Hekari United

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.

The strong match ended with a 2-0 result, in favour of the visitors.

Returning from an evenly contested strong first half, young gun Yasi Yasasa netted the first goal following a free kick 13 minutes into second half. The man who is considered the next David Muta of PNG, set the tone in the second half. 

Ifira Black Bird with home ground advantage came charging strong to level the score but an informed Goal Keeper Davis Tomare denied them on several occasions.

The Tahitian qualifiers secured victory over New Caledonia representatives Tiga Sport in Port Vila, scoring all three goals in a first half blitz.

AS Pirae fired from the outset, with two shots on goal within the first five minutes before they opened the scoring in the seventh minute.

Yohann Tihoni zipped down the right wing and timed his run to perfection to meet a 30-metre cross on the full at the far post and volley home from an acute angle.

Unfortunately, after full time the spotlight was on supporters of both teams invading the field and confronting each other until police intervened.

The much anticipated semi-final clash of the two Moresby based franchises attracted a good size crowd to the home of PNG soccer, the PNG Football stadium.

Both Lae City and Hekari United lead their respective Conferences when the Kumul Petroleum-sponsored men’s National Soccer League was abandoned due to COVID-19 last year.

PNG is one of two countries to play single-leg match. The other is Tahiti.

According to OFC, June will see the return of Oceania’s flagship club football competition, the OFC Champions League, which will decide who represents the region at the 2022 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup™.

The boys from Lae beat Hekari United 5-4 in a very close encounter at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Saturday.

The atmosphere was one of high with anticipation and excitement as Hekari United supporters, donned in red, occupied one area of the stands while Toti City fans, in yellow and waving Morobean flags, could be seen at every corner of the Sir John Guise Stadium.

The 2019 grand final match between the two top semiprofessional football teams had supporters on their toes as the tug of war started on the pitch a few minutes after 3pm.

Both sides are undefeated with two wins each but Hekari is currently leading Pool B by a goal difference of 7 compared to Wellington on 3.

The 2010 Champions League winners, Hekari will be full of confidence going into the game having won their previous two pool matches with little trouble.

But their opponents, who are last year’s runners up, will be equally determined to beat Hekari and top Pool B.

Hekari coach, Jerry Allen comments said focus is key to a win.

They take on Gigira Laitepo United FC at 3pm today at Bisini Soccer Grounds in Port Moresby in round six of the NSL competition.

Hekari remains unbeaten in the southern conference on 15 points after round five while rival Gigira Laitepo has five points on the ladder.

The minor premiers will be banking on skipper and national representative David Muta to lead them to victory and the strong attack of Koriak Upaiga, Papalau Awele and Erickson Komeng.

Newcomer Gigira has top players July Elijah, Ian Yanum and Moses Arisim to keep them on track.

Team manager,Vonnie Kapi Natto said the team came close to making the finals finishing second in Pool C behind Team Wellington in 2015.