Henderson Eels have earned a second consecutive draw at the OFC Champions League after a 2 all draw against Malampa Revivors.
Hometown heroes the Malampa Revivors scored in the final minutes through super-sub Armando Ravo to keep their campaign alive as they earned a vital 2-2 draw with Solomon Islands club the Henderson Eels.
The Eels looked to have stolen the three points when Joses Nawo added his second goal of the game in the 80th minute but they couldn’t hang on.
The crowd at the Luganville Soccer City Stadium came alive in the latter stages and they willed Malampa towards the draw; captain Edwin Bai had put them ahead after only five minutes before Nawo scored his first goal just before halftime.
“The thing we do well is our strength; we have strength,” Malampa coach Steve Varegali said.
Malampa, who will have it all to play for when they meet Lae City on Friday, didn’t drop their heads when they went down 2-1 and their fighting spirit has been a feature of their first two fixtures.
But this felt like a lost opportunity for the Eels and coach Eddie Marahare was disappointed with the result.
“In terms of qualification for the quarter-final stage, we still have a chance to try in our final game,” he said.
Henderson captain Boni Pride was a late scratching from the game due to a hamstring injury that will also rule him out of Friday’s clash with Lautoka.
Pride’s absence in defence was telling for Henderson who have now conceded five goals in two group games.
“It’s a big blow for us because he’s one of our experienced players,” Marahare said.
