PSSA win Southern leg

By HENRY MORABANG
NCD Public Servants Soccer Association (NCDPSSA) earned a semi-final spot in the Southern region Besta FA Cup winning the qualifying tournament at PNGIPA Oval in Port Moresby on Saturday.
PSSA won two games, edging  Hekari 2-0 on Friday and upsetting Koupa 2-1 to advance to the next leg of the tournament in September in Lae.
The pre-tournament favourite, Koupa lost to PSSA after a 10-1 thrashing of Kutubu’s Hekari.
PSSA fielding several national and NSL talent led by Eric Komeng and Bruce Kusunan struggled in the opening match against Hekari before scoring two goals.
Despite going down to PSSA and Koupa, Petro Mendi Souths’ James Kawari, Warron Sakaria, goalkeeper William Kapi Natto, Waiyo Henson and Yatu Simon stood out.
In the second match, Koupa capitalised on Hekari’s fatigue to romp away with10 goals.
Koupa striker Naime Kepi scored five goals and won the golden boot award.
Fellow striker Kema Jack scored three goals with Jay Kepi and David Kila scoring one a piece.
On Saturday Koupa only needed a draw to get to the next stage of the Besta Cup because of goal difference.
PSSA proved strong with an air tight defensive display.
Koupa had several opportunities but were thwarted by goalkeeping Leslie Kalai.
In the second half, PSSA  injected Kenainao Eleajer.
A Joe Daniel cross found Eleajer who tapped past Boga Noel for the opening goal.
Koupa regrouped with captain  Jack and Naime Kepi working overtime probing for an opening while midfielder David Kila playing the link role and brothers Tau and Kalai Nius and Moses Lawrence holding the back.
Jack did not disappoint  his throng of fans hitting home a goal in the 80th minute to level the score.
PSSA’s never-say-die attitude came to the fore with Komeng, Eleajer and towering fullback Emmanuel Popoitai and Trevor Ire giving Koupa no opportunities.
PSSA’s Wira Wama scored in the 94th minute (injury time) to seal the match 2-1. 
Jack said his players gave their best but rued several scoring opportunities which wenting begging.
PSSA moves into the second phase of the challenge joining Momase winners Lae Football Association, Mt Hagen (men) and Wabag (women) from the Highlands region while Bougainville (men) and Kimbe (women) will represent New Guinea Island region.