Slim chances to qualify for Hienghène as they face strong Eastern Suburbs

The current champions of the OFC Champions League are close to a big disappointment: they will need to win Eastern Suburbs for at least a 4-goal margin if they want to depend only on their efforts to proceed to the next stage of the current edition of the regional tournament. If they win by a lower goal margin, they will depend on what happens in the second game of the day between Galaxy FC and Hekari United.

In the other hand, the situation of the newcomers from New Zealand in the tournament is very different: even a defeat can still put them in the knock-out stage, but to not depend in results from other matches the New Zealanders will only need a draw to seal their spot in the decisive phase in their first ever apperance in the OFC Champions League.

Eastern Suburbs won their first group match against Hekari United by 2-1 with a brace of the striker Martin Bueno; another brace from the Uruguyan helped his side to grab one point against Galaxy FC after a late goal to seal a 2-2 draw.

The Lilywhites are definitively not impressing in the group stage, but their experience and to count on a player of the quality of Martin Bueno are meaning much for their aspirations in the regional tournament. This makes the team of Tony Readings to be in a very comfortable situation to proceed to the knock-out stage in the final matchday of group A.

After suffering a shocking defeat against Galaxy FC from Vanuatu by 4-1, Hienghène played a better football against Hekari United. Although their better game, they just could keep slim chances to proceed as they only draw against the hosts at late stages of the match thanks to a penalty converted by Joseph Athalé.

The current champions are not seeming the same from the last season, but they still have a shot against the strong side of Eastern Suburbs and Hienghène already proved they are able to make fantastic comebacks. We can expect a very lively game – and if Hienghène wants to qualify, they will need to attack the well organized defense of Eastern Suburbs.