Kapuls go down to NZ

By PATRICIA KEAMO
NATIONAL men’s football team head coach Marcos Gusmao says he is anticipating a win against New Caledonia today (midnight, PNG time) after their 0-1 loss to New Zealand on Friday in the Group B opener of the Fifa World Cup regional qualifiers.
He said his focus would be to play offensively against coach Dominque Wacalie’s side at the Suham Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
“We expect a great game and we are aiming to beat New Caledonia,” the Brazilian told The National yesterday. “We will work on the transition from midfield to attack to get to a goal faster.”
The Brazilian made changes to his starting line-up which would see veterans David Muta and Koriak Upaiga replaced by Michael Foster and Emmanuel Airem respectively.
Veteran goalkeeper Ronald Warisan will look to continue his brilliant form against New Caledonia.
The Komolong brothers, Alwin and Felix, paired up with the help of Daniel Joe and kept New Zealand coach Danny Hay’s forwards at bay.
The trio will be joined by Airem as they look to shore up the Kapuls’ defence.
Foster will look to take control of the midfield alongside Emmanuel Simon, Jacob Sabua and Tommy Semmy as they attempt to provide ample service to Kolu Kepo and Stahl Gubag.
Reflecting on Friday’s match, Gusmao said his men started well in the first half and pressed high before the All Whites took control of the game after the first 20 minutes.
Both sides went into the break scoreless before the Kapuls’ best chance to score came in the 60th minute as substitute Kolu Kepo headed the ball just wide off a Daniel Joe cross.
Rookie midfielder Yagi Yasasa made his debut off the bench as he replaced an injured David Muta in the 58th minute. Gusmao’s men continued to defend until a quick free-kick caught the Kapuls defence napping as an unmarked Ben Waine slotted the winner.
Shortly after, Gusmao replaced Gunemba with Gubag with the hope of equalising.
But, Gubag’s combination with Kepo failed to yield the goal that PNG needed. “We played very well against a strong opponent, but we need to work on our offence,” Gusmao said.
“We played within our capabilities and we did well against a team who have players in several professional leagues.
“We are focusedon our attack for our next game.”
New Caledonia are yet to bag a win after their 1-2 loss to Fiji.
They will be determined to get off the mark against the Kapuls.