The Zilu Scientific Panamex sponsored franchise overcame a strong challenge from Oro to win 3-2 in a hotly contested semifinal played at Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium on Saturday.
Both teams drew 2-2 at the end of regular time and went into 10 minutes each way of extra time. Lae took their chance to snatch the win from Oro in the extra time. Lae takes on Hekari in the grand final.
Lae’s victory was not given on a golden platter as they had to with-stand a strong challenge from Oro in a game which was played on a wet surface.
The Port Moresby based Oro franchise with captain Gary Moka, Allen Kororo and David Hauka laying the foundation in the front to found a hole in Lae’s defence for Leana Geno to score for a 1-0 lead in which they hang on to the half time break.
Oro continued to apply pressure in the second half but Lae midfielder Kohu Liem combined with team mate Emmanuel Simon to wrest some momentum back.
Their efforts was paid off when Goroba Tawa took a penalty for the equaliser. With the clock ticking down Lae’s Jacob Max extend the lead to 2-1 but Oro hit back quickly through Moka to send the game into extra time.
Max scored the match winner for a 3-2 advantage to steal the match from the Oro franchise.