Port Moresby victorious

 By JOHN PANGKATANA in Alotau

THE Port Moresby Soccer Association (PMSA) won the Besta men’s southern region tournament at the Alice Wedega Park in Alotau yesterday.

PMSA beat arch-rivals Koupa from Kaparoko village, Central province, 3-1 in wet conditions.

PMSA and Koupa will represent the southern region at the Besta Cup playoffs with the other regional winners in Lae from November 14-16.

THE PMSA women’s side also claimed top spot yesterday after beating Tabubil 1-0 in extra-time. 

The PMSA women will also represent the southern region.

PMSA with several experienced hands in skipper Michael Foster, Rolland Bala and Kialou Pouru put on strong show earlier to beat Alotau’s seconds  2-0.

Foster dictated play for Tommy Sammy, Mark Gobono, Patterson Elijah and Patrick Aisa up front.

Koupa, who had disposed of National Capital District Public Servants Soccer Association (NCDPSSA) 3-2, were the crowd favourites.

Representative striker Kema Jack played his heart out with the experienced Naime Kepi, David Kila and PNG goal-keeper Leslie Kalai, but it was not enough to keep the youthful PMSA team from stealing the show.

PMSA nailed two goals in the first half to Sammy and Venya Malagian, while Kepi scored for Koupa.

The second half continued where they left off with defenders Richard Pono, Bala, Pouru and Rhody Mage tightening up to shut out the efforts of Jack, Kepi and Kepi Jay from breaking through.

The inclusion of Max Segum and Rodney Mobiha off the bench strengthen their cause with the Kaparoko outfit struggling to impose its presence.

A goal to Gobono sealed the win with the muddy conditions not allowing both teams to perform to their best. 

Next year’s tournament will be in Higaturu, Northern province.