Kagua Erave put six past Apporo Mai in trial

National Soccer League (NSL) rookies Apporo Mai, from Kutubu, went down 6-0 to fellow Southern Highlands club Kagua Erave in a trial match at the National Sport Institute in Goroka on Tuesday.
This comes after their draw (3-3) with the Blue Kumuls earlier this week, ahead of the opening matches for the Highlands Conference on Sunday.
Kagua Erave dominated possession for most of the match.
The first 20 minutes were tough, with Apporo Mai denying Kagua Erave on several occasions.
After settling play, Kagua Erave striker Papalau Awele scored in the 25th minute — thanks to brilliant lead-up play by skipper Neil Hans.
This was followed by another goal through Aloysius Sapau.
Kagua Erave went into the break leading 2-0.
In the second half, Hanson Topio led in the middle of the field to run riot against Apporo Mai.
Kagua Erave’s Jordan Kaka Kaven found the net 10 minutes into the second half.
Hans got in on the act, with a goal of his own from the left flank.
This effectively dashed any hopes of a comeback.
Kagua Erave were not done yet, as Kaka scored two more goals before the final whistle.
Coach Steven Mune and assistant coach Amos Romo said the outcome was largely the result of ball possession, and coordination in attack and defence.
The backs combination of Albert Aldo and Jimmy Amos supported by Quinten Sinamera and Sawia Tungi helped thwart every attempt by Apporo Mai.
“Had our strikers been more accurate early on in the match, we would have won by about 13 goals,” Mune said.
“I guess we are just getting the feel of NSL.”
The Highlands Conference starts with a triple header at NSI on Sunday.