Galaxy stun defending champs Hienghene Sport

By ROBINSON LEKA
Vanuatu side Galaxy pulled off a 4-1 upset win over defending champions Hienghene Sport in the opener of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions’ League group-A matches in Port Moresby yesterday.
A strong Galaxy outfit, boasting their Brazilian and English imports, proved too classy for their New Caledonian opponents with Brazilian midfielder Roberson Dos Santos Ribiero opening the scores for his side 20 minutes in following a strong build-up through Henry Namatak and Alphonse Lency.
Dazzling footwork from Ribiero saw him beat a number of defenders before setting up Solomon Islands import Gagame Feni to bring their tally to two goals at halftime.
A frustrated Hienghene struggled with the humid conditions following a number of missed passes along with fewer opportunities on goal.
Skipper Bertrand Kai missed a crucial penalty kick midway through the second half while forward Roy Kayara was kept quiet.
Joseph Athale found some luck for his side with the defender converting a penalty kick to open the scoring for Hienghene.
Another notable performance from Galaxy’s English recruit Terence Carter saw the forward blaze through for a third goal and substitute George Wakanumune sealed the match with another in stoppage time.
Galaxy coach Batram Suri was pleased with the result.
“To play against the champions is not easy and we deserve to win as we’ve made use of our opportunities,” he said.
“I’m so proud of my players.”