Hekari, who are Papua New Guinea’s O-League representative, beat Morobe 3-0 at the weekend to open a three points gap on the NSL points table.
In the other action, CMSS Tigers from Port Moresby drew 1-1 with home team Niugini Builders Tukoko University while Port Moresby’s Eastern Stars edged out Esi Loan University 3-2.
Following the feature match, Hekari’s team management attributed the win to club owner, and late Sir Kapi Natto, who passed away two weeks ago.
It had been a difficult start for Hekari, with Morobe showing power and enthusiasm in defence.
Shots by Morobe winger Hans Mambare and striker Eliud Fugere in the first 20 minutes boosted the home side as they enjoyed plenty of possession inside Hekari territory.
But Hekari fought back in the latter stages of the half and were rewarded with a goal to utility Jack Kema who connected with a corner kick from Solomon Islands import Benjamin Mela.
Minutes later, Bole Tonga doubled Hekari’s lead after latching onto a rebound from a powerful free kick attempt by Mela.
Hekari took control of the match from that point with superb ball control and gave no opportunities away to Morobe.
In the final stages of the first half, Tonga capitalised from another corner kick by Mela heading the ball into the back of the net for his second, and the team’s third goal.
Hekari continued their dominance in the second half with strong performances from Mela, Kema, Bolatoga, Tuimasi Manula, Abraham Enoch and goalkeeper Gure Gabina.
Story and photo courtesy PNGFA Media.