City retain title

By ROBINSON LEKA
LAE City claimed K100,000 after a lone Obert Bika goal saw the side retain the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League title with a 1-0 win over rookies Vitiaz United in Port Moresby on Saturday night.
In the earlier match, the third-place playoff saw Hekari United beat Gulf Komara 5-0.
The grand final saw a packed Papua New Guinea Football Stadium as City dominated play from the get-go with Bika, Abdias Aguirre and Stahl Gubag taking early shots on goal.
Despite the unavailability of Rodney Talau, Vitiaz proved effective in defence with Peter Dabinyaba Jr, Junior Sigit and Max Efale holding City to a goalless first half.
But Bika opened the scoring 15 minutes into the second half after he pounced on a deflection off Vitiaz goalkeeper Russel Chris.
A hamstring injury forced City skipper Emmanuel Simon off the field 20 minutes from fulltime.
Vitiaz forwards Mathew David, Johnathan Allen and Donovan Murray were kept quiet as City’s Alwin Komolong, Emmanuel Airem and Philip Steven dominated in defence.
“The grand final lived up to expectation as we had to work extra hard for the win,” City skipper Emmanuel Simon told The National.
“I’m a bit disappointed because I couldn’t finish the match.
“But I’m happy we had some fresh legs go in and get the win for us.”
Meanwhile, despite the loss, Vitiaz skipper Eliud Fugre was proud of his side’s performance in their first grand final.
“I’m really proud of how far we’ve all come as a new team,” he said.
The captain said they had a lot of talented players.
“A lot of our players are still new to the competition so we will go back and prepare for a stronger season next year,” he said.