Auckland FC scored twice in stoppage time to break PNG Hekari FC hearts and maintain their 100% record in the OFC Pro League.
It was a meeting of top versus bottom in the league standings, with Auckland FC having won all three of their matches in Round 1, whilst PNG Hekari were yet to pick up a point.
An expectant crowd was on hand to see the country’s first-ever professional football team make their debut but they were treated to a fairly low-key opening half.
Popular forward Raymond Gunemba was making his first start of the campaign and the veteran wasn’t short on energy and endeavour in putting pressure on the Auckland FC backline.
James Bayliss was a threat at the other end and did have the ball in the net, only for the flag to raised for offside. A decision that was eventually confirmed by VAR.
PNG Hekari FC were indebted to goalkeeper Dave Tomare for keeping the scores level heading into the break, making an outstanding double save to twice deny Aiden Carey from close range.
The final act of the half saw referee Jose Cabero brandish a red card to Rex Naime for a late tackle, but VAR was on hand to check and it was downgraded to a yellow.
It was a considerably more energetic start to the second period but chances were still at a premium.
Gunemba found himself in good space on the inside-left channel for PNG Hekari but his well-hit effort was straight at Oscar Mason, who gathered after an initial spill.
At the opposite end, captain Reid Drake had an excellent chance to find the back of the net but his effort from just inside the box was tipped over the ball well by Tomare.
Luke Casserly turned to his bench, with Emiliano Tade and Aston Burns coming on to add more firepower. Tade’s closest effort coming from a free-kick that flashed comfortably over the bar.
It would be another replacement, Bailey Ferguson who would finally find the winning goal for Auckland FC.
The forward reacted first to Aiden Carey’s flick-on following a long throw-in, finishing past Dave Tomare from close range.
The result was put beyond doubt when a handball led to a penalty awarded to the New Zealanders. Emiliano Tade, who scored from the spot against Vanuatu United FC, took the responsibility – sending Tomare the wrong way to make it 2-0.
PNG Hekari FC: 0
Auckland FC: 2 (Bailey FERGUSON 90+2′, Emiliano TADE (P) 90+10′)
HT: 0-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek