The draw now sees Lautoka top Group A with seven points heading to the second round. The Fijian champions remains the only undefeated side in Group A as both Amicale and Hekari has lost a match each.
Hekari recently back from the 2010 FIFA Club World in Abu Dhabi and with six Fijian stars, likes of Tuimasi Manuca, Osea Vakatalesau, Simione Tamanisau, Pita Bolaitoga, Malakai Tiwa, Alvin Singh attracted a huge bumper crowd at Churchill Park.
Out to prove a point Lautoka without few of their top players like Marika Madigi, Valerio Nawatu, Samuela Kautoka and Ilaitia Tuilau survived a Hekari onslaught in the opening minutes before settling. Both sides displayed entertaining football pleasing the crowd.
Lautoka head coach Gurjit Singh says the tie against defending O-League champions Hekari sees them in the running to book a spot in the final.
“I knew we had fast strikers and our aim was to use the long balls and wide passes to beat the defenders. We had opportunities but we could not capitalize,” Singh said.
“I’m happy with the result, looking at the short time we had together. It is important now to work on our weakness as we are undefeated and in the running for a place in the O-League final. Our focus is now on Koloale who we play next.”
Strikers Osea Vakatalesau (Hekari) who was celebrating his birthday and Sanni Issa (Lautoka) had equal number of opportunities but failed to find the target. Lautoka had the best chance to score in the second spell but Issa after beating Hekari goal keeper Simione Tamanisau hit the ball wide in an empty goal.
The Hekari midfield was well contained most of the match and found limited opportunities. Lautoka on the other hand lacked in their finishing. On numerous occasions Hekari defence was beaten but Lautoka could not execute the goal.
Hekari’s stand in coach Treva Ire says the tie was nothing to be sad about. He believes a lot of hard yards needed to be covered.
“Our boys played hectic of a game and we stuck to our game plan but could not find the target. But credit goes to Lautoka as they came out strong too. Both sides played their hearts out and in the end a draw is a draw we get one point. We now go back home and work hard for the next game.
“Generally I’m pleased with how the boys played. We could not convert the chances we had and still there is a lot of room for improvement. For this match we just trained for one and a half week,” he said.
2010-2011
O-League
Churchill Park
Full Time: Lautoka 0 Hekari 0
Hekari Caution: Alvin Singh 52′; David Taro 75′
