Soccer giant MRDC Hekari United FC kicked-off its OFC Champions League campaign on a high note with a resounding first-up victory.
They defeated AS Lössi of New Caledonia 5-1 today in the opener at QBE Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
The PNG side wasted no time in taking the lead scoring in the first two minutes of the game through Joses Nawo who smashed a low shot that went across goal and into the far corner of the net.
Their second goal came in the 9th minute doubling the lead 2-0 through Tommy Semmy.
Lossi fought back to score 21 minutes later 2-1 through Dick Kauma who headed the ball into the net.
Hekari’s Wira Wama scored the third goal in an early contender for goal of the tournament, sweetly meeting a Semmy cross to volley home a spectacular strike taking the score up 3-1 at half time.
In the second half, Hekari continued to dominate the game scoring the fourth goal 4-1 through Gagame Feni who nipped in at the near post to flick a free kick home in the 54th minute.
Lossi keeper Michel Hne made a good save to prevent Feni from scoring his second in the 60th minute.
The New Caledonians’ defense grew weaker as Hekari scored its fifth goal in the 72nd minute through Emmanuel Simon, who found the top corner with a well-placed shot from the edge of the area to extend the lead 1-5.
Hekari plays its second game on Tuesday April 12 against Suva FA.
Lae City Dwellers FC will make their debut in this competition on Sunday April 10 taking on Amicale FC.