The Gulf Komara FC have made history and booked their first Grand Final berth following a gritty 2-1 win over the Port Moresby Strikers in the Premier Soccer League local derby Semi Final clash on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, at PNG Football Stadium.
Since Komara's establishment in 2018 to participate in the Premier Soccer League competition (National Soccer League then), they've made it to the finals a couple of times but haven't reached the grand final until 2024, the drought has broken.
Komara had a strong campaign in the 2024 PSL season. The Gulf franchise won 6 games, had 5 draws and lost 3 matches, finishing second on the standings with 23 points at the conclusion of the regular season.
With the dominance of Hekari and Lae City for a few years, no one thought Komara would surge to the big dance. The new look Komara outfit did their homework in the off-season and came prepared to secure their ticket to the biggest arena.
Coach David Aua expressed that their goal this season was to play in the grand final, which they have achieved, but they’ve faced some obstacles during the season.
“We have set out our goal this season, with an aim to get to the grand final. This is our first time to reach the grand final since our inception six years ago in the 2019 NSL and now PSL,” coach Aua revealed.
“We were confident during the season. We had our challenges, but those challenges built the resolve in our team that made us stronger to get to this stage.”
Aua mentioned that going up against the defending champions (Hekari) would be an uphill battle, but they are prepared to test the might of the star-studded red-army side.
“Hekari is the champion club and we respect them. We are ready to take them on and give our best,” he said.
Additionally, Aua said the preparation and team bonding had been good, and he believes in his individual player’s capability to meet Hekari on the weekend.
“Perception for the team is exciting and the players are working hard for this one. I believe in my team and each player brings their individual brilliance to make the team one. This is a grand final, so anything is possible,” Aua said.
The stage is now set for the resurgent Gulf Komara FC to meet the formidable Hekari United FC in the 2024 Premier Soccer League Grand Final on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, at PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
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