THE Lautoka football side were beaten 6-5 by Solomon Islands club Henderson Eels in the OFC Champions League Group match at Churchill Park yesterday.
OFC reports that Henderson Eels started the Melanesian derby on the front foot with intentions to play on the counter.
The Solomon Islanders persistent paid off in the 5th minute as Hudson Felani’s low drive outside the box caught Lautoka keeper Beniamino Mateinqara off guard.
The hosts regrouped to put pressure on the visitors defense and their commitment was rewarded when Vanuatu international Bong Kalo draw level in the 24th minute with a close range finish.
Four minutes later, Daniel Allan turns a corner kick into his own net to put Henderson Eels back in front.
Young forward, 19-year-old Raynick Laeta scored his second goal on his second appearances in the competition to extend the visitors lead.
Fiji veteran Osea Vakatalesau pulled a goal back in the 43rd minute and an own goal from Desmond Tutu reduced the score line to 4-3 in favor of Henderson Eels as both teams went back into the sheds.
The comeback was completed in the 59th minute as Samuela Drudru put the hosts back on level terms and Kolinio Sivoki smashed a free-kick past Tutu to give the host a 5-4 lead.
Substitute Clement Baegeni deft header in the 90th minute flew past Beniamino to turn the game back on its head.
Talisman Joses Nawo scored the match winner in the 4th minute of five additional time to earn a crucial three points for Henderson Eels
In matches on this Saturday at the same venue, Henderson Eels play Morobe Wawens at 1pm while at 4pm, Lautoka battles AS Central Sports.
