PORT MORESBY – Defending PNGFA National Soccer League (NSL) Telikom Cup champions Hekari Souths United washed away memories of last week’s 2009 O-League defeat against Fiji’s Ba with a 6-2 thrashing of MACL Nabasa United.
Nabasa shocked Hekari Souths with two quick goals in the opening minutes of the match. It was a precious lead for the team from Madang Province. Nabasa held that 2-0 lead at halftime with Hekari Souths no doubt stunned by the prospect of what seemed an unlikely scenario before kick-off.
They needn’t have been too concerned. The reigning NSL Telikom Cup champions proved too strong and experienced for a Nabasa outfit that relied heavily on team spirit and enthusiasm.
Hekari Souths scored six second-half goals to silence any Nabasa resistance and claim a morale-boosting win that keeps the champions in the hunt for the title.
In the Lae derby, University FC defeated Morobe 1-0 thanks to a Neil Hans pile driver. Hans’s winner was candidate for NSL Telikom Cup goal of the round after the nuggety attacker broke down Morobe’s left before launching a deceptive right foot drive past the goalkeeper from wide on the touchline.
The curved and dipped into the top left hand corner to spark scenes of celebration among University FC supporters.
Highlanders defeated Sepik 2-1 in a match where all the goals came in the final minutes. Sepik looked to have grabbed all the points with a late goal but Highlanders struck twice in injury time to snatch victory.
Eastern Stars and Rapatona played out a drab 0-0 draw with both clubs remaining in mid-table.
PNGFA NSL Telikom Cup
Standings – 20.12.2008
Hekari Souths United 15 points
University FC 14 points
Highlanders 11 points
Rapatona 7 points
Sepik 6 points
Nabasa 1 point