EPC champs put to test
Soccer
BY SIMON KESLEP
The Eastern Papua Carnival men’s defending champions Maiyela were put to the test by Gabutu team Two for a scoreless finish on Saturday at the Bisini soccer grounds.
Both teams came out with fresh momentum in the opening minutes of play.
Maiyela’s coordination of play was a bit off the track but they managed to keep up with the strong determination by their opponents.
Maiyela had the likes of Tagaya Lepani, Phillip Steven, Andrew Mitaharo, Manis Forova applying pressure on Gabutu’s defenders. Gabutu stood firm with their own style of play to hold on to scoreless
finish.
Gabutu also had several opportunities to score but the defending champions were always on high alert with goal keeper Charlie Lepani gloving every shot.
“The boys have done well and held us back to a draw. We just need to work on few areas in preparation for next upcoming games,” said Maiyela coach Ila Ilaitia.
Asked if he is confident the team will retain the title, Ilaitia admitted it is all about patience, not panicking and keeping everything under control.
“Getting the tactics right and preparing the boys for the next game and the boys have done well despite the day’s heat; too humid,” said Ilaita.
“We will take one game at a time regardless of how competitive they are.” For Gabutu team Two coach Fabian Bagi, their preparation leading into the tournament was all about fitness and fielding a team of young energetic players was the boost factor for them.
“Our preparations coming into this tournament was basically around fitness, we understand the weather is going to be hot,” said Bagi.
“Young boys’ energy will pretty much lift the pace and be able to move around easily but otherwise we are happy with the draw.”
Bagi said their challenge now is to improve on ball passing, coordination plays and how they can be able to finish off every set plays.
He said they had a couple of chances but they could not finish them.
“General play we are ok, it is just coordination in the middle and linking up with strikers,” he said.
“Playing against Maiyela is a game you need to be up for the challenge, they are a smart team and basically a draw is a boost for us and we may have a chance to make it into the top four.”
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