A Teaonui Tehau penalty in the sixteenth minute of stoppage time rescued a point for Tahiti United as they came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with PNG Hekari FC at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Both teams were eager for a victory, and having tasted defeat in their previous fixtures , coaches Jerry Allen and Samuel Garcia were keen to rebound with a positive result – though Tahiti United took some confidence into the match after winning the last encounter between the sides.
It was Garcia’s side who put the pressure on early in the first-half, threatening out wide through Mathis Lacan and Matéo Degrumelle whose efforts led Tahiti United to fire their first chances at goal.
Their opponents though held firm in their defensive efforts despite being on the back-foot for much of the first-half.
With Tahiti United’s pressure mounting, PNG Hekari made the few moments they had in their opponent’s final third count. Just over twenty minutes were on the clock when the breakthrough came against the run of play. Joseph Joe whipping in a wicked corner that floated over everyone, including goalkeeper Jackson Gardner and nestled in the far corner.
They were unable to hold on until the break though. Manuarii Shan levelling for Tahiti United from their own corner, guiding in a header at the near post deep into first-half stoppage time.
Both sides pushed for the winner in the second-half, with John Orobulu and Rex Naime working hard for PNG Hekari. Naime in particular was a menace for the Tahiti United defence with his pace a constant threat in behind their backline.
Tahiti United introduced a number of substitutes in the second period, including New Caledonian international Germain Haewegene to inject some energy up front – linking well with Teaonui Tehau to threaten Dave Tomare’s goal.
It was PNG Hekari however who would find what appeared to be the winner, with Rex Naime’s persistence up front paying off. The pacey forward took advantage of good work by Logan Biwa to win the ball high up the field, before Naime danced his way into the area and prodded an effort past Gardner.
Jerry Allen’s side seemed destined to secure a much-needed victory but were denied right at the death. Tehau was clipped in the box and after a VAR check, referee Calvin Berg awarded a spot-kick.
Tehau himself stepped up and confidently rifled his effort into the top corner past Tomare, to ensure a share of the spoils and what could prove to be a valuable point in Tahiti United’s top four hopes.
PNG Hekari FC: 2 (Joseph JOE 22′, Rex NAIME 86′)
Tahiti United FC: 2 (Manuarii SHAN 45+5′, Teaonui TEHAU (P) 90+16′)
HT: 1-1
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek