Almami grateful for FA Cup spot

By ISAAC LIRI
QUALIFYING for the Besta Football Association Cup in September means a lot to Almami FC of Bogia in Madang.
Despite the lack of government support, the Almami villagers played with passion to beat Morobe Football Association 1-0 in the Besta Mamose qualifiers on July 7 for a spot in the Papua New Guinea Football Association-sanctioned event.
Spectators at the thrilling grand final at the Laiwaden Oval saw tears of joy and scenes of jubilation as the villagers put on a heroic performance to snatch the win.
Leading the way, Jordon Kaven was Almami’s talisman who set up Brandon Kambual to score the crucial goal that earned them the bragging rights over the 40 male teams who competed in the qualifiers. Madang Soccer Association general-secretary Conrad Wadunah described Almami as underdogs when they kicked off their campaign but with faith and confidence in themselves, the lone team from Bogia went on a brave run to be crowned champions.
“Almami were the only team from Bogia,” Wadunah said.
“There were interested teams from the area but with little support from the local-level government and the (Bogia) member, other associations pulled out, leaving Almami as the only team.
“Attempts from Madang Soccer Association executives to get the member to support the teams from the district, including Almami, were unsuccessful.
“But now with the team qualified for the Besta FA Cup in September, they will need all the support they can get.
“Almami are made up of players from Malala or have lived in there for many years.
“They have learnt to adopt a culture of independence and self-motivation.
“The team gathered whatever support they could to represent the people of Malala, Almami and Bogia as a whole.
“While the excitement of winning the qualifiers is yet to sink in, the players representing Almami cannot recall a time when they were treated as heroes.
“From the Banab Bridge to Malala, people lined up to congratulate the team, throw flowers on the road, and take photos with the players and the silverware.”
With only a month to prepare for the Besta FA Cup which will be hosted in Lae, the team is urging the people of Bogia to get behind them in their quest to win the tournament.