PNG National Soccer League champion Hekari United is ready for an uphill battle when it meets Lautoka in game two of the O-League in Port Moresby.
Lautoka coach Imdad Ali is confident his boys will put on a good show against the home side.
This will be Ali's second trip to PNG while the rest of the team are all first times. However, all are eager for the clash. The last time Ali travelled to PNG was when he coached the national under-17 side in 1987.
The match that will be played tomorrow at the Lloyd Robson Oval is set to be a showdown especially for the home team after coming off a draw against Tafea FC of Vanuatu in its first game a month ago.
Lautoka arrived yesterday afternoon and settled in well at the Gateway Hotel. The team is expecting its three overseas-based players, two from Australia and one from New Zealand today.
"After watching them (Hekari) play against the Tafea of New Caledonia, I must say they are a very good side and very aggressive. However my boys are prepared and will be equal to the task," Ali said.
Both are in Pool B with Tafea and Marist FC of Solomon Islands.
The Jerry Allan-coached Hekari after its round one draw has a mission to stop Lautoka.
Lautoka leads the pool with three points after game one while Tafea (New Caledonia) and Hekari United share second spot with a point apiece while Marist Brothers is yet to register its first win
Auckland City FC leads the other pool with three points followed by AS Magentia form New Caledonia, Waitakere United (NZ) and AS Manu from Tahiti.
"My advantage is that I know the system of how Hekari United works and its physical aspect of things," Ali said
