Semmy stirs up Oceania football

 POWERFUL performances from Hekari United striker Tommy Semmy during the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League has put him on the regional radar.

The Papua New Guinea international has made an impact in his first experience on the regional stage.

The 20-year-old scored a brilliant individual goal in his competition debut against Tafea on April 12, collecting the ball inside his own half before showing a superb turn of pace to blast one home. Despite the attention of three defenders, he just grew further and further into the distance before smashing home, the focal point of a 3-2 victory over the Vanuatu side which put Hekari in contention for a berth in the last four.

After making a name for himself playing village football in Morobe, Semmy played with Besta United, the PNGFA’s U20 side for two seasons from 2013 before moving to the eight-time national champions this season.

Since then, he has made a string of appearances for the national U20 side, while making his senior debut last October against the Philippines.

Despite his pedigree, and the growing target on his back, Semmy said that he did not feel the pressure as Hekari went in search of a first knockout appearance in the Champions League since winning the tournament in 2010.

“It’s not too much pressure, I just go out and play,” Semmy said. “It doesn’t stress me.”