Morobe, Besta face off

By LARRY ANDREW
LAE’s Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium will play host to the clash between Morobe United and Besta PNG United FC in round four of the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League Northern Conference tomorrow.
Both teams each have two wins and a loss, with Morobe having a better points differential.
The Daino Semi-coached Morobe are looking forward to their third win of the season but it will not be easy against an equally determined Besta outfit.
Captain Jeremy Yasasa has been defending superbly for Morobe since the start of the season.
He is supported by Kepas Kamen, Darius Edwin and Richie Biaro, with Daniel Tobem and Eliude Fugre controlling the midfield.
On the left and right flanks, Alex Kamen and Hendry Ronny have being tremendous in supporting strikers Joshua Oscar and Russel Nirik.
For Besta, the Papua New Guinea Football Association Academy side need to come out strong in the first half if they are to put Morobe off their game.
Oberth Simon and Yagi Yasasa have formed a lethal combination for the academy side.
They will be supported by Jonathan and Abraham Allen, Aben Pukue, Sylvester Wafihunia, Awan Pominis and Dnniget Luaine.
In Madang, the Tusbab Stallions and Laiwaden will host Snax Lahi United and Markham respectively.
Markham, who suffered a midfield breakdown in their game against Morobe last time out, need to maintain their structure and control the middle.
Markham had many attempts to score goals but lacked accuracy up front.
This time, they will need to be much sharper against Laiwaden.
For Laiwaden, under the guidance of former national coach Bob Morris, this game is vital and a win will boost the confidence of the players in looking forward to their remaining games.
Lahi United — with one draw and a win — will take on the Rachel Wadunah-coached Stallions, who are expected to put in a strong performance in front of their home fans.
The Stallions, with captain Max Sengum leading the young charges, should step up if they are to be serious contenders in the semi-professional competition.
Wadunah said the club had been working on their finishes — an area that let the team down last week against Besta United.
She said her players were confident about facing Lahi.
“I haven’t seen Lahi play,” Wadunah said.
“But I am positive the boys will give the visitors a good game.
“We will not underestimate them.”
Northern Conference fixtures: Sat, Feb 16 – Morobe United v Besta PNG United, Tusbab Stallions v Lahi.