Bougainville students’ soccer team Real Blacks are the champions of the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Soccer Association 2015 season.
They defeated Morobe United 2-0 in the grand final today at the UPNG Oval.
The boys in orange proved too strong, scoring eight minutes into the game to make it 1-0 through Patrick Aisa right in front of net.
Real Blacks’ strong defence kept them from scoring despite several attempts.
Morobe had the advantage of height but were scoreless at half time 1-0.
The second half was intense as both teams showed off their skills while the game picked up momentum and the crowd were on their feet supporting their favourite team.
Morobe lost one player 20 minutes into the second half when Asa Willie was given a red card and sent off the field for instructing the referee what to do.
With ten minutes left to full time, Real Blacks put on a strong attack and with determination scored their second goal through Edwin Taberia who flicked the ball past Morobe’s keeper to take them to victory.
The team walks away with the K10 000 prize money which they will receive during the presentation on Friday 23 October.
Coach and 2nd year student Quinten Nukuitu was proud of the team and said they deserved the win after coming this far without a loss.
“The hard work has paid off and all the sacrifices balancing their studies and training,” he said.
Team manager and 3rd year student Trevor Wahuna thanked their sponsors Thomas Tabere and Buin Guest House that provided the team’s uniforms.