The Hekari United FC have pulled off a gallant 2-1 victory over the Gulf Komara FC in the 2024 Premier Soccer League (PSL) thrilling local derby Grand Final showdown to defend the coveted Premiership Trophy on Saturday night, November 2nd, at PNG Football Stadium.
With Hekari making their back-to-back grand final appearance and Komara reaching the big dance for the first time since 2018, the bumper crowd anticipated a pulsating and entertaining decider, which both sides rose to the occasion and gave the fans what they expected.
The high spirited Komara side put the men-in-red under the pump in the opening minutes, taking advantage of the breeze behind them. They asked questions and threatened Hekari’s defence a few times, but the Jerry Allen-coached men defended their line courageously.
When the momentum swung during the second quarter, Hekari went firing on all cylinders and put Komara on the backfoot. With relentless attack and a lion’s share of possession towards the third quarter, the defending champions capitalised and found the back of the net through Ati Kepo, taking a 1-0 lead at the break.
The PRK-sponsored Hekari outfit maintained their ascendency and took things under control in the second half. They flexed their championship credentials and scored the second goal in the 50th minute through substitute player Joseph Joe.
Undeterred by Hekari’s lead, the David Aua-coached men showed grit to stay in the fight and ultimately bagged a consolation goal, capping off the decider in a 2-1 grandstand finish.
Hekari’s recalled coach, Jerry Allen was overwhelmed to claim the PSL title on his return from the Solomon Islands, heaping praise on his boys and crediting Komara for showing a spirited fight.
“I would like to thank Komara for a good fight. They gave us a good game. We tried to push them and I told the boys that we must score early. We were under pressure but that’s football,” Allen said.
“Our boys did very well. They tried to control and manage the game, and finally we came out with the win. Our plan worked well and I’m very happy that we finished the season on a high.”
Meanwhile, the back-to-back champions (Hekari) have secured their ticket to the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Championship next year, which will be staged for the last time and a new pro-league concept will be introduced in 2026.
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