Gapi, goalkeeping blunder help Gulf Komara defeat visiting Kutubu

GULF Komara recorded their third win of the season with a 2-0 victory against Kutubu in round nine of the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League in Port Moresby on Saturday.
The Papua New Guinea Football Stadium fixture saw a lot of turnovers in a game which remained scoreless until the 80th minute when Gulf’s Pala Paul found his teammate Kila Gapi to net the opener.
Five minutes later, Gulf put the game beyond doubt off a goalkeeping blunder from Kutubu’s Shane Wakala who failed to deal with a cross from Numa Kila.
Striker Andrew Apo, who was vocal throughout the match, tried to salvage something for Kutubu but he was not supported well by midfielders Sarufa Peter and Samuel Kini.
Gulf defenders Junior Sasu and Ralai Jack were solid as they gave little room for the visiting Kutubu to attack.
It was sixth-placed Gulf’s second straight win after their 4-0 victory against Morobe Wawens in Lae in round eight.
Komara captain Kenneth Ara told The National after the match that his side could still make the top-four finals if they play consistent football.
He said their game against Wawens was their best with good midfield coordination.
“We were all over the place in this match against Kutubu but somehow we picked up a bit of rhythm in the second half which got us the win,” Ara said.
“We need to stay composed in a competition like the NSL.
“All the teams are quality sides that want to reach the finals so we have to keep improving.”