OFC Champions League

Hekari Draws OFC Champions League Opener

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.

HEKARI SECURES O LEAGUE

After securing a 2-nil victory in the first leg of the national playoff, Hekari United carried the winning form into the second leg putting a stunning display, holding off its opposition, Port Moresby Strikers 3-nil to secure a spot in the Men’s OFC Champions League.

Both teams had a chance to score, Hekari United through Rex Naime and Yagi Yasasa and Strikers through Matthew David; but couldn’t nail it until the 24 minutes when Karo Kila broke the deadlock open following a nice delivery from Yasasa.   

PNGFA Refutes Bias claim

In a media release, the Secretariat expressed that the PNG Football Association (PNGFA) was falsely accused on social media of getting two Port Moresby-based teams to qualify for the OFC national playoffs.

“There was no foul play involved as claimed by football enthusiasts on social media. The two Lae-based teams - Lae City Dwellers and Lae City FC were unfortunate, (missing) out of the cut-off mark and were placed third and fourth on the competition respectively,” it stated.

Hekari bows out from OFC

The PNG team won the first Group game against Ifira Black Bird but lost the remaining matches against Tiga Port and AS Pirae.

Hekari was spot on in the first 15 minutes of the final group match. They were certain to be the side to come out on top, but the momentum shifted as the match continued. Following a Yagi Yasasa free kick that hit the cross bar in the 14th minute, it was all AS Pirae for the rest of the first half.

Sensational Maiden Champions League Win For Tiga

Appearing in their first Champions League tournament, Tiga Sport bounced back from a 3-0 loss to AS Pirae in their opening match to surprise the Papua New Guinea powerhouse, thanks to a lone goal midway through the second half.

Tiga Sport started more confidently and with more intent than in their first-up loss, while Hekari United were happy to ease into the game, trusting their systems and looking composed at the back where 19-year-old defender Ila Ani and veteran captain Daniel Joe were rock solid.

Lae City FC Qualifies

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.

Batick hat-trick puts Malampa top of Group B

The pressure was on Malampa as they needed a win to advance in the second match of the day after the Henderson Eels had come from behind to edge Lautoka 3-2 in the earlier fixture during a thrilling final day of group play.

Henderson Eels 3-2 Lautoka FC 

The Henderson Eels were about nine minutes away from elimination before late goals to Raphael Le’ai and Joses Nawo helped them beat Fiji’s Lautoka 3-2.

PNG to host OFC Champions League Group A

PNGFA President John Kapi Natto said this will be the first time for Papua New Guinea to host a group match of the region’s premier international club competition.

“We are excited and looking forward to host an international tournament,” Kapi Natto said.

“It will be a good change for Papua New Guinea football fans to witness Hekari United in action on home soil against top clubs from New Zealand, New Caledonia and Vanuatu in February next year. The event will take place from Feb 16-22.”

Toti City Dwellers in high spirits

Upon arrival yesterday at the Jackson’s International Airport, coach Peter Gunemba said making it to the quarter finals is a success story for the team.

Toti City Dwellers FC, formerly known as the Lae City Dwellers, were undefeated in their Group A matches, registering one win and two draws at Stade Yoshida in New Caledonia. 

They finished two points behind group leaders and hosts, Hienghene.

Toti City coach Peter Gunemba said the toughest teams were pooled in Group A, and the high competition pushed his boys beyond their limits.

Group D still an open race

Team Wellington are also keen to secure a win and keep the dream alive, after dropping their first ever Group Stage points in the draw with Marist, when they face Samoa club champions Lupe Ole Soaga in the opening match at Lawson Tama Tuesday.

In the three previous OFC Champions League editions they’ve featured in, Team Wellington had never lost or drawn a match which makes the 1-1 draw against the favourites from New Zealand a feat for Marist.