A penalty late into stoppage time has denied PNG Hekari FC their first of the season, as Vanuatu United FC fought back for a 2-2 draw.
Having lost all three of their OFC Pro League matches so far and with head coach Marcos Gusmão resigning, the home side were up against it in their bid to kick start a faltering campaign.
The challenge became even more daunting after just twelve minutes, when Vanuatu United FC took the lead. Erick Joe put in an excellent tackle following a cross from the right, but the ball fell kindly for Bill Kaltack, who expertly curled his effort into the far corner.
Lars Hopp’s side looked to press home their advantage, dominating much of the early running as they looked to double their advantage.
PNG Hekari FC were thrown a wonderful chance to level however, when John Orobulu burst into the area, only to be brought down by Vanuatu United captain Michel Coulon.
Referee Ben Aukwai pointed to the spot and Joseph Joe took responsibility for the spot-kick, confidently stroking the ball into the top corner to equalise.
At the other end, Dave Tomare was on hand to make a smart safe, denying Jordy Tasip from putting Vanuatu United back in front.
The turnaround was complete twelve minutes into the second period when Erick Joe gave PNG Hekari FC a crucial lead. The defender flying through the air to connect with an excellent corner from Raymond Gunemba and putting his side in front.
They pushed for a third to try and kill the game, but with a final product lacking, Matt Acton in the Vanuatu United goal was largely untroubled.
Owen Smith came closest for Vanuatu United, crashing a free-kick off the crossbar from the edge of the box
PNG Hekari FC’s failure to grab that third goal would come back them haunt them. In stoppage time, defender Lekima Gonerau handled the ball on the line, giving Vanuatu United a chance to level from the spot.
Erick Joe was shown a second yellow card for his protests, reducing his side to ten men.
Owen Smith, as he had done against Tahiti United at the weekend, stepped up and confidently converted to make it 2-2.
Some crumbs of comfort for PNG Hekari FC, in that they finally secured their first point and goals of the season, but the late nature of the equaliser will be tough to take.
PNG Hekari FC: 2 (Joseph JOE 33′, Erick JOE 57′)
Vanuatu United FC: 2 (Bill KALTACK 12′, Owen SMITH (P) 90+14′)
HT: 1-1
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek