OFC Pro League 2026: Stoppage-time pain for Hekari as Pacific rivals battle in Port Moresby

Weekend football in Papua New Guinea (PNG) brought pride, fight, and late heartbreak, as Pacific teams stood tall against tough opposition in Round Two of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League.

PNG's Hekari FC pushed unbeaten Auckland FC all the way under the Port Moresby lights, only to be undone by two stoppage-time goals.

Earlier, Vanuatu United and Tahiti United played out a lively 2-2 draw in heavy heat and humidity.

Hekari hold firm, then heartbreak

Playing at home as the country’s first professional club, PNG Hekari showed belief and discipline against a side that had won all three matches in Round One in Auckland.

The first half was cautious but competitive. Raymond Gunemba, making his first start of the season, brought energy up front and pressed Auckland’s defence.

At the other end, Auckland had the ball in the net through James Bayliss, but VAR confirmed an offside decision.

Hekari goalkeeper Dave Tomare was outstanding, producing a brilliant double save to deny Aiden Carey from close range and keep the scores level at the break.

A late red card shown to Rex Naime was overturned after a VAR check, lifting the home crowd.

The second half opened up, with chances at both ends. Gunemba found space on the left but fired straight at Auckland keeper Oscar Mason, while Tomare again impressed by tipping over a close-range effort from Auckland captain Reid Drake.

Despite the home advantage, PNG Hekari could not overcome Auckland FC in Port Moresby on Saturday. Photo/OFC Pro League

As the match moved into stoppage time, Hekari looked set to earn a valuable point. Instead, cruel late drama followed.

Substitute Bailey Ferguson reacted quickest to a long throw, finishing from close range to give Auckland the lead.

Moments later, a handball led to a penalty, which Emiliano Tade calmly converted to seal a 2-0 win and keep Auckland’s perfect record intact.

For Hekari, the result was harsh after a brave performance that deserved more.

Auckland players celebrate their win over PNG Hekari. Photo/OFC Pro League

Island clash ends level

Earlier at Santos National Football Stadium, Vanuatu United and Tahiti United shared the points in an open and attacking contest.

Both teams were searching for their first win of the competition, and the opening half was scrappy.

Tahiti United struck first against the run of play, Germain Haewegene finishing well after a turnover in midfield.

Vanuatu responded before the break, Owen Smith confidently converting a penalty after Alex Saniel was fouled in the area.

Vanuatu United and Tahiti United battled to a 2-2 draw in hot and humid conditions at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday. Photo/OFC Pro League

The second half burst into life. Tahiti captain Teaonui Tehau slipped through the defence to restore his side’s lead, but it lasted only minutes.

William Cardona scored a goal after a goalkeeping error to bring Vanuatu level with his second goal of the season.

As the heat took its toll, the pace slowed late on and both sides settled for a point - a fair result after a match full of effort and intent.

While wins remain hard to come by, the matches in Port Moresby showed the strength, resilience and growing confidence of Pacific teams competing on home soil.