Academy side stun champs City

Sports

By LARRY ANDREW
BESTA Papua New Guinea United caused an upset in a top of-the-table clash in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League Northern Conference, beating Toti City 1-0.
The win by the development team ends the defending champions’ winning streak. City are now with one loss from 10 games.
City still have a washout game to play against Markham to reach the 11-game mark.
In the other conference matches, Morobe United beat Tusbab Stallion 4-1 in Madang.
At the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, Snax Lahi United continued their good form, thrashing Lawaiden 6-3 in the first game of the triple header. Markham humbled Morobe Wawen 2-1 in the second match.
The City-Besta United match started well, with both teams up in each other’s faces.
But it was the academy boys who dominated much of the first half.
Besta’s Oberth Simon, Yagi Yasasa, Abraham Allen, Rodney Joseph and Isaac Agapi applied pressure on City’s defence manned by Valentine Nelson, Goropaul Albert, Peter Dabinyaba Jr and Thomas Tagum.
Besta’s dominance saw City coach Peter Gunemba making two changes in the 25th and 34th minute, bringing on Michael Foster and Emmanuel Simon to replace Billison Bulo and Ken Kepe.
But their inclusion did not do much, as Besta defended well to deny City from scoring.
After a scoreless first half, both teams picked up the intensity in the second stanza.
With 16 minutes remaining, City goalkeeper Matheson Nasa committed a professional foul on Allen, causing referee Mairi Noni to award Besta a penalty.
Captain Sylvester Wafihenua made no mistake, sealing the winner for Besta.
Conference results: Morobe United 4 Tusbab Stallion 1, Snax Lahi United 6 Laiwaden 3, Markham 2 Morobe Wawens 1.