Maiyela shut out Greenliners

Maiyela FC beat Greenliners One 2-0 at the Bisini Soccer Ground on Monday, retaining the Eastern Papua Carnival men’s title and walking away with K10,000 for their efforts.
Milne Bay-based Greenliners One could not find a way through the Maiyela defence, as the Port Moresby outfit cruised to their fourth title.
The match was initially played on Sunday games but insufficient lighting had forced organisers to call it off.
Consequently, the organisers deferred the final to Monday afternoon after both teams played out a scoreless match.
A total of 15 minutes were allocated for each half, allowing both sides enough time to battle it out for the title.
But its was Maiyela who struck twice through Pettyshen Elizah before the break.
The next fifteen minutes saw both sides picking up the intensity, but Maiyela stood their ground to walk away with the title.
Maiyela coach Douglas Ririan said he was happy with his team for putting on a strong performance to retain the title.
“It was a tiring game yesterday (Sunday),” he said.
“But we held them out today and we’re happy with the result.
“We promised each other to stick together and play to defend the cup and we did it.
“We encouraged the players to attack more and defend well.
“My backline was very strong and my goalkeeper was alert.
“We had a good game today, despite a few of injuries.
“We played our hearts out and got the win.
“I told the players that the visiting team were tough and we had some trouble dealing with them, but my players stood their ground.”
Greenliners One were presented the runners-up trophy and K5500.
In the women’s final, Solgen FC beat Maiyela 4-2 in a penalty shootout to claim their maiden title.
Solgen FC bagged the cup and K6000 for their efforts.
Runners-up Maiyela , last year’s defending champions, were handed K3500 and a trophy for their efforts.