Hekari’s chances slimmer after draw

By PARKER TAMBUA
HEKARI United’s hope of reaching the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League quarterfinals were dealt another blow after defending champions Hienghene Sport fought back to force a 2-2 draw with the group-A hosts at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
To progress to the next stage, the former OFC champions need to beat an in-form Galaxy outfit by more than four goals and hope Eastern Suburbs win or draw their match against Hienghene on Saturday.
Despite the hosts leading 2-1 for most part of the second half, it was Hienghene’s Joseph Athale who prevented Hekari from winning when he scored in the dying stages to level the scores at 2-2 after United defenders conceded a penalty.
The visitors scored first early in the game through Roy Kayara to lead 1-0.
After a number of poor finishes, Hekari eventually levelled the scores at 1-1 courtesy of their Brazilian imports with Viniciuis Kryzozun crossing for Eric Joe to score.
Kryzozun scored from the penalty spot a minute out from halftime to give the hosts a 2-1 lead after a handball from Hienghene inside the box.