Extra Bula FC head coach Stephen Auvray expressed a mix of pride and realism after his team’s thrilling 2-2 draw against Vanuatu United FC during their first OFC Pro League match at Eden Park in Auckland.
Although Vanuatu mounted a late comeback to secure a point, Bula FC impressed throughout the match, leading for significant stretches. Auvray pointed out that this match served as a significant test for many of his players, marking a key milestone in their professional journey.
During the game, Bula FC maintained control for most parts, showcasing their technical skills even after limited pre-season training. Reflecting on the dynamics of the match, Auvray mentioned, “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 against goalkeeper Didier Desprez was a challenging moment, but Auvray stood by his player, remarking, “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.”
Despite the draw, Auvray maintained a positive outlook on the team’s overall performance, emphasizing the significance of their play over the final score. He stated, “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 poised to take on South Island United from New Zealand in their upcoming match, scheduled for Tuesday in Papua New Guinea. This next game presents another chance for the team to enhance their performance and continue on their promising trajectory for the season. The atmosphere remains hopeful as players and fans alike look forward to the challenges ahead.