Papua New Guinea are looking forward to having 11 men on the pitch against Tahiti in tonight's Group B return leg match in Papeete.
The Kapuls suffered a 3-1 home defeat in Port Moresby last week, after debutant David Browne was sent off midway through the first half.
PNG's David Browne is sent off in Thursday's World Cup qualifying game against Tahiti. Photo: OFC Media
Coach Flemming Serritslev was impressed by how his side coped with a man down and said they need to raise their game again this evening.
"Of course they are playing at home but hopefully we will be playing 11 v 11 all the game," he said.
"For us it's more a mental problem to raise the players mood again because they have shown through at least one hour here [in the first leg] we are absolutely able to play Tahiti and we can also win [against] Tahiti."
Papua New Guinea coach Flemming Serritslev. Photo: OFC via Phototek
PNG are without the suspended Browne for tonight's second leg but will have the services of fellow winger Nigel Dabinyaba and captain Michael Foster.
Serritslev had thought the pair were suspended after picking up their second yellow cards of the qualifying campaign during the first leg, however all single cautions were wiped following last years OFC Nations Cup.
Lae City Dwellers captain Raymond Gunemba will also be making his international return after serving a suspension in the first leg.
Tahiti are three points clear of Solomon Islands in the Group A standings and a home win would all but secure top spot, and a home and away Oceania final against New Zealand later this year.
Tahiti came from behind to beat Papua New Guinea 3-1 in Port Moresby. Photo: OFC Media
Coach Ludovic Graugnard said they will go into the match with strong belief.
"We weren't particularly settled after the sending off in Port Moresby and that was evident in our game," Graugnard explained.
"I said to the assistant coach that if PNG score it will be from a rapid counter, a long ball or a free kick. Unfortunately it was the free kick."
"We will go home with a lot of confidence," he said.
"We'll be able to play the match in Tahiti with a bit more serenity."
