City retain title

TOTI City retained the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League title after beating Hekari United in a thrilling penalty shootout in the grand final at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Saturday.
The Lae-based team won K100,000 and Hekari United walked away with K50,000 for their efforts.
It was 0-0 at the end of regulation time, with neither team managing to score in extra time.
The Northern Conference champions were keen to defend their title with skipper Raymond Gunemba and PNG striker Nigel Dabinyaba setting the pace in attack along with the experienced Michael Foster coordinating City’s attack from midfield.
A composed Hekari side led by captain Koriak Upaiga came prepared to counter the full force of City’s attack with Jason Thomas spearheading their defence.
Hekari midfielders Patrick Aisa and veteran David Muta were out to test City’s stubborn defence with goal attempts from forwards Ati Kepo and Tutizama Tanito throughout the match but to no avail.
Tensions were high at the close of regulation time as Hekari midfielders Aisa and Muta left the field with injuries.
The drama continued in extra time with City goalkeeper Ronald Warisan soldiering on till the end of extra time despite suffering a hamstring injury.
Both teams were tied after a penalty shootout with both sides scoring three out of five attempts, forcing match officials to allow two more attempts from either side.
It was Warisan who saved Shane Sakael’s attempt to seal the game for the men from Morobe.
Despite the loss, Hekari coach Jerry Allan was happy with his team’s performance and praised the efforts of all his players.
“We have a lot things ahead of us,” Allan said with optimism.
“We are going to work hard especially our young players.
“We need to work with them because at the end, they will carry football forward for PNG.
“I’m really proud of my players. City have been together for some time now after we were suspended but then we came back to the final.
“It’s football. Someone has to win and someone has to lose, and we accept it.”