Galaxy needs some adjustments while Hienghène needs to reset their game plan

The Oceanian football community was shocked when the newcomers from Vanuatu Galaxy FC trashed the current title holders of OFC Champions League, the New Caledonians of Hienghène Sport, by 4-1 in both sides first games in the 2020 edition of the regional tournament.

Hienghène shown defensive problems since the start of the game, not being able to stop players as the talented midfielder from Brazil Roberson, the number 10 of Galaxy FC. Bertrand Kaï and Antoine Roine that used to be lethal, lost great opportunities to put their side back into the game: lapses of concentration.

Despite their fantastic front man, Galaxy also had some problems in the defense: the strong Brazilian Diego Máximo was solid, but he was very exposed alongside his partner in the defense Alphonse Lency. The defenders from the Ni-Vanuatu team are technically very good, but the defensive system of Galaxy could not protected their last line men – Hienghène did not harm them due lack of quality finishing. Galaxy does not have a defensive midfielder in their midfield, Barry Mansale, Robersona and Edisson Stephens are natural attacking midfielders, while the front man Henry Namatak, Terence Carter and Gagame Feni did not help their side marking while not having the ball.

The ba day of Hienghène, combined with the good attack of Galaxy and the surprise did not expected by the New Caledonians were the reason for the 4-1 result. Offensively, the Ni-Vanuatuans are one of the strongest teams in the competition, defensively they really need some adjustments.

If Galaxy needs to fix certain details – as using organizing better its defensive system and protecting the defense – Hienghène will need to reset their game plan. The team did not give any fight to Galaxy after suffering two goals, only being dangerous in the two penalties they had during the game – and one was missed.

Hienghène was very exposed defensively, allowing a lot of space for creativity of Roberson and Gagame Feni. While attacking, the created certain goal scoring chances due some mistakes of Galaxy defense and they were not able to capitalise on them and get back to the game.

The New Caledonians will need a lot of work to keep alive in the tournament when they enter Sir Jonh Guise Stadium to face the hosts Hekari United. Galaxy will really need to improve their defensive system if they want to stop Martin Bueno and the Eastern Suburbs in their next match – their attack can cause problems from anyone at the moment.