United pip Wawens to book first NSL final

By LARRY ANDREW
BESTA PNG United face defending champions Toti City FC in the 2018 National Soccer League grand final after the Under-23 PNG Academy side beat the Morobe Wawens 1-0 in their semifinal yesterday.
City had to come through a shootout in their semi against Madang, eventually winning 5-4 in the double-header at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae.
The United-Wawens game was a scoreless affair for most of its 90 minuites with a defensive lapse in the 71st minute by Wawens giving United’s Ernest Gwaitep a clear shot at goal which he did not waste.
United then played out the semifinal nullifying Wawens’ desperate raids.
United coach Harrison Kamake was happy with his side’s performance.
“We came with a plan and carried out that plan.
“I’m very happy with the performance; it’s a good feeling to make the final and it’s a new thing and a big challenge for us,” Kamake said of his side’s effort.
“We really came to play and started of the week doing something we never did before in our games during the normal competition rounds and it paid off with the boys’ discipline and patience.
“Every game was tough so we’ll go with what we normally go with, that is to keep working and working hard,” Kamake said.
In the main game between City and Madang saw the visitors taking a 1-0 to the halftime break.
City goalkeeper Ronald Warisan was lured out of the box for Madang striker Emmanuel Ariem to find the back of the net.
City captain Raymond Gunemba produced a clutch play moment setting up teammate Jacob Sabua to equalise only minutes before the end of regulation time.
In extra time, Madang scored through veteran Samuel Kini for a 2-1 lead but they conceded a penalty and Gunemba stepped up and leveled the scores at 2-2.
The penalty shootout was decided when Madang’s Leehan Manase sliced his attempt and Warisan then took centre stage to earn his side a 5-4 win.
City will look to win their third NSL title when they face PNG United this Saturday.