Talasea, Kimbe reign in Besta Cup

Sports

THE New Guinea Islands leg of the Besta Cup challenge ended with Talasea (men) and Kimbe (women) claiming the region’s honours yesterday.
In an all-NBPOL Football Association affair, Talasea edged Kapiura 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 stalemate in extra time, for the men’s title while in the women’s final, Kimbe beat Buvusi 5-1.
Talasea are the new men’s champions while Kimbe women claimed their fourth title. The two finalists will represent the NGI at the Besta FA Cup finals in Lae.
It all went down to the wire in both divisions but the fitter and experienced teams walked out winners. The all-NBPOL Football Association men’s challenge produced a high standard of football.
They qualified for the finals after disposing of Kimbe Football Association men’s teams.
Kimbe FA president Maha Waname said the overall turn out of the tournament was successful despite few football associations not turning up.
He said 11 men’s and six women’s team took part in the five-day tournament with all participating teams from NBPOL and Kimbe Soccer Association and their associated members.
“Arawa, Manus and Kavieng did not attend due to financial constraints,” Waname said.