Komara punish 10-man Hekari to stay top of the table
Gulf Komara have solidified their status as serious title contenders in the 2025 Premier Soccer League following a clinical 2-0 victory over Hekari United in Round 6 at the PNG Football Stadium on Saturday.
After a tense and physical first half that ended goalless, the game shifted dramatically in the second half when Hekari were reduced to 10 men. Their goalkeeper was shown a straight red card for a foul inside the box, forcing a frantic defensive reshuffle.
Komara wasted no time capitalising on the advantage as Danny Vitali calmly converted the resulting penalty to break the deadlock, before Gani Gapi doubled the lead minutes later with a powerful header that sealed the result.
Hekari mounted a spirited response, but Komara’s organised defence held firm to see out the match.
The win extends Komara’s unbeaten streak to six matches and keeps them firmly at the top of the ladder, while Hekari suffer their first major setback of the season and will look to bounce back in the next round.
Meanwhile, Admiralty Islands FC also continued their strong run in the competition with a commanding 3-1 victory over Blue Kumuls United in the opening fixture of Saturday's triple-header.
The Manus-based side asserted early dominance, with veteran forward Nigel Dabinyaba leading from the front. Dabinyaba struck twice in the first half, showcasing his trademark pace and clinical finishing to give Admiralty a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.
The visitors maintained pressure after the break, and their persistence paid off when Paskol Potuku added a third, further extending Admiralty’s advantage to 3-0.
Blue Kumuls managed to pull one back midway through the second half following a goalkeeping error from Admiralty. However, despite the slip-up and signs of fatigue, the Manus outfit held their defensive shape and composure to deny any further comeback.
Blue Kumuls pressed hard in the closing stages, but Admiralty’s disciplined defence stood firm to seal all three points in a confident performance.
Admiralty Islands FC now look ahead to their next fixture as early contenders in the 2025 PSL season.