Assistant Coach happy with Hekari’s performance

PNG Hekari FC tasted their third consecutive loss after going down to Auckland FC with a 2-0 scoreline in Circuit 2, Round 1, of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Professional League on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at Port Moresby’s Santos National Football Stadium (SNFS).

South Melbourne FC routed Hekari 5-0 last weekend to cap off Circuit 1 of the elite competition. However, Hekari rebounded and delivered a strong performance against the ladder leaders, Auckland FC, over the weekend, nearly pulling off an upset.

With a home ground advantage and humid conditions, the MRDC-backed club rose to the challenge and put the high-flying New Zealand-based team under immense pressure, pushing the match to additional time and losing with their heads held high.

Despite the result, Hekari have shown improvement, with assistant coach Jerry Allen praising the players: “I would like to give credit to my boys. We worked hard during the week, knowing that Auckland is a strong team. We came determined, and fought until the final whistle, so I’m proud of their performance.” 

After losing two matches, Hekari made a slight change by bringing in talisman Raymond Gunemba to the starting lineup against Auckland, and switching a few positions at the backline and in the front, which almost proved decisive. 

Coach Allen noted that they needed to go back to the drawing board, work on their strengths and weaknesses, and adjust their game plan, as Hekari are the only team yet to register a win in the competition after four impressive rounds. 

The Solomon Islander mentor expressed confidence in the team, believing that his men will bounce back in the winner’s circle when they meet Vanuatu United at 3:30 pm tomorrow (04 February 2026) at SNFS.