Coach Vagi helps Oro make late finals run

 By HENRY MORABANG

NC Civil Works Oro FC is making a last minute bid to sneak into the finals of the 2013 Telikom National Soccer League.

Oro coach Lua Vagi, who took over from John Davani, said his team aimed for a spot in the final after holding off a strong challenge from FC Port Moresby to draw 1-1 at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.

The Oro franchise was in tatters when Vagi took over and he has transformed the team into a competitive outfit if their recent two outings are any indication. 

Oro held the highly fancied Hekari United 1-0 in the midweek clash, and they repeated the performances against FC Port Moresby yesterday.

Vagi gave credit to his boys, particularly captain Fabian Bagi, Patterson Elijah, Gary Moka, Andrew Marampau and Frank Tulem.

“These boys played their hearts out against FC Port Moresby,” he said. 

FC Port Moresby coach Reginald Davani was disappointed, saying they did not make use of their opportunities.

“We had a lot of opportunities but we could not convert them into goals,” he said.

FC Port Moresby did not play their usual game, allowing Oro to step up with a strong challenge.

After a goal-less first half, Oro striker Gary Moka rifled home a deflection from FC Port Moresby goalkeeper John Bai.

FC Port Moresby scored in the 87th minute through Neil Hans .

In other NSL matches, Eastern Stars drew 2-2 with Besta PNG,  while the Welgris Highlanders-Gigira Laitepo Morobe game was deferred to Wednesday.