Papua New Guinea: semifinalists confirmed in National Soccer League

The National Soccer League 2022 edition in Papua New Guinea is at its decision time: last weekend eight teams took the pitch in Lae, Goroka and in the capital city Port Moresby. The quarterfinals stage were twice postponed and the completion of the 2022 is going to take place at the starting of 2023.

In Port Moresby the national powerhouse Hekari United did not have any trouble to surpasses the Islands’ Conference representatives Panguna Metals FC, from Bougainville. The team coached by former national team captain David Muta put six past Metals to confirm their favouritism and clinch a 6-0 win to confirm a spot in the semifinals.

The second match in the capital city, Gulf Komara had the favouritism against Kimbe Eagles – and they proved it: Michael Foster, Nigel Dabinyaba and Jordan Kaven scored the three goals of the 3-0 against the Eagles to confirm their spot in the semifinals.

In Lae another important team in the national scenario of Papua New Guinea took the field of play: Lae City had to overcome Kuri FC – and it was a very entertaining match. The challengers scored twice in the first half and the team coached by Bob Morris knew they needed to improve a lot to prevent an unexpected loss. Still in the first half Bruce Tiampo reduced the margin as the first half finished with still Kuri ahead.

But in the second half, Eliud Fugre, Jonathan Allen and Emmanuel Simon from the penalty spot scored for Lae City. Thus, confirming a 4-2 win and securing a spot in the semifinals.

In the Highlands, Ape Aporo hosted Lae Natives in the final match of the quarterfinals. The Lae Natives had to fight, but they confirmed their spot by winning Ape Aporo by 3-1.

As the draw held by PNGFA this Monday (16th Jan) decided the semifinals’ opponents: Gulf Komara will play Hekari United at 12pm and Lae City will play Lae Natives at 3pm – both matches will be played this Wednesday (18th Jan) in the same venue: PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.