OFC Pro League: Vanuatu United vs PNG Hekari – Match Recap, Highlights & Standings
- Jake Stewart
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
Youngsters Joe and Naime secure the first victory for the
Papua New Guinea team
In a thrilling Circuit 3 encounter, Vanuatu United faced PNG Hekari in Melbourne. The team coached by German Lars Hopp was the favorite in the match.
Article about the previous match(Vanuatu United): https://www.sportsenews.online/post/ofc-pro-league-solomon-kings-vs-vanuatu-united-match-recap-highlights-standings
Article about the previous match(PNG Hekari):
Match Report
PNG Hekari 3x1 Vanuatu United – OFC Pro League 2026 | Circuit 3
Venue: The Home of Matildas, Melbourne(Australia)
Attendance: 400
Date & Time: 2/28/2026
Goals: Joe (32'), Kaltack (30'), Naime (51'), Gunemba (90+2')
First Half
The first half clearly saw pressure on the PNG Hekari team, the only one yet to win in the tournament, and the pressure increased when, in the 30th minute, the Vanuatu team opened the scoring with Kaltack. Luckily for the Solomon Islands coach, Jerry Allen, the young prospect Joseph Joe equalized shortly afterwards in the 32nd minute.
Second Half
The second half began with a quick goal in the 52nd minute when young player Rex Naime turned the game around for PNG Hekari, bringing hope for the team's first victory in the championship. This hope was definitively realized when, in the dying moments of the game, Papua New Guinea's star player, Raymond Gunemba, sealed the 3-1 victory, securing the team's first win in the OFC Pro League 2026.
Standings and next round
Vanuatu United remains in fourth position and the last qualifying spot due to the number of goals scored, and will face South Melbourne on March 15th in Honiara, while PNG Hekari, which is at the bottom of the table, will face Tahiti United on March 3rd in Melbourne.
Watch all matches live:
Watch the highlights on YouTube:
Detailed information from the federation:
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