Former Hamilton Wanderers favourite Tommy Semmy has withdrawn from the Papua New Guinea national squad ahead of their March internationals in Sri Lanka.
Head coach Warren Moon has called in striker Joseph Waiwai to replace 16-cap Semmy who is reported to have pulled out due to commitments with his Australian club Melbourne Knights who play in the Victoria National Premier League.
Semmy (29) joined the club in early 2024 from Victoria’s Altona Magic.
Main photo: Tommy Semmy … considered to be one of PNG’s best players.
Semmy’s withdrawal is seen as a blow for PNG as he was expected to provide the side’s main striking threat against Sri Lanka in the international to be played on Friday March 22.
The match is part of a four-nation series, backed by a pilot FIFA scheme to enable competition among teams with low FIFA rankings.
Papua New Guinea, ranked 165 by FIFA, will play in an intercontinental series with hosts Sri Lanka (204, AFC), Bhutan (184, AFC) and Central African Republic (129, CAF).
READ MORE: World body launches scheme to help boost lower-ranked football nations >>>>
Semmy played for Wanderers in the Northern League from 2017-21.
Papua New Guinea squad
Goalkeepers
Ronald Warisan
Dave Tomare
Defenders
Vagi Koniel
Daniel Joe
Godfrey Haro
Kenneth Ara
Karo Kila
Kolu Kepo
Philip Steven
Sylvester Luke
Peter Dabinyaba Jnr
Midfielders
Emmanuel Simon
Yagi Yasasa
Troy Dobbin
Oberth Simon
Patrick Aisa
Forwards
Nigel Dabinyaba
Obert Bika
Ati Kepo
Lee Faunt Navu
Jess Grese
Rex Naime
Joseph Waiwai
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