The PNG mens national team the Kapuls knew it would be a tough outing against the New Zealand All whites, in an empty Suhaim Bin Hamad stadium in Doha Qatar.
The 2022 Oceania Football Confederation FIFA World Cup Qualifiers has PNG pitted against some of the toughest teams in the region in group B with New Caledonia and Fiji part of the group as well.
Without a doubt New Zealand’s technical prowess was their edge against Papua New Guinea, it was a cagy first half with both teams failing to find the back of the net.
But the New Zealand All Whites were the more experienced and kept PNG starving for possession.
New Zealand had 62 percent of the possession in the first half and had six attempts at goal. PNGs key strikers, Raymond Gunemba, Tommy Sammy and Ati Kepo were left with only few options as the New Zealand defense proved effective against a spirited PNG side, most times having to play back to try and find open space to push the ball through to the strikers.
Though there were calculated attacks by New Zealand, PNG’s backline stood quite firm with Alwin and Felix Komolong proving a handful for the New Zealand forwards.
Veteran PNG Goalkeeper Ronald Warisan also managed a few crucial saves.
The second half proved costly for the Kapuls who lost skipper and midfielder David Muta to injury in the 58th minute, gaining Yagi Yasasa to replace him.
PNG did manage their best chance at goal when substitute, Kolu Kepo almost put through a header from a cross kick by Daniel Joe after a back heel from Raymond Gunemba, sadly that was the only true opportunity for PNG.
New Zealand’s key substitutes, rookies, Ben Waine and Ben Old, turned things around for the All Whites.
With 15 minutes remaining a free kick to New Zealand was quickly released by Matt Garbett to Dane Ingham who pushed it through for Ben Waine to get one past Ronald Warisan, all this while PNG was slowly organizing their defense.
The score line could have been higher, with New Zealand hitting the crossbar twice in the final 10 minutes, PNG keeper Ronald Warisan also saved a few.
There was more expected of New Zealand but it was the first time the team displayed true team spirit in playing together.
PNG, who ranked 165th in the FIFA rankings were spirited despite not playing together for the past two years, apart from the two friendlies before the loss to New Zealand.
The three points are crucial for New Zealand as they prepare to face Fiji who are current leaders in Group B after a 2-1 win over New Caledonia.
PNG will try to find redemption in their match against New Caledonia on Tuesday.
PHOTO FILE: Courtesy of OFC.
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