Yamaros hold off Mungkas, into semis

 KAVIENG Hotel Yamaros are through to the semi-finals of the Ox & Palm Women’s National Soccer League after beating Mungkas 4-3 on Saturday at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

The Kevin John-coached Yamaros came from a 2-1 deficit at the break to edged out Mungkas in the nail-biting finish in front of the small faithful women soccer followers.

Mungkas dominated the first half, running rings around the unsettled Yamaros defenders. 

The Bougainvilleans made the Kavieng team struggle to find their right footing.

Mungkas’s Lae import, Sandra Birum, opened the score sheet with a chip kick over Yamaros’ goalkeeper to find the back of the net in the 5th minute, and doubled the lead again in the 18th minute. 

Just  before half time, Yamaros striker Loreata Samson found the net to close the gap 2-1. 

An own goal by Mungkas’ defender Cathy Horris in the 47th minute forced an equaliser and Yamaros were back into the race. Two minutes later, Samson scored her second goal put the Yamaros in front 3-2. 

With Mungkas sensing the game slipping away from them, they regrouped and fought forward putting Yamaros defenders under pressure. 

Birum slotted a spot kick to again e qualise the score 3-3.

With a spectacular comeback Yamaros were not likely to suffer a loss when Madang import, Romona Morris, crossed a well-placed free kick to bring them home. 

Coach Kevin said, “I still believe in my girls even without ample time to train but their determination and hard work on the field has paid off ”.

At the conclusion of the 2013 WNSL Port Moresby leg: Northern Crusaders  6, Yamaros 6, Mungkas 2 while the Lae leg: Panamax Softex Poro 10, Prima PNG Power 3 and Bara 1 point.