RIGHT from the get-go, the Solomon Kings took control of the ball and attacked PNG Hekari’s goal in their OFC Pro League encounter. Passes were neat and crisp despite the late afternoon rain.
It was a busy night for PNG Hekari goalkeeper Nabo Pongi as the Solomon Kings maintained pressure, forcing defenders to desperately scramble to shield their goal.
After a sequence of constructive passing and attempted goals, the Solomon Kings slotted one in the 12th minute.
Sota Higashide was crafty in the midfield. The Japanese star is one of the valuable recruits for the Kings, scoring the first goal of the match.
The other international import for Solomon Kings, Jez Lofthouse, is a playmaker on the left wing. He has an uncanny ability to shift the ball fast and swiftly to his teammates.
When the rain paused, PNG Hekari had a moment of brilliance. Center-forward Raymond Gunemba fired in a close one, hitting the crossbar. The 39-year-old is the oldest player in the tournament.
Half time Solomon Kings 1-0
Early in the second half, PNG Hekari had some positive moments but were unable to score.
Then the Kings quickened the tempo as the rain pelted down once more.
Higashide devised a superb one-two pass in the PNG box, before he slid a glorious ball across the face of the goal for Junior David to strike it in.
Conditions became even more treacherous as the wind started to pick up in the last 20 minutes.
PNG Hekari finally scored in the 75th minute after a handball penalty was successfully converted by Joseph Joe. Hekari was back, but the Solomon Kings held out to win despite nine minutes of added injury time.