Hekari fail to advance despite win over Galaxy

By ROBINSON LEKA
HEKARI United missed out on a spot in the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League quarterfinals despite the hosts claiming a 2-1 win over Galaxy in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Hekari needed to score three goals or more to go through to the knockouts but Galaxy, who now advance to the quarterfinals with group winners Eastern Suburbs, were resolute in defence.
The Sir John Guise Stadium clash saw a tight first-half contest with Hekari dominating possession but were poor in their finishes.
The return of David Muta in the midfield alongside Brazilian Vinicius Kryzozun saw a commanding stance in the game
However, continued pressure from Galaxy saw the veteran skipper succumb to an ongoing knee injury early in the game. Muta’s replacement Wilson Giasuau offered great support to his teammates as both sides went into halftime scoreless.
In the second half, a revitalised Hekari saw Ati Kepo score two goals in 20 minutes after a strong build-up from skipper Koriak Upaiga, Kryzozun and Giasuau.
But a late Galaxy comeback saw Bong Kalo score with Solomon Islander Gagame Feni and Brazilian Robberson Dos Santos Ribiero orchestrating the visitors’ attack.
Despite missing out on the quarterfinals, Hekari coach Jerry Allen said the win was deserved for the team and their supporters.
“We wanted to win and give back to the people,” he said.
“If we want to go back into the Champions League stronger, we have to do well in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League.”