Gigira, Uni register wins

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By GABRIEL LAHOC

GIGIRA Laitepo Morobe striker Pascal Wojen played a starring role in the club’s 2-0 victory over Gelle Hills in round two of the National Soccer League (NSL)  competition at the Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium on Saturday while in the other match Esi Loan University Inter FC thrashed Besta PNG U20.
Brushing aside criticisms  by Morobe soccer icon John Peka calling on  the sacking of the Morobe management, coach, the captain and the vice-captain and four other key players through injury,  the boys put on a brilliant to run away with a win.
They also won praise from their supporters.
In an individual feat Wojen zigzagged past five opponents 15 minutes from kickoff to blast home the first goal in style, and psyched up the fans through hand signal urging them to lift up their voices.
Unlike their fruitless encounter with Hekari two weekends ago, Morobe’s ball control was wide and smooth with faster attacks, which saw several unsuccessful attempts at Hills goalmouth.
Midway through second half Wojen placed the ball in front of a running Elude Fugure who blasted in the second goal to the delight of the spectators and fans.
Wojen’s performance was hailed by Uni Inter coach and former international Wesley Waiwai, who said Wojen has the potential to become an international representative.
“Morobe has good attacking players, we need to stick to our game plan,” Waiwai said.
Morobe team manager Stanley Khana said the win was a relief and gave credit to his boys.
“The criticism last week did not make the team disorganised but it encouraged us in our camp and made the boys stronger to face the challenge even though our six key players who normally make the first 11 fell to injury and illness,” Khana said.
While they may have a bad season the development of the nation’s young soccer talents is bright with commitment and determination still displayed by the Besta PNG U20 players.
Tusbab Secondary School student Vanya Malagian and Good Shepherd student Max Sengu travelled from Madang to help their boys stand up against a more experienced Uni Inter team comprising several PNG representatives.
With their upcoming match against competition leaders Hekari United this weekend U20 coach Mathew Witu said: “I have a very new line up, but I thank the players for their good performance. With a lot of younger players, I need them to concentrate more, especially in the field with their ball control.”
Felix Bondaluk, Gerrad Pombuai, Richard Auram and Richard Matangiau scored a goal each for Uni Inter.
Uni Inter asistant coach Clement Kafu Anison said the team’s victory was crucial following consecutive double defeats.
They will take a bye this weekend and they are looking at fixing up loopholes in their attack and defence before facing off with Hekari.