Bumayong United Football Club faced off against Defense FC in National Youth league match at the Lae Football Association Ground 1 on 19 December 2024, kicking off at 4:00 pm. The home side delivered a resounding performance, securing a convincing 5-1 victory over their opponents.
Bumayong United deployed a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Ryan John took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Gedaiz Max on the right, Leon Mausen on the left, with Chris Anton and Oddie Kama forming the central defensive partnership. In front of them, Apa Bongem operated as a central midfielder, tasked with linking play and providing support to both defence and attack. The attacking trio featured Ganny Paul and Brathorn Walter as right and left attacking midfielders respectively, while John Benny and Philip Liwi led the line as forwards, with Ranty Masibong completing the attacking options. The substitutes for the match included Gion Max, Leonard Kamit, Rupus Benny, Odniel Raymond, Jeremy Moses, and Larsen Johannes.
The match began with an early flourish from Bumayong United, as John Benny opened the scoring in the 7th minute. A well-worked team move culminated in a precise cross from Philip Liwi, allowing Benny to finish from close range with his right foot. The home side continued to press, with Liwi himself coming close to extending the lead shortly after, but his effort was saved in the 10th minute.
Bumayong United maintained their attacking momentum, with Benny again testing the opposition goalkeeper in the 15th minute, only to be denied once more. Liwi was relentless, firing another shot on goal in the 17th minute, but again found the keeper in fine form. However, in a rare moment of respite for Defense FC, they equalised in the 18th minute from a set piece, with a header from close range that caught the Bumayong defence off guard.
Despite the setback, Bumayong United quickly regained their composure. Leon Mausen restored the lead in spectacular fashion in the 33rd minute, unleashing a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The home side continued to dominate, with Liwi and Benny both having further attempts saved as the half drew to a close.
As the teams headed into the break at 2-1, Bumayong United made a substitution due to injury, bringing on Gion Max for Gedaiz Max. The second half commenced with renewed energy, and just five minutes in, Ganny Paul extended the lead to 3-1 in the 50th minute. A slick team move saw Brathorn Walter provide a short pass, allowing Paul to finish from close range with his left foot.
Philip Liwi remained a constant threat, but his efforts in the 60th and 65th minutes were either saved or went high, as he sought to add to his tally. However, it was John Benny who found the net again in the 68th minute, scoring his second of the match with a close-range finish after receiving a short pass from Ganny Paul, making it 4-1.
Bumayong United continued to make tactical changes, with Leonard Kamit and Rupus Benny coming on for Liwi and Walter respectively in the 72nd minute. The home side's dominance was further emphasised when Ganny Paul scored his second goal of the match in the 79th minute, converting from close range after a well-timed assist from Benny.
As the match approached its final stages, further substitutions were made, with Odniel Raymond replacing Apa Bongem and Jeremy Moses coming on for John Benny in the 80th minute. The final substitution saw Larsen Johannes enter the fray for Ganny Paul in the 85th minute, as Bumayong United looked to see out the game comfortably.
The match concluded with a resounding 5-1 victory for Bumayong United, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid team performance against a struggling Defense FC.
