By GABRIEL KATUHO
Hekari United have broken the spell by registering their first score in the OFC Pro League with a 2-all draw against Vanuatu FC in the second match of round two of OFC Pro League in Port Moresby yesterday.
PNG Hekari started slow in the first half with Vanuatu’s Bill Kal Tack scoring for Vanuatu in just 12th minute into the first half.
Hekari pushed forward while Vanuatu put up a well-coordinated and precise football play with several attempts on Hekari’s territory threatening Hekari’s goal Keeper, Dave Tomare. Most of the attempts were disrupted by Defender Erick Joe who stood firm making sure the ball is kept out of the box.
In the 33rd minute, Hekari Striker John Orobulu had a coalition with the Vanuatu’s goal Keeper Matthew Action inside the box resulting in a penalty.
This is the time when Daniel Joe scores making him the first Hekari and PNG player to score a goal at the OFC Pro League and also PNG Hekari FC broke the drought by registering their first goal.
Both teams started speeding the game in the second half with several attempts on both sides putting the supporters on their toes, however PNG Hekari FC built their momentum as they started gaining possession of the ball and applying pressure at Vanuatu’s goal area.
In just 57th minute into the second half a corner kick from Raymond Gunemba lends the ball on Erick Joe’s head which finds the back of the net.
Hekari took the lead with two points, yet in the stoppage time, Oven Smith scored after the Video Assistant Referee’s decision claiming a hand ball by one of the Hekari’s player.
The last minute goal denied Hekari’s win as Vanuatu equalized the score to a 2-2 draw. Hekari now has a record of three loses and one draw in the tally of the OFC Pro League as the competition moves into round two in Port Moresby .
Hekari’s head coach Jerry Alan in a post-match conference stated that the players need to be disciplined and organized in this high level competition.
“When we were leading, I thought that we are going to get the three points. But suddenly something happened, we don’t know, we did not expect but that is the referee’s decision,” he stated.
He said the boys started slow in the first half and slowly built the momentum towards the second half.
After Hekari’s head Coach Marcos Gusmao tendered his resignation Jerry Allan was appointed by the Hekari board as the new Head Coach spearheading the Hekari united in the OFC Pro League.
Under his role as coach, Hekari scored two goals making it their first goals for the OFC Pro League.
Allan expressed his appreciation towards taking the role and emphasized that going forward he will stress on discipline on and off the field ahead of their next game on Saturday 7th of February against South Island United at the Santos National Football Stadium.