Gunemba kicks CMSS Tigers to 3-1 victory

CMSS Tigers striker Raymond Gunemba has already scored five goals after two Telikom National Soccer League (NSL) matches to lead the race for the end-of-the-year Telikom’s NSL Golden Boot award.
The Morobean scored a double while Ian Yanum scored another against the visitors Niupetro Fox of Madang last Saturday to put their team in front with six points and closely followed by Hekari United FC.
In the other match, Gigira Laitepo Morobe FC collected their first points when they edged out Gelle Hills 2-1.
Tigers deadly left footer Gunemba opened the score sheet last week with a hattrick of goals against University Inter FC.
And yesterday, Hekari United outshone Eastern Star winning 5-1. Fijian striker striker Tuimasi Manuda scored two goals while David Muta, Joachim Waroi and Kema Jack, all collected a goal each.
In other NSL matches played in Lae, University Lae and newcomer Besta PNG United drew 1-1 while University Inter FC were on bye.
The CMSS Tigers versus Niupetro Fox match was a thriller, especially with supporters coming from all over the country to watch the semi-professional competition bringing out the best from PNG.
Madang and Sepik soccer fanatics turned out in numbers to barrack for their Madang team but it wasn’t their day as the Korean-backed franchise were too good on the day to collect the three points.
Early showers also made the ground heavy for the boys to truly display what was expected of them.
Tigers were the first to score in the 15th minute through Yanum before Gunemba sliced the ball through the Madang defence to put them in front with two goals.
Madang had several opportunities for the goals but striker Terence Bandi and midfielder Robin Malwok failed to find the target.
Coach John Giringo said after the game that his boys did not perform to expectation.
Sensing a Madang fight back, Gunemba scored his second goal to cushion their lead.
However, Madang scored through a penalty after Tigers skipper Nathan Vincent failed to clear the ball from his territory 3-1 before half time.
In the second half, the game could have gone either way. The heavy showers denied both sides any chances of scoring points.
Tigers continued to defend their territory till full time.