Net defence vital for Uni, Cosmos

By HENRY MORABANG
GOALKEEPING will determine the outcome of the game between fourth-placed University and fifth-placed Cosmos in the Port Moresby Super League men’s football competition this weekend.
University’s Joey Kala and Cosmos Richard Lapan will be tested by strikers Gari Moka (Cosmos) and Felix Bondaluk (University).
The David Passam-coached University may have the upper hand with a better combination between Arneil Passam and Reginald Davani and evergreen veteran Steven Mali coming off the bench.
With the inclusion of PNG Under-23 captain Roland Bala in the inside, University will be stronger this weekend.
But they have to contain Cosmos midfielder Fabian Bagi as he can spring surprises for opponents.
Second-placed POMSOE will again face a stiff challenge on Sunday when they take on the inconsistent Mungkas.
Mungkas will be on fire after beating Yamaros 2-1 last week.
POMSOE will need to contain lanky fullback Shane Sindra, Lam Vincent, Ben Max and midfielder Adrian Komu.
The return of young Billy Ame as goalkeeper for POMSOE will certainly push Charlie Lepani to the bench but coaching staff could opt to use them for a half each.
In the midfield, POMSOE will have Daniel Taylour and Gwama Taukuro, who should provide good ball to strikers Rodney Mobiha and Lap Embel.
At this stage Embel is a 50/50 chance start as he is scheduled to fly to Australia for a week on game day.
Yamaros will be looking for their first win in four games when they take on last-placed YMC.
YMC cannot be taken lightly despite losing their last nine games but the Gerehu boys should be favoured to win and ex-Mungkas and nomadic player Pascal Wagen could be a surprise starter to partner Chuckstan Aopi up front.
Competition leader PS Rutz should beat Mamose, which has been competitive of late, while Spartans, with Michael Foster, Pwakot Poesi, Charles Parana and striker Ravu Habuka, should get over the line against Defence.
YMC and Mamose will play their postponed game on Monday, with the loser in danger of securing the wooden spoon.