalise the list when PNG international and Altona Magic striker Tommy Semmy arrived in Doha.
While Semmy has confirmed with this paper that he would be travelling to Qatar today, HJK Helsinki winger David Browne’s documents are still being processed by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority.