Gigira in race for finals berth

 By GABRIEL LAHOC

GIGIRA Laitepo Morobe United is still in the race for a Telikom National Soccer League finals berth after shutting out NC Civil Works Oro FC 2-0 on Saturday.

Morobe’s win at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium was masterminded by coach John Yagum, who saved his best when releasing Sammy Hiob as substitute striker in the last quarter of what was then a tight scoreless match.

Hiob set up the first goal for Morobe midfielder Simon Emmanuel before running onto a fumble by Oro’s right-back Emmanuel Popoitai to blast in the second.

The match was evenly contested with tight defences not allowing either wide room to move.

The Oro forwards were repeatedly caught offside.

Frank Tulem, Charles Paranda, Leana Geno and Ken Gule communicated poorly in front for Oro.

That has given the Morobe camp added motivation as it was their second in two days after belting Welgris 4-1 at the Papua New Guinea Football academy last Thursday in a washout match.

They will face champions Hekari United in another midweek washout match after receiving welcoming news that Hekari drew with Besta PNG United in Port Moresby last Saturday.