31/08/2026
LAE CITY GRIND OUT TOUGH WIN IN MADANG
By Sylvester Gawi
Lae City FC added another valuable three points to their 2026 Premier Soccer League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madang United FC at Laiwaden Oval on Saturday.
Playing away from home in scorching heat and on a hard playing surface, Lae City had to dig deep to overcome a determined Madang United outfit.
Lae City made the early breakthrough when Smith Yonny rose to meet a corner kick and headed the ball into the net to give the visitors the lead.
Madang responded strongly, but the difficult conditions made it challenging for both sides to convert their opportunities.
The home side eventually found the equaliser in the first half after captain Max Sengum successfully converted a penalty to bring Madang United level.
Lae City continued to search for a second goal, with Solomon Kamake creating several promising opportunities. However, Madang’s disciplined backline stood firm to deny the Lae attackers.
The breakthrough came in the second half when Gordon Mark found the back of the net to restore Lae City’s advantage.
With the lead secured, Lae City tightened their defence and controlled the game through to full-time, frustrating Madang United’s attempts to find another equaliser.
Lae City head coach Samson Steven described the victory as a challenging one, particularly after a demanding schedule that has included the OFC Men’s Champions League and a mid-week match against Wawa FC.
“It’s very challenging for the players after returning from the OFC Champions League and travelling the whole week to play against Wawa FC and now Madang,” Steven said."
“It was pure determination from the players themselves. Despite these challenges, we managed to come out victorious.”
Steven praised his attacking players, saying Smith Yonny, Raphael Rudolf and Solomon Kamake led the forward line well despite the number of chances that went begging.
He also credited the defensive unit, led by goalkeeper Ronald Warisan, with Langarap Samol, Elias Philip and Nigel Kiaka Jnr helping to keep the Madang attack under control.
The coach said Lae City’s improved second-half performance in both attack and defence was crucial in securing the result.
The victory keeps Lae City firmly in the hunt as the 2026 PSL season enters its decisive stage.
Lae City will travel to Port Moresby this week for their final scheduled regular-round match against Kula FC, before facing another seven outstanding washout matches.
Those games will be crucial in determining the final standings and the race for the minor premiership.
Steven said player recovery would now be a major priority.
“It will depend on our recovery to ensure our players are 100 percent fine to take on the remaining games,” he said."
“It’s a big challenge for the team. We will take one game at a time.”
For Lae City, the win in Madang was another important step in a demanding campaign—one that is now entering its most crucial phase.
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