Papua New Guinea: Lae City FC score two late goals to draw against Gulf Komara on its national league debut

Lae City FC,made their long-awaited debut in the PNG Premier Soccer League on Monday, 3rd July, against Gulf Komara in Port Moresby. The team’s participation in the league had been uncertain due to a tumultuous period caused by a late withdrawal of their long-term sponsorship. However, at the eleventh hour, Lae City FC managed to secure another sponsorship, allowing them to continue their journey in the competition.

With newfound stability, Lae City entered the match against Gulf Komara with determination and a point to prove. The hosts started strongly, quickly taking a two-goal lead thanks to the impressive performance of their 20-year-old striker, Santo Manu. Manu’s goals showcased his talent and hinted at a promising future for the young player.

However, the current national champions led by the experienced coach Bob Morris, were not ready to concede defeat. They rallied their forces and launched a spirited comeback in the latter stages of the match. The team’s resilience paid off as they managed to find the back of the net twice, equalising the scoreline.

The first goal for Lae City came courtesy of the young prodigy Bruce Tiampo. Tiampo’s contribution demonstrated the potential of the club’s youth development system and the faith placed in emerging talents. With the match now evenly poised, the experienced midfielder Obert Bika stepped up and delivered a crucial goal for Lae City. Bika’s experience and composure under pressure proved to be instrumental in securing the equalizer for his team.

The match ended with a 2-2 draw, a result that reflected the fighting spirit of both Lae City FC and Gulf Komara. For Lae City, it was a testament to their resilience to overcome the obstacles they faced in the lead-up to the competition. Despite the turmoil that threatened their participation, they showed that they were capable of competing at the highest level.

As the PNG Premier Soccer League progresses, Lae City will aim to build on their debut performance and establish themselves as strong contenders. Under the guidance of coach Bob Morris and with a talented squad, they have the potential to make a significant impact in the league.