United seal LFA crown

CITY United won their third title with a 2-0 win over Bugandi Secondary School in the Lae Football Association (LFA) men’s A League grand final on Sunday.
In the other division grand finals, Guria defeated 3-Mile United 2-1 (Under-17), Zilu West edged Murat 2-1 (U20), Bara defeated Murat 3-1 (women) and Cassowary United overcame Medics 3-1 (men’s B-League).
City made their way into the grand final after unsettling Panamex 2-1 on Friday.
Both teams, featuring a number of National Soccer League (NSL) players, were up in each others faces but United scored first through Alex Kamen in the 16th minute.
Seven minutes later, Joshua Oscar added United’s second goal to surge ahead 2-0.
The match seesawed with both side’s probing for scoring opportunities but to no avail, with the slippery affecting play.
United defended their lead heading into the break and came back strong in the second half, with a revitalised Bugandi outfit dominating possession.
Bugandi’s Oberth Simon, Bruce Tiampo, Cornelius Aris and Emmanuel Simongi tried their best to penetrate through City’s defence but the defending champions — led by captain Lui Kataka with Philip Steven, Dinnie Luaine, Gabby Yanum and John Kitchani — managed to keep the opposition at bay until fulltime.
LFA president Roy Kamen told The National after the final that the season ran smoothly with the completion of the finals on Sunday.
“This season, we did not secure a sponsor like last year where Lae MP John Rosso and Welgris Fuel Distribution sponsored the association,” he said.
“But we manage to complete the season with the presentation of trophies which were bought using the association’s funds.
“We finished on a positive note with all teams happy and are looking forward to next year.
“We hope next year wills be a better season.
“The match officials have done really well. They have stuck with us to get through to the final and we believe it will be bigger and better next year.”