Hekari United seal OFC Champions League semifinals spot for the first since 2010

Hekari United FC booked a semifinal spot in the OFC Men’s Champions League following a dominant 9-0 victory over Tupapa Maraerenga FC yesterday.

The win gave Hekari their long-awaited appearance in finals since claiming the title in 2010.

Coach Jerry Allen said the men in Red Army have shifted their focus towards New Caledonia’s Tyga Sport FC for the semifinal clash at Solomon Islands National Stadium on Wednesday.

“They [New Caledonia] have good players in their team. This is the Champions League, so when it comes to the semi-final, it's going to be hard,” he said of the upcoming match.

“We just need to refocus, plan well and hopefully we're going to play our best game.”

The Hekari coach said advancing to semifinals meant a lot for the club, considering their previous outings where they exited from the group stages.

Allen said finishing on top of group B outlined their ultimate goal of winning the tournament as this would be their last campaign in OFC Men’s Champions League under the Hekari United name.

“I think to me it's a special moment for us. This will be the final Champions League for the Hekari Football Club,” he said.

“We're going to change. Hekari will no longer be Hekari. Hekari will change after the Champions League. It will be another different name.

“So that's why these boys know it, that they are here to have fun and make sure we finish on a high note.”
Hekari opened the Champions League proceedings with a 3-0 win over Central Coast FC of Solomon Islands before Vanuatu’s Ifira Black Bird held them to a 1-1 draw.

Yesterday’s win over the Samoa team sealed their place in the final's playoff – a step closer to the OFC Men’s ultimate glory.

“It won't be easy, but I'm happy with the boys. We are through to the semi and we're going to make it to the top four. Hopefully we're going to reset all again and we work towards New Caledonia now in the semi-final.”