Gunemba bags three to help Hekari finish second

RAYMOND Gunemba netted a hat-trick to help Hekari United finish second with a 3-0 Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League (NSL) win over the Tusbab Stallions in Lae on Saturday.
In the main game of the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium double-header, Morobe United captain Jeremy Yasasa set up Dominic Onea to score the winner in their 3-2 victory against visitors Kutubu. The first game was an even contest until Gunemba found the net to put Hekari in front 1-0 and then he added another goal to extend the visitors’ lead in the final round of the regular season.
After the break, Hekari were kept at bay as Tusbab began to dominate possession but the Stallions failed to convert their scoring opportunities into points.
Occupying the last finals spot heading into the match, the Stallions’ title hopes were dashed when former Lae City skipper Gunemba completed his hat-trick to see Tusbab drop to sixth.
Hekari manager Vonnie Kapi Natto commended her charges for keeping a clean sheet.
“This is what we’ve been fighting for,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to the semifinals. Hopefully, we win our match to advance to the grand final.”