PNG Hekari FC make history with first win of the season

PNG Hekari FC have made history by registering their first-ever win in the OFC Pro League, with a gritty 3-1 victory over Vanuatu United.

Vanuatu United were in fine form, having won their last two matches, including an excellent victory over in-form Solomon Kings FC, whilst PNG Hekari were still searching for that maiden OFC Pro League win.

It was the former who started brightly, with Kerry Iawak and then Kathy Iamak the first to try and trouble Dave Tomare, with little success.

PNG Hekari were markedly improved from previous outings but they again fell behind, with in-form Vanuatu United midfielder William Cardona unsurprisingly to the fore.

The American was fed by Owen Smith and when Cardona's cross was parried by Tomare, Bill Kaltack was on hand to drill the loose ball home from just inside the penalty area.

It was a short-lived lead however, as PNG Hekari responded brilliantly - Joseph Joe making space for himself on the edge of the area and firing towards goal, only for Hassan Ramazani's attempted block to deflect the effort past the helpless Kaloran Firiam in net.

Vanuatu United could and should have restored their lead early in the second period, when Owen Smith had two bites at the cherry from close range, only for Godfrey Haro to make an incredible goal line clearance, somehow keeping the score level.

It would prove vital as moments later, PNG Hekari took the lead. Having won possession deep in their opponents half with their aggressive press, Joseph Joe clipped a cute through ball to Rex Naime and the forward smashed his effort past Firiam for this first of the season.

Lars Hopp's side lifted the tempo considerably as they chased an equaliser but PNG Hekari hold firm to their credit, desperate to get a first win on the board.

Jordy Tasip and Azariah Soromon were brought on by Hopp to inject some attacking intent, as the minutes ticked away. PNG Hekari didn't make things easy for themselves however, as captain Ati Kepo picked up a second yellow card with only a few minutes left - his second red card of the campaign and leaving his side hanging on.

A number of stoppages, including a raft of late yellow cards, meant that 12 minutes of additional time was indicated by the fourth official.

With Vanuatu United pushing for a late equaliser, it would be PNG Hekari to take advantage of the added minutes. Joseph Joe again the creative outlet, winning the ball and releasing Raymond Gunemba - the veteran forward firing past Firiam, who perhaps should have got a stronger hand on the ball.

They held on for a famous win and will look towards building on these first three points.