Extra Bula FC head coach Stephen Auvray expressed both pride and a sense of pragmatism following his team’s exhilarating 2-2 draw against Vanuatu United FC in their inaugural OFC Pro League match at Eden Park, Auckland.
Despite a late surge by Vanuatu that earned them a point, Bula FC showcased promise, leading for significant portions of the match. Auvray noted that this is the first professional test for many of his players, highlighting the milestone nature of the game.
During the match, Bula FC largely controlled the pace, demonstrating impressive technical abilities despite limited pre-season preparation. Auvray reflected on the game’s dynamics, stating, “Until our players started feeling the pressure, we had good control of the game. The last 10 minutes turned into a bit of an emergency situation, and those things can happen.”
The late equalizer that found its way past goalkeeper Didier Desprez ultimately marked a bittersweet end to the match. However, Auvray defended Desprez, asserting, “He was unfortunate in that last play given the performance he had throughout the match, and we are not going to blame him for the result.”
While the scoreboard indicated a draw, Auvray shared a positive perspective regarding the team’s performance metrics. He emphasized the importance of the game’s content and overall team structure, stating, “If you had been listening in the past month, what matters most was the content. I think we can be very happy with the content considering it was our first game.”
Looking ahead, Extra Bula FC is set to face South Island United from New Zealand in their next match, scheduled for Tuesday in Papua New Guinea, offering another opportunity for the team to build on their performance. The match not only signifies a crucial step for the players but also sets a hopeful tone for their season.