Extra Bula FC suffered their third straight defeat in the OFC Pro League, falling 0-2 to Vanuatu United during their opening match of circuit three held in Melbourne, Australia. A standout moment in the match was the impressive performance of former Suva football player Alex Saniel, who consistently challenged Bula FC’s defense with his speed and attacking skills.
Saniel marked his presence by scoring the first goal just before halftime, much to the delight of Vanuatu United fans, setting the stage for the team’s initial victory of the season. Entering the second half with the advantage, Vanuatu United played with increased confidence, effectively neutralizing Bula FC’s attempts to mount a comeback, despite the encouragement from coach Stephen Auvray.
The Vanuatu side took full advantage of their opportunities as Bill Kaltack and Owen Smith created and executed plays that exposed weaknesses in Bula FC’s defense. Smith’s sharp game awareness led to a setup for Kathy Iamack, whose goal was initially disallowed for offside but was later confirmed by VAR, triggering wild celebrations among the Vanuatu United supporters.
Looking forward, Bula FC is focused on regrouping for their next challenge against Hekari United from Papua New Guinea on Wednesday at 8 PM. With resilience and determination as their driving forces, the team is eager to secure their first points of the season and bounce back from their recent setbacks.