PNG soccer champion club, Lae City FC will represent Papua New Guinea in the OFC Champions League after beating rival Hekari United FC 2-1 in Port Moresby yesterday.
Super substitute, Matthew David scored the brace in the second half to win the game for his team.
Hekari scored in the opening half through Obert Simon to lead at half time 1-0
Hekari United FC were left to rue Ati Kepo’s second-half red card as Mathew David’s late brace sent Lae City FC into the OFC Champions League main stage.
A tough first 45 minutes looked to be edging toward a goalless half-time at a the PNG National Stadium in Port Moresby before the Hekari fans were sent into raptures just before the break.
Daniel Joe’s deep cross evaded the onrushing goal keeper, Ronald Warisan in the Lae City goal and Ati Kepo’s headed knockdown was nudged over the line by an ecstatic Oberth Simon to give Hekari a 1-0 lead their endeavour deserved.
The second-half remained much the same, an even game which could have swung either way with both teams creating chances and enjoying periods of pressure and possession, but a moment of ill-discipline may have ended up costing Hekari dearly.
Kepo, the man who grabbed the assist for their opening goal, was shown his marching orders after two fouls on Kapuls international teammate, Alvin Komolong in quick succession – his second yellow card coming in the 74th minute.
Galvanised by the dismissal, Lae City piled the pressure on in the hunt for an equaliser against their 10-men opposition and that pressure eventually told.
A goalmouth scramble following a driven corner ended up with the ball falling kindly at David’s feet, the striker smashing home a volley to level the scoring.
Then, with the game seemingly edging toward extra-time, David secured the stunning late fightback in the 90th minute with his slashing left-foot drive sending the crowd wild.
Lae City will now join seven other teams in the OFC Champions League finals later this year.