The Southern Leg of the Besta FA Cup kicked off in Popondetta on Friday, 30 June with Higaturu Soccer Association hosting the tournament at the Siroga Sports Grounds.
Four associations stepped up to compete, defending champions Port Moresby Soccer Association (PMSA), Tabubil Soccer Association, Nawone Soccer Association and host Higaturu (HOPSA).
The PMSA women got off to a flying start on Friday with a 1-0 victory over their hosts, while the men could manage just a 1-1 draw.
The matches continued from Friday through to Sunday with the top four teams finding their way into the semi-finals.
The men’s round saw a major upset when fourth placed HOPSA 2 sent down the leaders Tabubil defeating them 7-5 in a penalty shootout. PMSA moved up the table after proving too strong for second placed HOPSA 1, burying them 2-0.
PMSA women drew on their experience to put five goals past HOPSA 2 to earn their spot in the final where they will be joined by HOPSA 1 after they played out a thrilling 1-0 victory over Tabubil.
The finals were played on Monday with the women kicking off proceedings. From the kick-off PMSA were dominant knocking six goals past their opponents and leaving no room for HOPSA 1 to assert themselves on the game.
The men’s final followed straight after and while both PMSA and HOPSA 2 started strong, the capital boys didn’t want to be upstaged by their female counterparts.
After 20 minutes of fairly even and competitive play, PMSA started to dominate possession and managed to get into their opponents half to score two quick goals. However their focus on attack left their defence exposed and the host side capitalised, equalising before the break.
Neither side wanted to give anything away in the second half but finally the cards fell in favour of the visitors as they pushed one past the goalkeeper to retain their clasp on the cup.
Port Moresby Soccer Association’s men’s and women’s sides both qualify to represent the Southern Region for the second consecutive time, and will be joined in Law for the Besta FA Cup final by men’s runners up HOPSA 2. They will compete against the winners from Momase, Highlands and Islands regions.
Tournament director Simon Koime congratulated the winners, and all of the competing teams on the fantastic displays of football on show for fans.
“I would also like to thank the crowd for their behaviour throughout the tournament, as well as ackowledge the host president Mato Nasingom, the LOC and Governor Gary Juffa.”
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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