Papua New Guinea’s MRDC Hekari United FC will battle it out today for a spot in the semifinals of the OFC Champions League underway in New Zealand.
Hekari will take on New Zealand’s Team Wellington at QBE Stadium at 3.30pm (1.30pm PNG time) today for top honours in Group B.
The Papua New Guineans have emerged as one of the most impressive teams of the tournament after brushing aside AS Lössi and Suva with ease.
They sit on top of Group B with a strong 8-1 goal difference and a draw against Team Wellington will guarantee them a spot in the semis, which will start on Wednesday, April 20.
Hekari’s line-up is looking good with PNG international Tommy Semmy who has been one of the outstanding players in this year’s tournament.
The 21-year-old has speed, physical presence and a keen eye for goal. Joses Nawo and Solomon Islander Gagame Feni are the two others to watch in Hekari’s impressive frontline.
Hekari United: 1. Leslie KALAI (GK), 2. Daniel JOE, 3. Otto KUSUNAN, 5. Remueru TEKIATE, 6. Pita BOLATOGA, 7. John ALICK, 8. Papalau AWELE, 9. Karo ILA, 10. Tutizama TANITO, 11. Elkington MOLIVAKARUA, 12. David MUTA, 13. Tommy SEMMY, 14. Emmanuel SIMON, 16. Jeremy YASASA, 17. Wira WAMA, 19. Koriak UPAIGA, 20. Ismael POLE (GK), 21. Barry MANSALE, 23. Joses NAWO, 24. Mathias IANI, 25. Felix KOMOLONG, 27. Gagame FENI
Coach: Jerry ALLEN (SOL)
Team Wellington: 1. Scott BASALAJ (GK), 2. Taylor HOUGH, 3. Steven GULLEY, 4. Anthony HOBBS, 5. Bill ROBERTSON, 6. Chris BALE, 7. Leo VILLA, 8. Cole PEVERLEY, 9. Tom JACKSON, 10. Luis CORRALES, 11. Mario BARCIA, 12. Andy BEVIN, 13. Alex FENERIDIS, 14. William SCOTT, 15. Mark JONES, 16. Ben HARRIS, 17. Fergus NEIL, 18. Saul HALPIN, 19. Conor McGLINCHEY, 20. Michael GWYTHER, 21. Taylor SCHRIJVERS, 22. Alex CARR, 23. Michael O’KEEFFE (GK)
Coach: Matt CALCOTT (NZL)
Picture by Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz