Vanuatu, Hekari tie in late drama

A late controversial call by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in stoppage time helped Vanuatu United slot a free penalty kick, equalizing a 2-2 margin with PNG Hekari FC in Circuit 2, Round 2, of the OFC Pro League on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby.

With both teams chasing their first win of the season, they showed desperation to bag the 3 competition points. It was a game of two halves, where Vanuatu dominated the first half, and Hekari swung the momentum in the second half, capping off the thrilling match in a grandstand finish.

Vanuatu were on the attacking mode in the first 10 minutes, controlling ball possession and putting Hekari under pressure and trying to dismantle the home side’s defensive line. Vanuatu’s persistence paid off when Bill Kaltack opened the scoring to put the visitors in front with a 1-0 lead.

Hekari shot themselves in the foot with poor ball control and passes, giving more chances to Vanuatu to widen the lead. However, the hosts were given a free penalty kick following John Orobulu’s brave dive that resulted in a yellow card to the Vanuatu player, and midfielder Joseph Joe nailed the kick to level the score at 1-all in the break.

At the resumption, the match turned into a tug-of-war as the two sides showed intent and hunger to stamp their authority. Hekari found their mojo and took things under control, with veteran talisman Raymond Gunemba slotting a corner kick and central defender Erick Joe heading the ball to put Hekari in front for the first time.

Leading the contest 2-1, the MRDC-sponsored franchise had a couple of opportunities to increase their lead but didn’t convert. Hekari defended their lead until the stoppage time, where they were penalized for a hand ball. Vanuatu kicked the penalty goal and ended the match with a 2-2 draw. 

PNG Hekari coach Jerry Allen expressed disappointment in the officiating, saying: “I’m really frustrated, especially in the dying minutes. I don’t know the call from the referee who just gave away our game. But that’s how football is, so we need to be very disciplined and organized. We need to learn and move on.” 

While criticizing the referee and VAR, coach Allen admitted that his men must show discipline and character, adding: “The players need to be disciplined on the field no matter what. I told my boys many times about discipline. That’s our weakness, so we need to improve on that.”

Following the departure of head coach Marcos Gusmao, Allen mentioned that he is prepared to lead the team, stating: “It’s unfortunate that this thing happened during the competition, but it doesn’t affect the team. To take this leadership position, I’m privileged and proud to be here with these boys, and I’m ready to coach them. It’s football, so we just need to move on. We’ll keep learning and moving forward.”

Hekari will welcome their potent forward Ati Kepo after a three-match suspension. However, they will lose their central defender, Erick Joe, who received a red card. Despite the shakeup in the lineup, coach Allen said the players from the bench and on the fringes need to step up their game when given the opportunity to play. 

Additionally, Vanuatu coach Lars Hopp was pleased with the performance, highlighting: “I think it was the same thing we’ve had before. In big parts, a good performance, and also mentally coming back from a goal down in the second half. We need to score more goals. It’s not the first time, and we can’t say it’s a one-off. We have to say we get what we deserve.” 

Coach Hopp also emphasized that the on-field referee and VAR needed to be consistent in their decisions, ensuring that the competition meets professional standards. He described the decisions similar to the weather, saying sometimes the weather would be in your favor and other times it would be against you. 

Meanwhile, PNG Hekari FC will face New Zealand’s South Island United FC on Saturday (February 7th) while Vanuatu United FC will meet South Melbourne FC on Sunday (February 8th).