The match, kicking off at 3pm in Port Moresby, promises to be a tense encounter between two teams that a desperate for a win.
This Saturday’s scenario sees Hekari needing to win to stay in contention with Group B’s two top teams Tafea and Lautoka, while Marist FC simply must win in order to keep alive a mathematical chance of finals qualification.
The Papua New Guineans, previously known as Hekari Souths, were the surprise package of the 2008/09 O-League as they missed finals qualification by goal differential. But so far this O-League season Hekari have been something of an enigma with inconsistent form.
On current standings, Hekari sits third in Group B with 1 point after a 3-3 draw in round one against Tafea FC in Port Vila, Vanuatu. They then followed that with a surprise 2-1 loss to Lautoka FC in Port Moresby. Marist on the other hand have lost against Lautoka 1-3 and Tafea FC 0-2 in Honiara.
According to assistant coach Tommy Mana “anything can happen in football” and Hekari are determined to win so that they can get back on track in the O-League championship.
“The coaching team has identified their weaknesses in the previous game against Lautoka and will improve on it,” Mana stated at a press conference on Thursday.
Marist FC’s coaching staff acknowledged they know that both teams are well prepared for this game and that it is a must-win situation for both in order to stay alive in the O-League challenge.
“There were a few ups and downs that the team has faced so far and they are learning from them and are adamant that they will try their best to win,” declared Marist coach Patrick Miniti.
Miniti candidly acknowledged that some of his players had let the team down with discipline issues at home in the Solomon Islands. The visiting coach has injury clouds hanging over three players that he considers 50/50 prospects to play on Saturday.
All National Soccer League matches in Port Moresby have been postponed due to the O-League match.
Hekari United FC (PNG) vs Marist FC (FIJ) Saturday 5 December, Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium
Match day squads:
Hekari United: 20. Gure GABINA (GK), 2. Lorima DAU, 4. Cyril MUTA, 5. Brian TUHIANA, 7. Benjamin MELA, 8. Michael FOSTER, 9. Tuimasi MANUCA, 11. Joachim WAROI, 12. David MUTA, 13. Andrew LEPANI, 15. Charles PARANDA, 17. Kema JACK, 18. Eric KOMENG, 19. Koriak UPAIGA, 23. Samuel KINI, 25. Richard MAMA, 27. Desmond WALUKA (GK), 30. Pita BALEITOGA
Coach: Jerry ALLEN (SOL)
Marist FC: 1. Michael KOUMA (GK), 2. Chrisanto MISIGA, 4. Emmanuel POILA, 5. David HOUPERE, 6. Michael PATITI, 7. Joseph LANI, 8. John WAYNE, 9. Abraham INIGA, 11. Commins MENAPI, 12. Clifford HUTA, 14. Tutizama TANITO, 16. Martin RUHASIA, 18. Tolei Ini KOPURIA, 19. Johan Firisi DOIWALE, 20. Navusu KITU (GK), 21. Charlie TANIRO
Coach: Patrick MINITI (SOL)
Courtesy of PNGFA Media