PNG HEKARI FC FIRST LOSS TO SOLOMON KINGS; VETERAN STRIKER KEPO RECEIVES RED CARD
Pictures supplied by OFC Media
PNG Hekari FC made a disappointing 1-0 loss to the Solomon Kings in their opening match of the OFC Pro league campaign yesterday in Eden Park.
The game was tightly contested in the first 45 minutes, with both teams locked in at nil all at halftime.
Solomon Kings came back in the second half to push the ball forward into the goalmouth of the PNG Hekari FC.
With the 1 goal, Solomon Kings defended their goal with passion despite several attempts by the experienced PNG Hekari striker, Raymond Gunemba.
PNG Hekari FC’s next game is against Tahiti United on Wednesday 21st January
Meantime, PNG Hekari FC opened the first game of the OFC Pro League campaign with a 10 men squad and a violent conduct.
Making their debut in Oceania’s first ever professional league, Ati Kepo, PNG veteran striker received a yellow card for lashing out on Solomon King’s Bobbie Leslie in the opening minutes of the second half.
However, Referee Veer Singh upgraded the yellow card to red after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check showed Kepo hand made connection with Leslie’s face.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game (Law 12), this action is classified as Violent Conduct.
Coach Marcos Guzmao told media that what was seen on the field of play was not what they had been practicing for the past months.
He said the results were not as expected but he was proud of the performance of the defenders.
