Hekari, Lae City run riot

By ROBINSON LEKA
ATI Kepo scored a hat-trick and fellow forward Raymond Gunemba netted a double as Hekari United beat Kutubu 7-0 at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.
A strong start by Kutubu saw them hold out Hekari for the first quarter of the round-13 Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League clash
But the hosts opened the scoring 30 minutes in through former Lae City forward and Papua New Guinea international Nigel Dabinyaba.
The return of Wira Wama alongside skipper David Muta at midfield enabled Hekari to dictate play and score two quick goals through Gunemba for a 3-0 lead at halftime.
Kepo opened the second-half scoring off a great build-up by Wama before their teammate Langarap Samol headed home another goal from a Muta corner kick.
Substitute Gregory Togubai then split the Kutubu defence to set up Kepo for his second goal before the Central forward netted another to complete his hat-trick.
Club manager Vonnie Natto said Hekari were more composed compared with the side’s performance in their 0-1 loss to defending champions City in round 12.
“I’m proud of my team,” she said.
“I’m satisfied with the win.
“We’ve been through a lot over the past month.
“My players have now settled and are looking forward to the remainder of the season.”
Meanwhile, Ilagi Geno scored a second-half double to help Gulf Komara beat visitors Morobe United 2-1 in the opening match of Port Moresby’s triple-header.
Morobe’s Valentine Nelson scored via a free kick in the dying minutes of the match.
In Lae, City beat Bougainville 9-2, thanks to goals by Ernerst Gwaitep, Emmanuel Simon, Stahl Gubag, Alwin Komolong, Gustine Icaza, Emmanuel Airem, Phillip Steven, Jacob Sabua and Abdias Aguirre.
The other match of Lae’s double-header saw hosts Morobe Wawens edge Star Mountain 2-1.
Results: Sat, Aug 22 — Morobe Wawens 2 Star Mountain 1, Lae City 9 Bougainville 2, Gulf Komara 2 Morobe United 1, Hekari United 7 Kutubu 0, Vitiaz United 6 Tusbab Stallions 3.