Birum was in a class of own over the four day tournament and despite the heavy conditions of rain fighting with Tabubil to the last whistle, she was able to loft the winner from a direct free-kick outside the 18 yard box in the 6th minute of extra time.
The wet condition favoured the rural team from the Star Mountains who foiled tournament top goal-scorer Fatima Rama.
Rama who had 10 goals coming into the final was marked out of the match by determined Tabubil players. Her frustration led to several cautions by referee Albert Maru and then eventually the Baimuru striker was red-carded for an intentional foul on Tabubil’s Rachael Mike, who had to leave the field.
This served to ignite Birum and fellow international Dorcas Sesevo to take charge of the situation but still found no opening with Tabubil standing firm to defend their goal.
With Tabubil’s key sweeper out it forced Franklyn Devesa get more involved along with Madon Bethany in the middle while Josephine Joe tried to score from virtually anywhere in the PMSA half.
With time ticking away playing over four days started to take its tollon both teams. The goal in extra time was more of a life saver for both teams.