OFC Pro League: PNG's Hekari outclassed by South Melbourne FC

PNG Hekari FC were put under early pressure at North Harbour Stadium, with South Melbourne FC scoring twice inside the opening seven minutes to take firm control of the match.

Missing suspended striker Ati Kepo, Hekari head coach Marcos Gusmão made two changes to his starting side, bringing in Rex Naime and Kasum Gabriel.

South Melbourne coach Sinisa Cohadzic also rotated his line-up, handing Jordan Swibel his first start of the competition.

After being frustrated for long periods in their opening match against Tahiti United, South Melbourne started with greater intent this time.

Their early pressure paid off when Tommy Giannakopoulos headed home from a Jack Painter-Andrews cross, before Swibel doubled the lead moments later by guiding Yuki Uchida’s delivery into the net.

Hekari responded with determination and created a couple of chances of their own.

Naime headed narrowly wide from a free kick, while John Orobulu fired a long-range effort off target, but the PNG champions were unable to find a way past the South Melbourne defence.

Just before half-time, South Melbourne added a third. Max Mikkola turned in a cross from the left, with the goal initially ruled out before VAR confirmed it.

The pattern continued after the break, with South Melbourne exploiting space across Hekari’s back line.

The Australians celebrate their emphatic win over Hekari FC. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Swibel struck again when he chased down a long ball and finished low past goalkeeper Dave Tomare to make it 4-0.

There was a brief setback for the Australian side just after the hour mark when goalkeeper Ilia Shalamanov-Trenkova was forced off following a head knock. He was replaced by Jake Charlston.

Swibel was withdrawn with 20 minutes remaining to prepare for the next round, while Hekari continued to battle despite the scoreline.

Tomare was called into action again late on, first saving from substitute James Lackay, then conceding a penalty after colliding with Jack Pope while attempting to punch clear.

Nahuel Bonada struck the crossbar from the spot, but quickly made amends by scoring moments later after winning the ball inside the penalty area to complete the scoring.

Photo/OFC Media

South Melbourne FC now sit second on the OFC Pro League table with six points from two matches and travel to Papua New Guinea for the next round in confident form.

PNG Hekari FC return home still seeking their first point of the competition.

Round two of the OFC Pro League kicks off in Port Moresby on 31 January. For more details, click here.