OFC Pro League: PNG Hekari 0-1 Solomon Kings – Match Recap, Highlights & Standings

Hekari United has a player sent off and loses its opening match to debutant Solomon Kings.

Writer by Sports & News Continental | From New Zealand, OFC

The team coached by Brazilian Marcos Gusmão entered the match with a slight advantage, partly due to its historic history and having already won the OFC Champions League in 2009.

The Solomon Kings' first half was quite honest and competitive for a team making its debut, but it's important to remember that they have several national team players, including their best player, Raphael Lea'i.

The sending off of Ati Kepo in the opening minutes of the second half shook the traditionally strong Hekari United team, making the game more even and balanced, and shortly after, in the 58th minute, Japanese player Higashide made history for the Solomon Islands team.

With Hekari United's disappointing defeat, Ben Cahn's team needs to seek victory in the next round if they want to advance to the next phase, while Junior David's team has started the season in historic fashion.