Hekari secures first OFC Pro League win

PNG Hekari have made history by recording their first-ever win in the OFC Pro League, defeating Vanuatu United 3–1 in a hard-fought encounter.

Vanuatu United came into the match in strong form, having won their previous two games, including an impressive victory over Solomon Kings FC. Hekari, on the other hand, were still searching for their maiden win in the competition.

Vanuatu United started brightly, with Kerry Iawak and Kathy Iamak both testing Hekari goalkeeper Dave Tomare early, though without success.

Hekari showed marked improvement from earlier matches but still fell behind midway through the first half. American midfielder William Cardona played a key role, combining with Owen Smith before his cross was parried by Tomare. Bill Kaltack reacted quickest, drilling the loose ball home from just inside the penalty area.

The lead was short-lived. Hekari responded almost immediately when Joseph Joe found space on the edge of the box and fired a shot that deflected off Hassan Ramazani, wrong-footing goalkeeper Kaloran Firiam and leveling the score.

Vanuatu United nearly regained the lead early in the second half. Owen Smith had two close-range chances, but a brilliant goal-line clearance by Godfrey Haro kept the scores level.

Moments later, Hekari made it count. Pressing high, they won possession deep in Vanuatu United territory. Joseph Joe slipped a perfectly weighted through ball to Rex Naime, who smashed home his first goal of the season to give Hekari the lead.

Vanuatu United lifted the tempo in search of an equaliser, introducing Jordy Tasip and Azariah Soromon to add attacking threat. Hekari, however, remained disciplined at the back.

The closing stages were tense after Hekari captain Ati Kepo received a second yellow card, his second red card of the campaign, leaving his side to defend with ten men. Numerous stoppages resulted in 12 minutes of added time.

As Vanuatu United pushed forward, Hekari struck again. Joseph Joe once more created the opening, releasing Raymond Gunemba, who fired past Firiam to seal the win in stoppage time.

Hekari held on for a famous victory and will now look to build momentum from their first three points of the competition.

Score:
Vanuatu United FC 1 (Bill Kaltack 30’)
PNG Hekari FC 3 [Own Goal 33’, Rex Naime 51’, Raymond Gunemba 90+2’]