Barakau edge Wildlife Disability Association

BARAKAU got back into the winners’ circle with a 2-1 win over Wildlife Disability Association in the women’s division of the Special Olympics Papua New Guinea’s Unified Football competition in Port Moresby yesterday.
Coach Ralph Henao was pleased with his team’s performance following their opening-round loss to defending champions Gereka and heaped praise on goalscorers Samantha Maiasa and Evangeline Loa.
“We will go back to training and analyse today’s match,” he said after the second-round match.
“I am satisfied with the win and hope we can continue the momentum next weekend.”
A total of 22 teams both male and female have registered for the competition which saw its first round held at the Sir John Guise Sport Precinct two weekends ago.
The variant of the global sport specifically for children with special needs has seven footballers a side playing 10 minutes each way.
The sport has its following from within and outside Port Moresby, and has proven popular among children and their families.
Competition manager Willie Vaira said teams were improving on their performances with a few technical issues that will be resolved.
Vaira made the comment after forfeiting the opening men’s match between Vabukori Team One and Philip Aravure Primary School.
A player not listed in Vabukori Team One’s teamsheet scored a goal, leading to Vaira forfeiting their 5-0 win and awarded the points to Philip Aravure.
Vaira said the competition would continue for a further two weeks before the Sept 7 finals.
“The early favourites in the women’s division are Gereka while in the men’s category, Red Cross are looking good,” he said.
Vaira reminded club officials to perform medical checks on their players before allowing them to take the field.
The competition is in its fourth year and is conducted in partnership with PNG Sports Foundation’s Ability Sports Programme and Special Olympics PNG.