PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (Interstat) — A pivotal National Soccer League matchup is set for Friday as the Morobe Wawens host league-leading PRK Gulf Komara.

The visiting Komara (16-5-11) enter the contest atop the table, buoyed by a 2-1 victory over Port Moresby on Wednesday. Their form has been strong, with just one loss in their last six matches across all competitions.

The Wawens (12-9-7), sitting mid-table, are also coming off a win, having defeated Star Mountain 3-1 on Wednesday. Their recent results, however, have been inconsistent, mixing decisive victories with narrow losses.

The season series has been tight. In their most recent encounter on Aug. 8, the Wawens secured a 1-0 away victory over Komara. The teams also played to a 2-2 draw in August 2024, while Komara earned a 2-1 away win in July 2024.

Statistical models favor the visitors. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 2-1 win for PRK Gulf Komara, while its ELO rating system gives Komara a 57.30 percent probability of victory.

Friday’s result could prove critical for both sides as they navigate the final stretch of the Papua New Guinea football season.