Sobou FC secured their fifth consecutive national club title in Madang, Papua New Guinea with a 4-2 victory over Cosmos in the final of the tournament.
Early goals to Solomon Islander Clifford Wate and Sovera Guti gave Sobou an early 2-0 lead before Andrew Lepani converted a penalty cutting the margin in half. Wate added to his tally after the break and Andrew Kasam netted a fourth to put the result beyond doubt, despite a consolation goal from Lepani.
With the win Sobou FC earn the right to compete in the 2006 OFC Club Championships in New Zealand in May next year, where they have been drawn in a pool featuring the club champions of New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and Tahiti. Sobou FC attended the 2005 OFC Club Championships in Tahiti earlier this year.
In the playoff for 3rd/4th Momads defeated rivals Blue Kumuls 3-0 in an all-Highlands affair.
Elsewhere, in the women’s final little-known Lekii United from Kimbe surprised many in defeating Port Moresby’s University 2-0. While PNG Power accounted for defending champions Telikom 3-2 to take third spot.
The Fairplay Awards were claimed by Momads (men’s) and PNG Power (women’s), with Michael Lohai (Cosmos) and Esther Muta (Lekii) were named player of the tournament in the men’s and women’s competitions.
Results:
Papua New Guinea Football Association National Club Finals (Men)
Final
Sobou FC 4-2 Cosmos
3rd/4th Playoff
Momads 3-0 Blue Kumuls
Papua New Guinea Football Association National Club Finals (Men)
Final
Lekii United 2-0 ANZ University
3rd/4th Playoff
PNG Power 3-2 Telikom