University hold favourites Mungkas FC to draw

By ISAAC LIRI
MUNGKAS FC were held to a 0-0 draw with University Inter FC in a replay of last year’s grand final at the Bisini Soccer Grounds in the Port Moresby Soccer Association’s Premier League yesterday.
Going into the clash as favourites, the David Passam-coached side threw everything but were kept at bay by the University defence led by PNG representative Philip Steven.
University had their chances to find the net, but Mungkas’ defence — led by PNG representative Abel Redenut — was solid.
Despite the draw, Mungkas remain the competition leaders and are undefeated.
University coach Richard Sios praised his players for holding Mungkas to a draw despite the opportunities that could have seen them come away with the win.
“I think we were disciplined going into this game against a great Mungkas outfit and to finish off with a draw is a big boost for us,” Sios said.
“After this, we will look at where we went wrong, I know we could have won this game.
“But overall, we stuck to our game plan and we did very well in holding them to a draw.
“I think our defence did well.
‘We tried as much as possible to keep them away from having a lot of space up front and that resulted in them not scoring any goals, so thumbs up to our boys.
Sios said with round two now in progress, they were looking to win all their remaining eight games to and finish on a high note.
In the other Premier League fixture yesterday, Keleiruna trashed PS Ruts 5-0 to maintain their form.
This year’s Premier League will hold finals.
The team that finishes on the top of the table will be crowned champions.
Meanwhile, Premier League organisers have shown concern about the competition being affected by the hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting.
Sporting venues such as the Bisini Soccer Grounds will be closed starting next month which will affect the games.