Posei inspires Maclaren to Super League final

 By HENRY MORABANG

DIVINE Word University freshman Samson Poesi inspired Maclaren to a 2-0 victory over Yamaros in the major semi-final of the Port Moresby Men’s Super League soccer challenge at Bisini Ground on Sunday. 

The victory propels Maclaren into the grand final next week where they will meet Momase. 

The semi-final was played in muddy conditions following heavy rain earlier in the day but the former Port Moresby School of Excellence product, played like a veteran as he took control of the game for Maclaren.

He provided solid support to his senior Basil Jofari as they linked up with Toru Simoi and Mathew Ogai and striker Paschal Wojem to launch assaults on the opposition.

Maclaren lost some of its key players but still fielded enough talent to swing the match their way.

Striker Chuckstan Aopi had to watch the game from the sideline, while skipper Augustine Karava retired prematurely from a niggling ankle injury. 

Both teams had opportunities to score but poor finishing let them down. In the second half, Maclaren and Yamaros came out strongly searching for the game breaker. 

Yamaros stand-in skipper Gerard Makein, Bu­sup Taiko and George Yaleba tried their best but could not find the net. 

After a tongue-lashing from coach Lua Vagi, Maclaren lifted their tempo and started to attack from all sides of the field.

Poesi, backed by brother Parkot, Cyril Muta, Rodney Talau until replaced and Charles Paranda from the backline were the men responsible for the Maclaren resurgence.

The game see-sawed for a while until Maclaren was awarded a corner kick. Poesi curved the ball from corner post, which to the delight of their loyal supporters, went straight into the net for the opener.

Several minutes later, the hardworking flanker Mathew Ogai got one to his name to see their team into next week’s grand final.

Vagi said it was a tough match but he was happy with the result. 

In the premier division grand final, the Trophy Haus-sponsored Golo held on to the one-goal lead to win the match 3-2 against Global Sea Eagles.