Stars edge Tukoko Uni 1-0 in NSL

By GABRIEL LAHOC
CITY Pharmacy Ltd Eastern Stars registered their second victory in a space of three days after beating NBS Tukoko Uni Lae 1-0 in Telikom National Soccer League’s wash-out match yesterday at the Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium in Lae.
Uni Lae also headed into yesterday’s clash on top of a victory over the competition leaders Gigira Laitepo Central Coast. But slight changes to their line-up following injury concerns to some players saw them losing the fire power up front.
Stars’ substitute Fabian Bagi, who went into the field with 10 minutes left in the match, was served a nice pass from Eliude Fugure to place the ball to the left of Tukoko goal keeper Danny Kali for the match winner.
Following the goal, Stars went into defensive mode and managed to hold off their opponents until the full-time whistle.
The tempo was lifted early in the match when Stars’ Michael Foster and Uni’s defender Francis Tukem were both shown yellow cards after their tussle for the ball almost turned physical.
Stars upped their drives into Tukoko University’s territory and dominated the opening half but both teams failed to make use of their chances.
In the second half, the hosts raised their attack with Armstrong Peka, Sowera Guti and Bais Manges featuring for them but their attempts were futile.
Peka and Manges were inspirational, playing into the last quarter despite their injuries.
Stars’ coach Eddy Omokirio said it was a huge challenge with little time to prepare and playing two matches in the space of three days.
“The boys were disciplined in the last three days in Lae and we are all satisfied with the win,” he said

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