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.

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) has expanded its commitment to sports through its latest partnership with the SP PNG Hunters Rugby Team as a new sponsor for the 2022 season in the Queensland Cup.

In announcing this partnership, BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming said, “we are delighted to be expanding our relationship in the rugby league fraternity through the PNG Hunters, an International Rugby League Club that shares the same values and understands the importance of putting communities and people especially fans and supporters at the forefront of their decision.”

“We see this as both a national and international opportunity to increase our national brand awareness as well as supporting local talent,” said Fleming.

The CEO further stated that as a sponsor and a bank serving in communities that has rugby fans, they understand the passion people have for the sport and the team and the positive impact the team(SP Hunters) can play in the community.

“We hope our support of K150,000 will help the team continue their hunt for the top spots and make PNG proud, ” Flemming adds.

SP PNG Hunters Commercial Manager Alan Moramoro in welcoming BSP as the new competition shorts sponsor said, “PNG Hunters board Chaired by Stan Joyce, management and team are excited to welcome a prominent corporate partner. As a 100% PNG owned bank, it is a brand that will sit proudly on the back of our playing shorts as we launch into the Queensland Hostplus Cup 2022 competition.”

The partnership also involves great awareness opportunities at home and away games, which the team is looking forward to regardless of on-field performances

A few changes in Papua New Guineas line up and also a level up in their defensive effort ensured the Kapuls triumph over a seemingly level headed New Caledonian outfit.

After a spirited effort against the New Zealand All Whites which unfortunately resulted in a 1-nil loss, PNG did show promise of being a strong contender in the FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifier in Doha Qatar.

Before the match, Kapuls Coach, Brazilian Marcos Gusmao was optimistic to reach the final of Group B of Oceania qualifier despite unfair results against New Zealand.

Gusmao said “perhaps the unfair defeat against New Zealand was something we could not expect, but our strong objective of reaching the final is stronger than ever, don’t think that we will give up the game easily, we are very strong to play against any team”.

This optimism was backed by the PNG mens’ team as they sure turned up for the challenge and managed to hold off some of the New Caledonians tactics.

Changes made to the starting line-up saw Emanuel Airem replacing Koriak Upaiga, Michael Foster taking over from an injured David Muta, and Stahl Gubag replacing Raymond Gunemba in the first 11 while Kolu Kepo took over from his brother, Ati Kepo up front.

The Kapuls were poised at scoring early and Captain, Alwin Komolong was already pushing the ball long from the backline.

Papua New Guinea’s persistence in attack paid off when Alwin Komolong put a long kick from just outside half way, which landed in front of two New Caledonian defenders who lost control of the ball to Kolu Kepo.

Kepo in front of the 18yard box passed the ball to Tommy Semmy who struck on the right foot hitting the net on the far-left hand side of the goal mouth.

There were cheers all around as PNG registered their first goal of the qualifiers and also securing the much needed three points.

New Caledonia had speed in their ranks. Their forwards including striker, Morgan Mathelon tried to time their run to avoid being caught offside by the referee but PNGs gamble at keeping them offside paid off.

New Caledonia had more than enough talent and experience to execute a convincing outcome for themselves but a persistent PNG side kept the pressure on them.

A commendable effort by PNG Goal Keeper Ronald Warison kept the ball out of goal; even when he had a few niggling injuries, the veteran goal keeper powered on.

Other notable mentions include Emmanuel Airem who was a strong attacker and set up a chance header for Michael Foster that went begging.

Tommy Semmy was also a stand out with his goal despite missing other opportunities that would have extended PNGs lead.

PNG are now second on the ladder in group B and will be facing Fiji to cement the second position to guarantee them a shot in the finals.

In the other match in group B Fiji were left scoreless receiving four goals from the New Zealand All Whites who now surpass Fiji into first spot THE Fijians relegated to third on the ladder in last of group B is New Caledonia.

PNG have to win the match against Fiji on Thursday to secure second spot and a chance to qualify for the finals series.