Tiga Sport

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 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.

For PNG, Hekari United will fly the flag after their 2-0 over Lae City FC in Port Moresby yesterday.

Tiga Sport will be New Caledonia’s representative after defeating Hienghène Sport 2-0 in Nouméa.

Two late goals have seen Hekari United complete a 4-1 aggregate win over national champions Lae City in the PNG Oceania Champions League National Play-offs.

Midfielder Yagi Yasasa who scored in the first leg last week, pounced on a ball in the 83^rd minute to scramble the opening goal before Joseph Joe sealed the result in the 87^th minute with a tap.