Gurias pull off a superb comeback to stun Lahanis in DEM Cup Elimination Final

The Agmark ENB Gurias produced an incredible second-half performance to shatter the high-flying Bintangor Goroka Lahanis in the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup Elimination Final on Sunday, August 24th, 2025, at Santos National Football Stadium.

Sitting 3rd on the ladder, the Goroka Lahanis were going as favorites to beat the 6th-placed ENB Gurias. However, the Gurias pulled off a herculean effort in the second half to steal the win from the Lahanis.

The Eastern Highlands men took things under control in the first half, registering two converted tries and slotting a field goal, while the Agmark-sponsored lads bagged a try, trailing the Lahanis at 13-6 in the break.

The Lahanis extended their lead to 17-6 right after the breather. Undeterred by the 13-point margin, the East New Britain men found their mojo in the 20th minute of the second half and scored 3 unanswered tries to put the game beyond doubt. 

Agmark ENB Gurias coach Wartovo Puara Jr. admitted that they started poorly in the first half, but he was happy that his men regrouped in the second stanza to ice the match.

“I think we handled it well in the second half. We struggled in the first half, but the boys worked hard to win it in the second half,” coach Puara Jr. said.    

“Going into the game, we knew the Lahanis had a big pack and some quality players, but the big thing for us was to win the middle, and that’s what we did in the second half.” 

Prop Muka Kulu was busy in the middle, setting the platform upfront, scoring two tries, and walking away with the man of the match honors, with coach Puara Jr. praising the big unit.

“Muka is a big fellow who had a good game today. He really stepped up in this game. I told him to give his best, and he did that,” Puara Jr. lauded Muka’s outstanding performance.  

Coach Puara Jr. said a couple of players had niggling injuries after the game, but he would reshuffle the lineup and prepare the team to meet the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers in the semi-final on Sunday, 31st August, at Santos National Football Stadium.