WNB teams secure spot in soccer grand finals

HOST West New Britain marched into the 2017 PNG Games men’s and women’s soccer grand finals after beating the Autonomous Region of Bougainville at the Hoskins Soccer Oval yesterday.
In the women’s second semifinal, WNB thrashed Bougainville 8-0 to set date against defending champions Morobe. Morobe booked the first grand final spot after defeating Madang 4-1 on Tuesday afternoon.
Morobe coach Edna Thomas said as defending champions, her team were looking forward to facing the hosts and she was confident there was enough talent and experience in her squad to defend the title.
“We respect West New Britain as a soccer playing province. It won’t be an easy game. We came here to defend the title and we will give it our best shot.
“They have some really good players and will be led by national representative Ramona Padio and, of course, they are playing at home so it will be tough for us,” Thomas said.
Padio has been scoring in every game since the start of the competition and will be the player to watch when they take on Morobe.
In the men’s second semifinal, West New Britain edged Bougainville 3-2 and face East New Britain in the final tomorrow.
WNB team manager John Raka said the feeling in camp was positive and upbeat and given that they were taking on neighbours ENB, the match would be all the more special.
Raka, the former president of Kimbe Soccer Association commended AROB for putting up a good fight in Hoskins.
East New Britain booked by first grand final spot after beating Manus 2-1 in the first semifinal played at San Remo sports precinct in Kimbe.
Madang will play Bougainville in the women’s bronze medal playoff while Bougainville face Manus in the men’s bronze playoff.
All finals will be played at the San Remo sports precinct.