- Solomon Kings secure crucial win despite red card and rainy condition
BY TONY IROGA
Solomon Kings FC have moved up to third place in the OFC Pro League standings after a narrow 2-1 victory over PNG Hekari FC at Olympic Park in Melbourne yesterday.
Coming off an impressive win against Auckland FC in Round 2, Ben Cahn’s coached side started strongly despite torrential rain making the pitch slippery and challenging.
Japanese attacker Sota Higashide was once again the team’s main attacking threat, scoring one goal and setting up another with his creativity.
Less than 15 minutes in, Higashide made his mark.
Jez Lofthouse’s cross from the left cleared the crowded middle, falling to Higashide, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net.
PNG Hekari tried hard to get back into the game and almost snatched an equaliser through veteran Raymond Gunemba, only for his well-struck effort to hit the underside of the crossbar.
At half-time, PNG Hekari made a goalkeeper change, bringing Dave Tomare on for Nabo Pongi, who appeared to have picked up a knock. But within five minutes of the restart, Tomare was beaten again. Higashide combined with Fordney Junior before squaring a pass for Junior David, who tucked it in from close range to make it 2-0.
The rain returned as the second half wore on.
PNG Hekari finally halved the deficit in the 77th minute when David Supa was adjudged to have handled in the area. Joseph Joe took the penalty and, despite an initial save by Phillip Mango, calmly scored on the rebound.
Solomon Kings’ task became even tougher when Atkin Kaua was shown a red card for violent conduct following a VAR review. Nine minutes of added time gave PNG Hekari a late chance to equalise, but Solomon Kings held firm.
The win secures another important three points for Solomon Kings FC, moving them into third place in the league standings.
Final Score:
Solomon Kings FC 2 (Sota Higashide 13′, Junior David 50′)
PNG Hekari FC 1 (Joseph Joe 77′ pen)
Photo Credit: OFC Media
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