Tusbab Stallions beat new kids on the block, Kutubu FC 5-0 at home in one of the round two matches of the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League on Saturday.
The one-sided-affair started, rather well for Kutubu in opening minutes of the first half with a near-miss from Karesa Morris.
But the situation changed in the 24th minute when Stallion’s little general Ricky Wadunah opened the account for his team with a shocker from the 16 yards whizzed past Kutubu’s goalkeeper Jonathan Pole.
Stallions proved that they had what it takes to be in the semi-professional competition with striker, Papalau Awele extends Stallion’s lead just before half time.
In the second half, the home-side lifted tempo which saw Stahl Gubag scored in the 50th minute and 20 minutes later Awele adds his second before Morris Devi sealed of the result for the Rachael Wadunah-coached side.
Stallions have certainly sent a message to other teams that they are a force to be reckoned with this season.
Skipper Nigel Malagian, Solomon Mapai, Jasper Panu and Gubag were outstanding in defence while the Wadunah brothers, Ricky and Jason provided the support in the midfield.
Striker Papalau Awele has hit his form and will prove dangerous in the coming matches.
Stallions team manager, Juanita Tawi were thrilled with the win, after putting in so much to get the team to perform well.
“We want to see the team perform well in our home games and get the players to be more confident in themselves before they go out to play away games”, Tawi said.
Despite the loss, Kutubu’s coach Mathew Witu focused on the quality of performance by his boys.
“Mentally we were not a hundred percent prepared for a game in Madang, but it is early day’s still, and we know what went wrong.”
In the other match in Lae, FC Morobe Wawens defeated Morobe United 2-0 while in opening match of the triple header in Port Moresby, Star Mountain misery continued when they lost another match after a pumped up Vitiaz United orchestrated an improved defensive game plan to come from behind to win 3-1.
Hekari United recorded their second consecutive victory over FC Bougainville beating them 2-1 and defending champion Lae City survived a scare from Gulf Komara to win 1-0 from the only penalty goal from Raymond Gunemba.
