THE friendly match between Hekari FC of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Solomon Islands U23 training squad has ended in a two-all draw, Tuesday at the Lawson Tama stadium.
It was a friendly, but both teams clearly came to play.
Solympics were on the front foot early breaking the deadlock half way through the first half when Tigi Molea escaped an off-side trap and eased past Hekari’s custodian for the opening goal.
Hekari had the better of the play with some very good chances up front by Kema Jack but just could not make it past Solympics keeper Philip Mango.
It was Hekari’s captain David Muta who tied the match quickly, with a superb curling free kick a few minutes later.
Hekari extended the lead in the early minutes of the second half when Dennis Ifunaoa finished off a well worked play.
Solympics did not back down from trailing by a goal, instead the pace of play was even faster as they searched of the equalizer.
Their hard work paid off as substitute Joel Panga scored from close range.
He had only been on the field of play for five minutes when he was found unmarked in the box and rifled home a right footed shot ending the match in a 2 – 2 draw.
The match was tough and at times, rough with both squads earning a few yellow cards.
A good number of spectators converged at the stadium to watch the action of the match yesterday.
The match is organized in preparations for both Hekari and the U23’s respective upcoming competitions.
Hekari will feature in the Oceania Clubs’ Champions League while the U23 will represent the country in the Pacific Games in June.
By CARLOS ARUAFU