Bumayong United Football Club faced off against FC Morobe Wawens in a gripping NYSL Northern Conference match at the PNGFA Football Academy, 11 Mile outside of Lae on 20 November 2024. The contest kicked off at 12:00pm and concluded with Bumayong United emerging victorious with a scoreline of 3-2, showcasing a thrilling display of football that kept the modest crowd of 50 on the edge of their seats.
Bumayong United set up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Bobori Levi occupied the goalkeeping position, while a back four comprised of Brian Morris on the right, Nathan Mark on the left, and central defenders Leon Mausen and Haki Obert formed a robust defensive unit. Leonard Kamit played as the central midfielder, tasked with linking play and controlling the tempo, flanked by Ganny Paul on the right and Awisen Maring on the left in attacking midfield roles. Up front, Philip Liwi led the line as the striker, supported by right forward Ranty Masibong and left forward John Benny.
The substitutes for Bumayong United included Elijah Enoch, Chris Anton, and Elizah Sambob, who would be called upon later in the match to influence the outcome.
The match began with an early setback for Bumayong United as FC Morobe Wawens took the lead in the 7th minute. A well-executed team move culminated in a right-footed strike from outside the box, leaving Bobori Levi with little chance to respond. However, Bumayong United quickly regrouped and found their rhythm.
In the 18th minute, Bumayong United equalised through Leon Mausen, who scored from close range after a corner delivered by Philip Liwi. The goal injected confidence into the team, and they began to assert their dominance on the pitch.
Bumayong United continued to press, and their efforts paid off in the 38th minute when Leonard Kamit converted a penalty, awarded after a foul in the box. Kamit calmly slotted the ball home with his right foot, giving Bumayong United a 2-1 lead. Shortly after, a tactical substitution saw Ranty Masibong replaced by Elijah Enoch, as the team sought to maintain their momentum.
As the first half drew to a close, Bumayong United went into the break with a 2-1 advantage, buoyed by their spirited performance.
The second half commenced with both teams eager to assert themselves, but it was Bumayong United who struck again in the 76th minute. Philip Liwi scored a stunning header, connecting with a precise cross from Ganny Paul, extending the lead to 3-1. This goal seemed to put Bumayong United in a commanding position, prompting a substitution as Ganny Paul made way for Chris Anton.
However, FC Morobe Wawens refused to back down and pulled a goal back in the 85th minute with a long-range strike that found the back of the net, narrowing the deficit to 3-2. The tension escalated as FC Morobe Wawens pushed for an equaliser, but Bumayong United's defence held firm.
In a crucial moment of the match, Bobori Levi showcased his goalkeeping prowess by saving a penalty in the 68th minute, a pivotal intervention that kept Bumayong United in the lead. As the match approached its conclusion, Bumayong United made their final substitution, bringing on Elizah Sambob for Elijah Enoch in the 87th minute.
Despite the late pressure from FC Morobe Wawens, Bumayong United held on to secure a hard-fought victory. Nathan Mark's commanding performance in defence earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, as he played a vital role in thwarting the opposition's advances. The win not only boosts Bumayong United's league standing but also sets a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures.
