Erakor get OFC campaign back on track

Erakor Golden Star got their OFC Champions League back on track with a 2-1 victory over Marist in French Polynesia .

Wanting to prove themselves a valid contender in this competition, Erakor Golden Star were hoping to make three points their own last evening.

However with Marist chasing their second win in a bid to set themselves up comfortably going into their final match the opening Group D match proved a thriller.

The Solomon Islands club champions almost made an early impression on the match when Atkin Kaua fired in a powerful effort that veteran keeper Chikau Mansale dealt with well.

It was ping-pong from then on as both sides put in the hard yards looking for any cracks in the opposition defence, while also trying to maintain a strong structure of their own.

Marist were able to capitalise on a chance 30 minutes into the encounter when Djair Veiga delivered a perfect ball into the area for Guilherme Guedes to finish.

The lead didn’t last long however as Tony Kaltack leapt on an errant clearance finishing it into the back of the net to bring Erakor back in line.

Coming back from the break it was anyone’s game and the intensity didn’t drop for a minute as both side’s sought what they hoped would be the winner.

Fortune fell in favour of the Ni-Vanuatu side with five minutes left on the clock as Tony Kaltack became the hero after making a determined run into the box and putting the ball past Philip Mango.

As if it were possible, the two teams turned it up another notch for the final five minutes with Mansale making a series of impressive saves to deny Marist before being saved by the final whistle.

Erakor captain Michell Kaltack was pleased with the performance put in by his teammates as they secured a first-ever Champions League victory for the club.

“Marist is a good team so we had to work very hard to win the game,” he said.

“I was worried at half-time when we were level because we came here today (Wednesday) to win the game, so now we’re the winning side and I’m proud of my boys.”

Accepting defeat after having had the lead in the match was tough for Marist coach Juliano Schmeling, but he commended both sides for their perseverance and performances.

“I think the game was very open, although we held more possession in the first half it was quite equal,” Schmeling explained.

“I’m happy with the performance of the players, the way they’re improving and growing up. I think all Solomon and Vanuatu countries should be proud because we had a nice game tonight.

“Both teams tried to get more possession, not just attacking. Normally when you see them playing its just attack, attack, attack but tonight it was a different game, I think the two communities should be proud of this game.”

Group D will return to action on Friday 17 March at Stade Pater when Rewa play Erakor Golden Star at 6pm and Tefana take on Marist at 9pm.

 

Photo Twitter OFC Champions League