Hekari FC

When Hekari took the pitch in the Solomon Islands' morning shower yesterday, they found themselves in a tight contest.

The Hekari United attack, spearheaded by skipper Marie Kaipu, were quick to press the Vanuatu side early on and it was Kaipu who registered the game’s first attempt on goal; but Vanuatu returned the favour with several attempts on goal.

Yagi Yasasa's crucial goal in the second half of extra time proved decisive after a 1-1 draw in regulation.

Their game was supposed to be part of the double header games on Saturday 15^th July 2023, however, due to flight cancellation and delays were unable to play as they arrived very late on Saturday.

Many fans were disappointed with their no show on the double header, but they did not disappoint the next day for the rescheduled game with Madang FC on Sunday 16^th July 2023 at 2pm. The game proved to be tough for both teams.

While it was an emotional exit for the team and fans, the attention has now been shifted to Women team who is expected to make a statement in the inaugural Oceania Football Champions League which will be hosted in PNG.  

The Hekari United Women’s team will be looking to make history on home turf but it won’t come easy for the them because they have got some strong teams to face.

The first half of the game was defended well by NCD as favourites Hekari tried to score multiple times but was fended off.

The second half into the game had NCD FC scoring the first goal by No.33, Cynthia Bangita, 15 minutes into the first goal NCD Hekari scored by Serah Waida bringing the score to 1-all.

Both teams did not score till full time, bring an additional 15 minutes on both sides. Both teams defended well and could not put a goal.

Both teams came down to a penalty shoot-out with NCD Hekari winning the game 5-2.

He had recruited from the two centres and this beefed up his option to use against any team during the competition including the semifinals and final.Komeng said that Hekari’s valuable buy, Calista Maneo was the find of the WNSL tournament this season. He said she has tormented the opposition defense, and will continue to do that against the semi-final first match against NCD FC today.

The team took to the field today at the Bisini Grounds with the players playing friendly matches among themselves.

A definite boost to the team’s campaign will be the return of striker Tommy Semmy and the addition of midfielder Wira Wama.

Team manager Vonnie Kapi Natto said the squad of 24 had split into four teams to play.

“We had Christmas off but the boys are back and working hard at training to keep themselves fit.

They defeated newcomers Erema Gulf FC 3-0 in round three of the southern conference competition at Port Moresby's Bisini Soccer grounds today.

Hekari wasted no time scoring the first goal just two minutes into the game through youngster Papalau Awele who was recruited from PNG’s development team Besta United FC.

Erema had a strong backline with national representative Cyril Muta who stopped few attempts from top striker Koriak Upaiga.

2015 National Soccer League champions, Lae City Dwellers are making their debut at the OFC.

They are in Pool A with Auckland City FC from New Zealand, Amicale FC from Vanuatu, and the yet-to-be-determined Solomon Islands S-League winners.

Regulars at the OFC Champions League, Hekari are in Pool B with Team Wellington (New Zealand), Suva FA from Fiji and AS Lossi from New Caledonia.

In Pool C is Nadi FC from Fiji, AS Magenta from New Caledonia, AS Tefana from Tahiti and the OFC Champions League Preliminary winner.