PNG Hekari United FC were just minutes away from securing their first win of the inaugural OFC Pro League before a late penalty saw them settle for a draw on Tuesday.

A controversial handball in the closing stages of the match by Hekari defender Lekima Gonerau, following a VAR intervention, resulted in Vanuatu United being awarded a penalty. The spot kick was calmly converted as Vanuatu salvaged a 2–2 draw.

The match also marked Jerry Allan’s first game in charge of the PNG champions. The Solomon Islander took over as interim coach following the resignation of the club’s Brazilian head coach earlier this week.

Speaking after the match, Allan expressed disappointment with the result but praised his players for their effort in earning the club’s first point of the competition.

“I thank my boys. They worked really hard and we wanted to get the win, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. At least we got our first point on the table,” Allan said.

Vanuatu United opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Bill Kaltack, whose outside-foot strike sailed past Hekari goalkeeper Dave Tomare and into the back of the net.

Just as Vanuatu looked set to take the lead into halftime, a through ball from Raymond Gunemba released John Orobulu on goal. Orobulu was brought down inside the box, earning Hekari a penalty. The incident also forced Orobulu to be substituted.

Joseph Joe made no mistake from the spot, scoring Hekari’s equaliser and their first-ever goal in the OFC Pro League.

In the 57th minute, Hekari took the lead when a corner delivery from Gunemba found Brazilian defender Eric Joe, who guided the ball into the net to make it 2–1.

With the hosts seemingly on course for victory, a defensive misclearance late in the match led to a Vanuatu header goalward. Gonerau handled the ball on the goal line, resulting in a penalty for the visitors. Eric Joe was also shown a red card in the aftermath.

Owen Smith converted the penalty to ensure both sides shared the spoils at full time.

“We just need to be disciplined, that’s the key. I told the boys many times, and that’s one thing that let us down today,” Allan added.

Despite the result, Allan said he was pleased with the fighting spirit and attitude shown by his players.

Meanwhile, Jerry Allan and his Hekari side will wrap up their second-round circuit this Saturday when they face South Island United.

By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR