POM women rule

Normal, Sports
Source:

The National, Tuesday October 29th, 2013

 A GOAL by plucky Papua New Guinea international Sandra Birum in extra-time gave Port Moresby Soccer Association (PMSA) a 1-0 win over a spirited Tabubil outfit in the Besta southern region women’s soccer final at the Alice Wedega Park in Alotau yesterday.

Birum was in a class of own over the four-day tournament and despite the heavy conditions and Tabubil fighting to the last whistle, she was able to loft the winner from a direct free-kick outside the 18-yard box in the second five minutes of extra time.

The wet conditions favoured the rural team from the Star mountains who foiled tournament top goal-scorer Fatima Rama.

Rama who had 10 goals coming into the final was marked out of the match by determined Tabubil players.

Her frustration led to several cautions by referee Albert Maru and then eventually the Baimuru striker was red-carded for an intentional foul on Tabubil’s Rachael Mike, who had to leave the field.

This served to ignite Birum and fellow international Dorcas Sesevo to take charge of the situation, but still found no opening with Tabubil standing firm to defend their goal.

With Tabubil’s key sweeper out it forced Franklyn Devesa get more involved along with Madon Bethany in the middle, while Josephine Joe tried to score from virtually anywhere in the PMSA half.

With time ticking away playing over four days started to take its toll on both teams. 

The goal in extra time was more of a life saver for both teams.

PMSA will now represent the southern region at the Besta finals in Lae next month.