Oro bounce back with win over visiting Morobe

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The National, Monday April 28th, 2014

 By HENRY MORABANG

ORO coach Joe Turia achieved his dream to play in the National Soccer League finals after his side scored a 1-0 victory over pre-match favourite, Morobe United in Port Moresby on Saturday.

The win over second-placed Morobe has helped Oro consolidate a top four spot and a semi-final berth at the  Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium next month.

Turia was satisfied with the goal from Theo Sergius in the 57th minute saying that was all they needed for Oro to put one leg into the semi finals.

Gigira coach Paisa Sami lamented on the game stating, it was bad luck for the boys.

“We will have to go back to the drawing board to prepare for the remaining game,” he said. 

Oro’s Sergius, who played for Momase in the local Port Moresby Soccer competition is no classy player but was good enough to find the back of the net.

While all the eyes were on star striker Gary Moka, the silent achiever was in the right spot at the right time to beat the Gigira defence with a slice through of the ball which to hit the post and rolled into the net.

After a scoreless opening half, coach Turia made use of his veteran campaigners to ensure they won the all-important match.

Gigira had to blame themselves for complacency in this match. Despite receiving good balls from their midfielder Eliude Fugre and Jacob Sabua, their striker Alex Kamen could not find the net.

Flanker Hamson Topio put some good balls but could not beat Oro defenders Cambell Misirait, Michael Lohai, Charles Paranda and Ivan Sevese.  In the early match of the day, Besta United ensured its contention with a 2-1 victory over the Huawei-backed Eastern Stars. Ace striker Papalau Awele picked up two while rival midfielder Gerard Makein scored one for the Stars.

Meanwhile in Lae, Hekari United booked their 2015 OFC Champions League ticket after picking up the minor premiership over Lae FC with a 3-1 drubbing.