Match Day 2 will wrap up tomorrow when Waitakere United host Fiji’s Ba at Fred Taylor Park at 3:00pm after last weekend’s other Group A match between Mont-Dore and Tefana, which ended 1-1.
Second half goals to Manel Exposito and Emiliano Tade at Kiwitea Street were enough for City to see off the 2010 title holders, who now sit third in the group with one point.
Coach Ramon Tribulietx was happy to make it two wins from two but gave full credit to a well-organised Hekari side.
“It was definitely a tough test for us. They’re a very good team and you can tell that they won the competition two years ago and have the experience of playing at a Club World Cup,” said Tribulietx.
Opportunities were at a premium in the first half as the home side battled into a strong wind. Exposito hit the side netting in the 10th minute but it was on the half hour mark that he should have opened the scoring when City earned a penalty courtesy of a Pita Bolatoga handball. But the Spanish born striker could only hit the ball straight at Leslie Kalai, who then saved Albert Riera’s follow-up shot from a tight angle.
Hekari’s best chance came in the 35th minute when Taniela Waqa’s long range strike sailed just over the crossbar.
After a goalless first-half, the visitors had appeals for a penalty turned down shortly after the break when Ian Hogg made a strong challenge on Maciu Dunadamu inside the box.
The defending champions were spurred into life and found the breakthrough on 49 minutes when Exposito made up for his earlier miss, curling a delightful shot around the out-stretched Kalai from the edge of the area.
The match was evenly poised heading into the final 20 minutes but a mistake by Hekari substitute Ian Yanum let in Emiliano Tade who took his chance well from 25 yards.
Hekari were denied another penalty claim before Dunadamu’s 83rd minute strike was somehow deflected away by All Whites defender Ivan Vicelich.
Coach Jerry Allen was left to ponder what might have been.
“I think we were close to getting a penalty and that would have put us right back in it,” said Allen. “But overall I’m happy with the performance, and I’m confident we can win the return match back in Port Moresby next year.”
In a game with few chances, Tribulietx says he was pleased to secure the three points.
“The first half I think we dominated the game but didn’t really threaten. The second half they were probably the better team but we concentrated on defending and were fortunate to get those two goals, so at the end of the day it’s a good win.”
Meanwhile Amicale got off to a flyer at PVL Stadium in Port Vila with a 3rd minute goal to Waroi, who latched on to Alick Maemae’s cross to slot the ball past Shadrack Ramoni from 10 yards.
The Solomon star hit the bar 12 minutes later and was proving to be a handful for Koloale’s defense along with compatriot Maemae and 2011 Golden Boot winner Fenedy Masauvakalo.
At the other end, Amicale did well to contain strikers Benjamin Totori and Joses Nawo who were left with few opportunities in the match.
Waroi doubled the lead with his close range effort on 53 minutes after nice build up play by Masauvakalo and Gibson Daudau.
A direct free-kick from Maemae crashed against the crossbar midway through the second half as the home side continued to assume control.
The 2-0 win leaves Amicale on four points following their draw with Hekari three weeks ago while Koloale are reeling after two straight defeats.
Koloale will travel away to Hekari on the 3rd of December for Match Day 3 while Auckland City and Amicale have a break until the 18th of January to allow Tribulietx’s side to focus on the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan next month.
Mont-Dore vs Tefana Summary click here
Amicale vs Koloale Summary click here
Auckland City vs Hekari United Summary click here
For the full shedule and results click here

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