Solgen seal penalty-shootout win over defending champs

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA
Solgen FC beat defending champions Maiyela 4-2 in a penalty shootout in the Eastern Papua Carnival women’s final at the Bisini Soccer Ground in Port Moresby yesterday.
Despite working hard to secure a winner, there was very little separating both sides at the end of a scoreless extra time.
However, Solgen held their nerve to claim victory in the shootout.
Solgen coach Percy Mataio said the game was tough, with both sides putting in solid performances.
“We are excited about the victory,” Mataio said.
“It’s the first time for the players to win the cup.
“We finished second in 2017 but this year, we won the cup and I couldn’t ask for more.
“They played very well this morning (yesterday).
“They had to rest and play again in the final and they put all the effort into it to make sure that they came out winners.
“I give credit back to the players.
“They dug deep and proved that they were champions.
“There is no mistake that we have come this far.
“We are a Moresby-based team and we develop most of our players.
“We are looking forward to defend the title next year.
“It will be hard to defend because teams improve every year and they are looking to win all their games.
“We have to be better next year to defend the title.”
The three-week tournament ends this afternoon, with Greenliners One and defending champions Maiyela Two facing off in the men’s final.