UGFA teams perform well at NGI tournament

Teams representing the University of Natural Resources and Environment Gazelle Football Association performed well at the New Guinea Islands Football Federation PNG (FFPNG) tournament during the long weekend.
The three-day tournament was held at Kalabond Field in Kokopo starting on Saturday with a total of 15 teams participating - nine mens and six womens.
President of UNRE Gazelle Football Association (UGFA) Joe Ivura said the association management was impressed with their performance despite being new to such competition. Two of the teams made it to the semi-finals.
He thanked the PNG UNRE Management and the Students Representative Council for their support during the tournament.
UGFA had three teams in the tournament: Kalibobo FC, Lae Citizens FC and the women’s team, Sawanga Sisters. After the round robin, Kalibobo came third in the Pool B men’s division, Lae Citizens came second in the Pool A men’s division and Sawanga Sisters were on the second placing in the Pool B women’s division.
Their performance surprised NGI regional FFPNG executives. The standard of soccer all three teams played was outstanding and they were competitive throughout the tournament.
UGFA secretary Scott Akena said many underestimated the association because of its location but were proven wrong when the players displayed good soccer skills.
Mr Akena said their performance against the very competitive Manus and Kimbe teams showed that UGFA can compete at a national competition.
He said the biggest achievement for the association was that the teams made it into third and second placing. He added that in the semi-final match, Lae Citizens held Blue Kumuls scoreless until full-time. Even after the extra 10 minutes, the score remained 0-0.  Blue Kumuls managed to win in the shootout.
Scores before the grand final on Monday were:
  • In Men’s Pool A division:  Lorengau led with 10 points, Lae Citizens with 7 points, Vunapope FC with 5 points, MHK Moston FC with 6 points and Hargy Range with 0.
  • Mens Pool B: Blue Kumuls with 6 points, Horizon 21 with 6 points, Kalibobo FC with 3 points and Bitubies FC with 3 points.
  • Womens Pool A division: Vunapope with 4 points, Medics with 2 points and Tsitalato Wavew with 1 point.
  • Womens Pool B division: FC Oceania with 4 points, Sawanga Sisters scored 2 points and Bitubies scored 1 point.
In the men’s division Lorengau United FC and Blue Kumuls went into grand final but did not compete the match due to time. These two will compete in the national championship in Lae in September.

Lae Citizens prepare to take the field against Blue Kumuls.

Popular posts from this blog

Aipa represents PNG at Global Sustainable Islands Summit

PNG UNRE to offer five new undergraduate programs

Former SRC leader excels in workplace