With that in mind the Papua New Guinea Football Association has already launched into preparing for the competition.
After missing out in 2011, it is a case of new beginnings for this side as they look to do the business on home soil.
With new coach Wynton Rufer, the OFC Player of the Century, at the helm the side got preparations underway with their first camp at Lae Academy from 23-28 June. The most recent camp was held in Port Moresby from 23-30 July.
Players identified and selected for the two camps play their football in the PNGFA National Soccer League with a few overseas-based players also on the radar.
Assistant coach Reginald Davani says there is a group of players the coaching staff are working with as a core to the team, with wider player identification ongoing.
“At the moment the core of players are from Port Moresby and Law with a few from Mount Hagen, Wau, Madang and six overseas-based players who have been impressive,” Davani explains.
“The training programme we have is intense and will focus on a possession-based style of football.”
Davani says the next 12 months are key for the side with a few camps in Australia lined up as well as friendly matches in South-East Asia.
“We set our goals very high and we want to win gold. Anything less than a medal will be disappointing for us,” he says.
The final squad is expected to be finalised in 2015 at the conclusion of the next National Soccer League season.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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