Solomon Kings stun Auckland FC as Port Moresby delivers a weekend of drama

Under the fierce Port Moresby sun, Solomon Kings FC sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they are real contenders.

Solomon Kings produced their best performance of the season to beat Auckland FC 3-1, inflicting a first loss on the New Zealand side and lifting themselves into the top three of the table.

Much was made before kick-off of the league’s two strongest defences going head-to-head, but it was Solomon Kings who took control early.

The conditions appeared to suit the Islanders, with Auckland FC struggling to match the tempo and movement of Ben Cahn’s side.

Sota Higashide was at the heart of almost everything good for Solomon Kings. Along with Junior David, he tested Auckland goalkeeper Blake Callinan in the opening minutes, forcing the young keeper into a sharp early save.

The breakthrough came when Higashide’s clever flick struck the hand of Daniel Normann in the area.

The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and Higashide calmly chipped the penalty straight down the middle to give Solomon Kings a deserved lead.

Just before half-time, the advantage was doubled. Higashide again found space, slipping into the box and delivering a low cross that Bobby Leslie met from close range, poking the ball under Callinan to make it 2-0.

Auckland FC made changes at the break, but the pattern of the match did not shift. Solomon Kings continued to move the ball quickly and with confidence, and the third goal soon followed.

Sota Higashide pulls the strings for Solomon Kings FC during a dominant performance in the Port Moresby heat. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Higashide lifted a perfectly judged pass over the defence for Jez Lofthouse, who brought it down neatly and finished from close range.

The midfielder came close to adding another moments later, crashing a long-range effort against the post as Solomon Kings pushed to finish the contest early.

Auckland FC kept working and were rewarded late on when Emiliano Tade set up Liam Gillion. The goal was first ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision to give the visitors a consolation.

Despite the defeat, Auckland FC remain top of the table. Solomon Kings climb to third, level on points with South Melbourne FC, and with growing belief.

Earlier, South Island United claimed a last-gasp 2-1 win over PNG Hekari FC, despite finishing the match with 10 men.

Ryan Feutz put South Island United ahead from the penalty spot before the break, but the home crowd erupted early in the second half when John Orobulu levelled the score.

After captain Christian Gray was sent off late on, PNG Hekari looked set to push for a winner.

Instead, substitute Rovu Boyers struck deep into stoppage time, turning home from close range to seal a vital three points.

South Island United move into the top four, while PNG Hekari FC remain bottom heading into Round 3 - a tough reminder of how fine the margins are in Pacific football.

Sunday's matches see South Melbourne take on Vanuatu United, followed by Tahiti Utd and Bula FC.

For more details on the tournament, click here.