Maneo shines as Hekari sink NCD

A CALISTA Maneo double saw Hekari United take the Southern Conference pole spot after they beat National Capital District (NCD) 4-1 in the Women’s National Soccer League in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Without Marie Kaipu, Sonia Embahe and Rumona Morris, the Erickson Komeng-coached side struggled for goals in the first half.
But three minutes into the second half, Maneo netted Hekari’s first goal followed by a goal each from Olive Pinoko and Mavis Singara.
Maneo sealed the win with her second goal.
“We came into the game knowing NCD would make us work hard for the win,” Komeng told The National.
“They did that until the 48th minute when we scored our first goal.
“We played simple football and stuck to the basics.
“But we still have a lot of areas to work on.
“We will go back to training on Monday (today), build on our win and get ready for our next game.”
NCD head coach Wira Wama said he was proud of his team despite the loss.
Meanwhile, the New Guinea Islands Conference kicked off round one at the Hutjena Sports Oval in Bougainville on Saturday.
Results: Sat, April 9 – Amoana 2 Souths Hinamo 0, Port Moresby Strikers 4 Bernice 1, Hekari United 4 National Capital District 1 (Southern), Lahi Power 7 Rainy Lae 1, LFA Originals 0 Tusbab Laidamon 3, Bara 7 Poro 1 (Northern) Central Bougainville 3 North Bougainville 0, Hamatana 11 South Bougainville 0, Kiara 6 Buka Atolls 0 (New Guinea Islands).