New Guinea’s Hekari United showcased their prowess on an Indonesia tour to West Papua. The former OFC Champions League winners played two – one for the women’s team and another for the men’s team – that took place at the Lukas Enembe Stadium in Jayapura, as part of the celebrations for the 78th anniversary of Indonesian independence.
The Hekari United women’s team faced off against the Indonesia Papua Select women’s team in a thrilling encounter. The game was intense and full of action, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Nenny Elipas emerged as the hero for Hekari, scoring an impressive brace to lead her team to victory. However, it was her goal in injury time that truly sealed the deal, securing a dramatic 2-1 win for Hekari United. The match demonstrated the team’s resilience and determination, as they fought until the very last moment to claim victory.
The following day, the Hekari United men’s team took the field against the Indonesia Papua Select men’s team. The match was fiercely contested, with both sides displaying their skills and tactics. Team captain Daniel Joe of Hekari made a significant impact by converting a penalty kick at the 26th minute, putting his team in the lead. However, the Indonesian side managed to level the score before the first half came to a close.
The second half of the match continued to be a battle of wits and athleticism. Ati Kepo managed to give Hekari the advantage with a goal, only for the Indonesia Papua Select team to equalize once again. The seesaw battle persisted until the 83rd minute when Solomon Rani stepped up for Hekari United, scoring the decisive goal that ultimately secured the victory for the Papua New Guinean side. In the Indonesian side it is highlighted former Indonesia national team star and captain Boaz Solossa, that is born in West Papua and currently plays in Persipura Jayapura, the local club that currently plays in the national second-tier league. Solossa scored both goals of Indonesia Papua Select, but not enough to beat Hekari.
The success of Hekari United during their Indonesia tour not only highlighted the team’s skill and determination but also serves to promote Hekari and Papua New Guinea football on the international stage.
As the Indonesia tour comes to an end, Hekari United now shifts their focus to the PNG Premier Soccer League. Buoyed by their impressive performances in Indonesia, the team is likely to carry this momentum forward into their domestic league matches. Fans and football enthusiasts alike eagerly await their return to the league, eager to see how their international experience translates into their local competitions.
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I was there that’s not Presapura oraginals played against Hekari those a handpicks from various clubs in Jayapura. We expect your challenge against PRESAPURA next time around.
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Presapura is International most players a based overseas and they will return PNG do not proud because Solomon Islands can beat you in soccer.
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