Hekari survive scare

By PARKER TAMBUA
COMPETITION leaders Hekari United survived a scare from Tusbab Stallions to win 2-1 in a thriller in Port Moresby on Saturday.
The round five Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League fixture at the PNG Football Stadium saw newcomers Stallions compete on even terms with the giants of PNG soccer.
The match looked headed for a 1-1 draw until the final minute of play which saw Hekari legend Koriak Upaiga slot the match winner from a penalty.
The PNG international used his experience to curve the ball around Stallions fence of five which caught goal-keeper Leehan Manasseh off guard.
The win sees the Reds maintain top place in the competition as well as their unbeaten run.
Hekari opened the scoring through Patrick Aisa in the seventh minute off a cross by Samoan Vito Laloata in his debut for the club.
From that point on Stallions played to their strength which was up tempo football feeding off their raucous fans.
Despite dominating possession Hekari could not post another goal thanks to some great scrambling defence led by Nigel Malagian and Daren Polly
Stallions also created several chances themselves but were kept in check by Hekari’s Daniel Joe, Michael Foster and Upaiga.
Stahl Gubag tapped in a cross from Papulau Awele for the visitors’ response which looked to boost the Rachael Wadunah-coached side.
Wadunah said despite her side’s defeat the team was proud of their performance.
“We are proud of our performance, we matched Hekari all over the park,” she said.
“We will build on this going forward in the season.”