Hekari displayed exciting brand of football

HEKARI United might not have advanced to this year’s knockout stages of the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League but they scored some thrilling goals in Group A.
Playing in front of their home fans at the Papua New Guinea Football Stadium in Port Moresby, the 2010 winners displayed an exciting brand of football.
Kolu Kepo’s finish against New Zealand’s Eastern Suburbs was one for the highlight reel and Ati Kepo’s goal against Vanuatu’s Galaxy was also a cracker.
Group A proved to be a topsy-turvy one that came down to the final match where a range of outcomes were on the table regarding who would advance to the next stage.
Suburbs went through the group unbeaten to earn a home quarterfinal when the competition resumes following the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Galaxy finished second on goal difference ahead of Hekari.
“Overall, we are happy,” Eastern Suburbs coach Tony Readings said after their final pool game.
“We do feel like we have grown in each game and very pleased to progress from this tough group. It’s fantastic for us.
“This is the first time for us in this tournament. I think everyone knew this was the toughest group so to get out of this is amazing for us.”
Reid Drake’s goal for Suburbs against Hienghene Sport was one of the best and it exemplified the competitiveness of the pool that the defending champions finished last in the group.
While he didn’t feature in the highlights video, Eastern Suburbs striker Martin Bueno scored six goals in three pool games, a remarkable strike rate. – OFC