Hekari urges sharper attack after narrow loss to Solomon Kings

Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Hekari had a challenging start to the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League in Auckland, losing 1-0 to the Solomon Kings at Eden Park on Sunday.

Coach Marcos Gusmão pointed to the side's attacking struggles as the main area for improvement after the match.

Hekari faced multiple setbacks: two first-half penalties were overturned and striker Ati Kepo was shown a red card early in the second half.

PNG played the remaining 40 minutes with 10 men, making it difficult to mount a comeback.

Gusmão told the post-match conference his side struggled to respond after the red card.

“It was a very hard match but we tried… so when we had the number nine with the red card, we had a lot of difficulties going forward to try and score a goal.”

Sota Higashide of the Solomon Kings celebrating after scoring the winning goal against PNG Hekari FC. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Despite the loss, Hekari’s defence held strong. The Solomon Kings were unable to build on their opening goal from Japanese forward Sota Higashide.

Gusmao praised the backline: “I think the positive was the defence. Their midfielders couldn’t get through because our defenders were overloaded.

“But we need to improve our game plan, game system, and train more offensively. We need to train our attackers more so they can come and score goals,” Gusmão says.

PNG Hekari FC vs Solomon Kings in round one of the OFC Pro League. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Number 10 John Orobulu came close to scoring Hekari’s first goal, missing a chance from 12 yards out just before halftime.

Born in Honiara but playing for Papua New Guinea, Orobulu reflected on what it was like to face his native Solomon Islands, with some Kings’ players picking up on his style of play.

“I’d like to say it’s true that my team is the Solomon national team and I’ve come from that level but I’ve come to play for Hekari.

“I tried hard to give my best to win the game but my Solomon team mates know me, so that’s why it was a bit different.”

Orobulu says his team is adjusting to New Zealand’s colder climate, a challenge other teams are facing as well, with Solomon Kings captain Phillip Mango acknowledging the difficulty.

“The weather back home is very hot so we have to acclimatise and adapt to the new environment and it takes time… we came here and knew that New Zealand is very cold so we just have to come and warm ourselves up,” Mango says.

Ati Kepo of PNG Hekari against Solomon Kings during round one of the OFC Pro League at Eden Park.

Hekari now turns their focus to Tahiti United, with the match scheduled for Wednesday.

Orobulu understands the required standard to compete at this level.

“The differences that I have found in OFC competitions and the pro league is that we’ve come as competitive teams in a competitive tournament.

“I’ve found it a little bit different but we’ve learnt that we have to step up in what we are doing.

“I have to keep a good mindset and focus on working together with my team-mates and everything will be ok… I’m looking forward to the next game.”

In other results on Sunday: South Melbourne snatched a 2-1 win over Tahiti United in dramatic last-minute fashion.

Substitute Andrew Mesourounie scored from a free-kick in the final moments to win the match..

The Australians will face the Solomon Kings in their next match. For more information on fixtures and results, click here.