Kiwis ease past champs Hienghene to top group

NEW Zealand’s Eastern Suburbs topped group A of the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League with a 4-0 win over Hienghene Sport in Port Moresby on Saturday.
A stronger Eastern Suburbs outfit managed to outclass a young Hienghene side after changes in their line-up with key player and skipper Betrand Kai missing out due to injury.
The New Zealanders proved too classy for defending champions Hienghene with Martin Bueno scoring a double and teammates Adam Thurston and Reid Drake bagging a goal each.
Despite being held scoreless, the champions were able to coordinate their attack with Joseph Athale and Amy Antoine Roine leading Hienghene throughout the match.
The win saw Eastern Suburbs top group A while Galaxy secured second spot despite their 1-2 loss to hosts Hekari United.
Eastern Suburbs coach Tony Reading told The National that it was a tough group, however, he was happy with the outcome.
“We’re really happy with the performance and the results,” he said.
“It’s been a tough group so we’re happy to finish unbeaten.
“We have some big matches back in our local league so it’s going to be another tough task ahead for us.”