Nalon penalty sees Angra triumph

By ZACHERY PER
SIMBU Angra forward Nalon Nalon helped his team to defeat Aporo Mai 1-0 in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League Highlands Conference at the National Sports Institute in Goroka on Saturday.
Nalon lined up for the penalty after Simbu Angra’s Jacob Beriga was fouled.
He made no mistake in beating the goalkeeper to give Angra the lead with minutes left on the clock.
Simbu Angra coach David Malongalong said although they won, he was not satisfied with the scoreline.
Malongalong said he wanted his players to do more, as he fielded one of his best sides.
He said they sealed the final game of round one with a win.
The conference heads into a two-week break from this week before resuming round two.
Aporo Mai, with equally capable players, managed to repel a good number of attempts from Simbu Angra.
Even when they did, Aporo Mai goalkeeper Jonathan Pole was always on alert to provide the last line of defence.
Simbu Angra tried their best through Nasson Simon, Robert Sibawk, Paul Malongalong, Ian Risom, Elijah Galilo, Riona Maya, Nalon, Beriga, Brenden Kabaul, Murphy Yoru, McNair Malongalong, Cornelius Aris, Jackson Subo and Josiah Pangari.
Aporo Mai had Exie Kola, Wayo Kes, Masu Keru, Jes Moses, Kapang, Clement Mita, Harry Gulf, Tom Steven and Kapi Losae carrying their side forward.
In the other Highlands Conference games, Mt Hagen Central FC defeated Enga Laima 3-0 and Kagua Erave outclassed the Mt Hagen Blue Kumuls FC 2-0 in the main game.
Kagua Erave sponsor and Sports Vice-Minister Wesley Raminai was present to witness his team defeat the Blue Kumuls.
The teams will head into a two -week break before they resume round two for the final two to be decided to play against the winners of the other three regional conferences.