A goal in stoppage-time has given PNG Hekari FC their second win of the OFC Pro League, defeating second-placed South Melbourne FC 2-1 in Ba, Fiji.
With the match PNG Hekari’s last of match of the regular OFC Pro League season, Jerry Allen’s men were determined to finish their stint in Fiji on a high. However a win for South Melbourne FC would strengthen their stance in the top-two, with South Island United chasing closely behind.
Under the sweltering conditions in Ba, it took eight minutes for the breakthrough as PNG Hekari FC’s Lekima Gonerau struck a sensational goal from long range, giving his side their first goal of Round 5.
Gonerau’s strike came immediately after the match was flipped on its head, when a VAR review saw South Melbourne FC’s Alex Menelaou given a red card in the seventh minute, leaving the Hellas’ down to ten men.
Their opponents didn’t let the foot off the brake firing several shots towards Jake Charlston’s goal and holding most of the possession for the half with persistent attacking pressure, but the ten men held firm.
Ishveer Singh went close for the Australian side when he controlled the ball in open space and whipped a shot towards the far post, while Aaron Cocks later fired a powerful strike that sailed over the crossbar.
Both teams started brightly in the second-half, with South Melbourne making three changes at half-time, including bringing on Marco Jankovic, who lifted his team with a goal in the 58th minute. The equaliser came through a neat set-piece play as Jankovic nodded home from a corner to bring his side level.
PNG Hekari’s Logan Biwa broke into open space on the counter and found himself one-on-one with the keeper, but his shot sailed wide, with the offside flag saving his blushes. PNG Hekari had a few more promising chances but lacked the finishing touch, while South Melbourne continued to push for a winner – forcing goalkeeper Biasu into a few brilliant saves.
Jerry Allen’s men remained persistent, with substitute Ati Kepo scoring the winner in stoppage-time, beating the defence and hurdling over the keeper to calmly finish and seal the result for his team.
The win sees PNG Hekari claim their second win of the OFC Pro League, and will now prepare for their campaign in the Challengers Group in New Zealand, while South Melbourne FC move to 23 points, with one game to spare in Fiji against Tahiti United before the league splits.
