A stoppage-time penalty cruelly denied PNG Hekari FC their first win of the season, as Vanuatu United FC rallied late to secure a dramatic 2–2 draw.
Winless in their opening three OFC Pro League fixtures and reeling from the resignation of head coach Marcos Gusmão, PNG Hekari FC entered the contest under pressure. Their task became even tougher just 12 minutes in when Vanuatu United struck first to take a 1–0 lead. Erick Joe initially made a strong challenge to intercept a cross from the right, but the ball fell kindly to Bill Kaltack, who curled a superb finish into the far corner.
Lars Hopp’s side seized the momentum and controlled much of the early exchanges as they searched for a second goal.
PNG Hekari FC were handed a lifeline when John Orobulu burst into the penalty area and was brought down by Vanuatu United captain Michel Coulon. Referee Ben Aukwai immediately pointed to the spot, and Joseph Joe calmly dispatched the penalty into the top corner to make it 1–1.
At the other end, goalkeeper Dave Tomare produced a fine save to deny Jordy Tasip and prevent Vanuatu United from restoring their lead.
The visitors completed the turnaround 12 minutes into the second half. Erick Joe rose highest to meet Raymond Gunemba’s pinpoint corner, powering his header home to put PNG Hekari FC 2–1 ahead.
Hekari pushed for a third goal to put the contest beyond doubt, but a lack of cutting edge in the final third meant Vanuatu United goalkeeper Matt Acton remained largely untested. Owen Smith went closest for the hosts, rattling the crossbar with a fierce free kick from the edge of the area.
That missed opportunity proved costly. Deep into stoppage time, defender Lekima Gonerau was penalized for handling the ball on the goal line, handing Vanuatu United a chance to rescue a point. Erick Joe was shown a second yellow card for his protests, leaving PNG Hekari FC with ten men.
Owen Smith stepped up — as he had against Tahiti United earlier in the week — and confidently converted the penalty to make it 2–2.
While PNG Hekari FC can take some solace from claiming their first point and goals of the season, conceding so late will be a bitter pill to swallow.
