Gigira Laitepo Morobe FC had to work hard against a fired up Besta United but eventually battled to a 3-0 victory in front of a capacity crowd at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.
The PNGFA sponsored Besta looked to hold the much experienced Morobe side for as long as possible but Goroba Tawa found the breakthrough just before the break to give his side the lead.
In the second half, Morobe picked up the pace as the sun set over the Labu ranges.
Striker Pascal Wojen, flanker Armstrong ‘ambo’ Peka and Wau recruit Moses Sine took control on attack while man of the match Hardy Manase was a rock on defence .
Replacement midfielder Sine doubled Morobe’s lead from a rebound before Wojen snatched the final goal to call it a day.
Despite the loss, Besta played with confidence and were led well by captain Ronald Ball in the middle of the park.
Striker Max Segum tested Morobe’s goalkeeper but unfortunately for his side couldn’t find the back of the net.
Speaking after the match, Morobe manager Stanley Khanna praised the youthful Besta side.
“They played the best football today. They were very fast and elusive with their footwork. They managed to hold off my boys in most parts of the first half.
“If they stick together as a team then they are a team to watch,” said Khanna.
In other matches on Saturday, CMSS Tigers celebrated a come-from behind 2-1 victory over Gelle Hills, while Esi Loan Uni Inter beat Niu Petro Madang Fox 2-0.
Story and photo courtesy PNGFA media.
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