By Fidelis Sukina – EMTV Sports, Port Moresby
The main game in the Opening round of the National Soccer League Southern Conference saw a spirited FC Bougainville lose to championship winning team Hekari United 1-0.
The crowd anticipated an entertaining match, and the match did not disappointed
FC Bougainville in green braved the red and white stripped giants Hekari FC. Hekari won 1-0 in a match that had the crowd in a frenzy.
Hekari closed in on FC Bougainville, numbering in defence early on in the first half. Hekari strikers’ brothers, Ati
FC Bougainville striker Partick Aisa looked promising but was closely guarded by Hekari’s Backline.
A lot of attempts were made by both teams at Goal with FC Bougainville keeper, Luke Kaprangi Jnr, stopping a few shots.
The second half saw a lift in the game, but not without any casualties. A few yellow cards – five in total given out during this match.
The Experienced David Muta not at his best had Kaprangi jumping onto his kick with a simple dive. Hekari keeper, Ismael Pole, tested with kicks saving the uprights.
A corner by FC Bougainville, Arnell Pasam, left to Pole to deal with after no Bougainville head was laid on it. It was their first match of the season with a positive outcome for Hekari going up 1-0 victors, but it gives both teams a chance to see their pros and cons early on in the season.