Papua New Guinea have named their squad for March’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ OFC preliminary competition, with a mix of proven talent and youngsters scattered throughout the squad, which includes overseas-based players Tommy Semmy and Gimala Essacu.
Hekari United FC midfielder David Muta has been named as the captain and is joined in the squad by five of his club teammates.
Semmy, who currently plays in the A-League with the Newcastle Jets, and Western Illinois University product Essacu are included as the only non PNG-based players.
The preliminary competition kicks off on March 17, with PNG drawn in Group B alongside Fiji, New Caledonia and New Zealand.
Papua New Guinea squad for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ OFC preliminary competition
Goalkeepers – Ronald WARISAN (Lae City FC), Russel CHRIS (Hekari United FC), Ilai ILAROVA (Port Moresby Strikers FC). Defenders – Alwin KOMOLONG (Lae City FC), Felix KOMOLONG (Lae City FC), Philip STEVEN (Lae City FC), Joshua TALAU (Lae City FC), Daniel JOE (Hekari United FC), Koriak UPAIGA (Hekari United FC), Emmanuel AIREM (Lae City FC), Gimala ESSACU (Western Illinois University, USA). Midfielders – David MUTA (Hekari United FC), Emmanuel SIMON (Lae City FC), Jacob SABUA (Lae City FC), Yagi YASASA (Hekari United FC), Michael FOSTER (Hekari United FC), Pala PAUL (Gulf Komara FC). Forwards – Stahl GUBAG (Lae City FC), Ati KEPO (Hekari United FC), Obert BIKA (Lae City FC), Raymond GUNEMBA (Lae City Dwellers FC), Mathew DAVID (Port Moresby Strikers FC), Patrick AISA (Port Moresby Strikers FC), Tommy SEMMY (Newcastle Jets FC). Head coach: Marcos Gusmao.
Main photo: PNGFA.