Morobe let victory slip through fingers, Oro win

 By HENRY MORABANG

MOROBE United players have to change their attitude and approach in the remaining games if they want to be considered serious contenders for the National Soccer League title.

After their second successive 2-2 draw against the Eastern Stars in Port Moresby at the weekend, many soccer pundits have branded them pretenders for the title. 

Saturday’s performance against the Stars was unconvincing. 

The Gigira Laitepo-sponsored side were in front 2-0 at halftime, and should have played to preserve that lead but chose to attack and that risky strategy allowed the Huawei-sponsored-Milne Bay franchise the chance to score goals.

Midfielder Jacob Sabua scored the first goal in the 17th minute to put the Morobe in front 1-0.

In the 33rd minute, flanker Alex Kamen extended the lead to 2-0 despite a good challenge from Stars goalkeeper Felix Benson. 

At the resumption of second half, both teams got back firing from all cylinders.

Stars coach Trevor Ire brought in Junior Sato, who made a difference in the midfield complementing Basil Jofari. 

Striker Patrick Aisa narrowed the scored to 2-1 before the underrated Brett Seriba scored the equaliser 2-2.

With four matches left in the regular season, Morobe, who are second on the ladder with 14 points are expected to make the semi-finals, however if their erratic form continues they could end up tumbling out of the top four. 

The franchise’s shaky form will not be taken well by Gigira Laitepo boss Libe Parindali, who only last week took the NSL to task over the high running cost for teams.

The Stars on the other hand maybe headed for the wooden spoon even a month from the end of the season but they have showed that they will be competitive against most of the teams in the NSL.

In the earlier game at the Bisini soccer grounds, the experienced Oro campaigners coralled and tamed Besta United 3-1.

A goal from mid-fielder Leana Geno was good enough to set the foundation for Oro  in the first half.

In the second half, the Babaka man extended the score 2-0 before captain Gary Moka sealed what their best victory so far this season.

Besta’s Papalau Awele pulled one back at the close of the game for a 3-1 score line.

Stars coach Joe Turia praised Geno, Nathan Vincent, Max Mende, Gari Moka and Michael Lohai for standing up when they were needed most.

Results: Lae – Lae 3 Admiralty 2; Port Moresby – Oro 3 Besta United 1, Eastern Stars 2 Morobe United 2.

Ladder: Hekari 18, Morobe 14, Oro 14, Lae 13, Besta 7, Admiralty 6, Stars 6.