Arah’s hat-trick falls short to save Gulf Komara

A KENNETH Arah hat-trick was not enough as Gulf Komara lost 3-4 to Kutubu in round 12 of the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League in Lae on Saturday.
The match was the first of the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium double-header with Morobe United beating Madang’s Tusbab Stallions 2-1 in the main fixture.
After recruiting players in last month’s transfer window, cellar dwellers Kutubu stamped their mark to register their third win of the season following their 1-1 draw with the Stallions in round 11.
Kutubu opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Oberth Simon, in his second match for the club, sailed the ball past Komara goalkeeper Ila Pene.
The Highlands franchise added another goal in the 38th minute through Karesa Morris for a 2-0 halftime lead.
The James Kawari-coached Kutubu outfit continued from where they left off in the first half, scoring their third goal five minutes after the break.
But Komara pulled themselves back into the contest when Arah scored off a penalty kick.
With momentum on their side, Pala Paul’s cross from the left found Arah who scored his second goal.
But Kutubu put the game beyond doubt when Simon completed his double in the 91st minute of play.
Arah grabbed his third goal soon after, but Kutubu held on for the win.