By GABRIEL KATUHO
HEKARI United have topped Group B at the Oceania Football Men’s Championships League in Honiara, Solomon Islands, after defeating Tupapa Maraerenga 9 points to 0 on Sunday 06 of April 2025.
The team have shown great stamina by starting their contest with 3 points to nil, defeating the host team ‘Central Coast FC’.
The red army had a draw with Ifira Black Bird and crushed Tupapa Maraerenga with 9 points to 0 in their final match on Sunday.
The men in red now tops the group B ladder and have qualified for the semifinals against ‘As Tiga Sport’ at 4pm on Wednesday 9th of April 2025.
Hekari United Head Coach Jerry Allen praised his boys’ outstanding performance in defeating Tupapa Maraerenga on Sunday.
“In football if you play against a team with a defensive block you have to work really hard, you have to move the ball quicker,” he said.
But the men in red played well and registered first goal to have confidence and applied pressure to the opponent side.
It was then Hekari united started dominating the field with well-coordinated field position and started sending shots into the net.
Hekari united FC have made into the semifinal of the Oceania Football Championships since 2010.
As it remains one of the exciting moments for the PNG side, it is also the last time for the team to play under the name ‘Hekari’ in the competition.
Mr. Allan stated that the boys knew that they will play under Hekari for the last time before it changes its name so they did that.
Coach Allan remains confident despite being aware of how competitive it would be in the semifinal.
Semifinal will be a competitive match against New Caledonia’s As Tiga Sport who have some of the best players, however, Mr. Allan said Hekari will have to refocus, maintain confidence and play their best game.