The hosts had gone ahead on the stroke of halftime through talismanic striker Fenedy Masauvakalo and it looked like that effort would be enough to secure a first-up win as the final whistle approached.
But Hekari’s Kema Jack had other ideas and found the net with one of the last kicks of the game to earn a share of the spoils.
Eroi felt his side dominated the match and was disappointed not to pick up the win that had seemed likely.
“When we were 1-0 up we should have kept the ball better and controlled it inside Hekari’s half,” he said.
“But our boys let them play in the last five minutes and they managed to equalise. I think we have let our faithful fans down to be honest. We were the better team and I am disappointed we didn’t win, we needed to win as we were at home.”
The Solomon Islander did feel some positives could be taken from the match, however.
“We controlled the game and there were plenty of good aspects to our play. But we didn’t create many chances. We dominated and played some good football but failed to score enough goals,” he said.
“It was important for both clubs not to lose. I think this proves Amicale are at the same level as Hekari at the moment. We just need some more time. We are improving and I prefer to have one point than no points.
“It was a tough draw for us but we must move on and focus on our future matches.”
Papua New Guinea side Hekari were without the services of Fijian internationals Maciu Dunadamu, Taniela Waqa and Pita Bolatoga, who are unable to join the squad yet due to club commitments in their homeland. And coach Jerry Allen suffered a further blow in the build-up to the match with the news that key recruit Jean Kaltack will not be able to play a part in the season.
As he is under the age of 18, the Vanuatu international is deemed a minor and is therefore prevented from transferring to an overseas club by FIFA regulations.
Given those setbacks, the coaching staff were happy to have left Vanuatu with a point.
“I am very happy with the result today because we worked hard all afternoon,” assistant coach Witu Mathew said.
“We knew it was not going to be easy because all of our best players were not on the team and we know that Amicale are a good side with some very good players. I am very satisfied with the result but we are not finished yet and have to keep working hard.”
Hekari visit New Zealand in their next O-League outing away to Auckland City on November 19 while Amicale will host Solomon Islanders Koloale on the same day.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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