By KEVIN PAMBA
WELGRIS Highlanders goalie, Anthon Bipi saved two definite goals, one of which was a free kick right in front of the box, and earned his team a 2-1 victory against Besta Madang Fighters in the Telikom National Soccer League game in Madang on Saturday. Bipi was outstanding defusing a volley of shots at the goal from Fighters strikers, led by international Niel Hans, Karkar import Robin Malwak and Jude Onasu until replaced through injury in the second half.
Bipi’s saving of Madang’s first of two free kicks by Hans in front of the goal mouth stunned everyone but welcomed by the Highlanders as it proved the killer punch for their victory in the end.
Bipi’s coach, Pius Letenge was over the moon for the sterling efforts of the young ex-Tugubu Laitepo Blue Kumuls custodian and said credit goes to him among others.
Opposing assistant coach, Bonny Hans Pongo admitted to Bipi’s stellar performance saying the Fighters missed 14 scoring opportunities, many of which were prevented by the Mt Hagen goal-keeper.
Pongo blamed their loss on a massive injury toll of 10 regular players, eight of whom were injured during the local derby against Madang Fox two weeks ago.
He said a team struggles to win with such an injury toll to majority of the key players. But he said the game on the all was played well by both teams and Fighters could have won if they converted the 14 missed opportunities and if there was coordination in the mid-field.
Letenge on the other hand credited their victory a solid preparation.
He said the boys were psyched up to win at the Fighters home turf and be in contention for the top four position and be in the finals.
Letenge boldly declared that Welgris Highlanders would like to re-enter the top four in Round Two which begins on January 26, after the Christmas break.
He said the team is focused on this mission and they delivered on Saturday scoring two goals in either half through Peter Tawelo and Andrew Apo respectively.
He said along with Bipi, those who really stood out in the victory includedKoriak Upaiga, Ian Yanump, Bonny Mathew and Paddy Reuben.
Fighters were left scoreless until a penalty shot right in front of the goal mouth which was successfully converted by Stanis Gifinu immediately after Apo’s goal in the dying minutes of the game.
Fighters led by Hans and Malwak came home strongly in the last 10 minutes but the Mount Hagen boys held them at bay until the final hooter.
Both Letenge and Pongo conceded weaknesses in their mid-field area and vowed to work on them before Round Two resumes.