Two goals from in-form Alex Saniel has given Vanuatu United FC a winning start to their Challengers Group campaign, overcoming PNG Hekari FC 3-1 at Eden Park.
Following Solomon Kings’ victory over Tahiti United earlier in the day, both sides knew victory would be vital for their chances of advancing to the semi-final playoff and keeping their season alive.
Vanuatu United’s poor form in the final round of the regular season had cost them a place in the Leaders Group, but they started brightly here, determined to steal a march on their group rivals.
Kathy Iamak went closest in the early stages, forcing a good save from goalkeeper Christinus Biasu after the stopper failed to sufficiently clear an Otto Ingham free-kick.
Just before the half hour mark, Lars Hopp’s side took the lead, doing so in spectacular fashion. Youngster Raymond Diho picking up the ball on the left-hand side and creating space before curling a wonderful effort into the far corner to give his side the lead.
It was a lead that only lasted eight minutes however. PNG Hekari captain Ati Kepo matching Diho with a terrific finish of his own, bending a low effort past Matt Acton from a tight angle and in off the far post to level matters.
After a full-blooded opening half, the break served to simmer the intensity, with both teams looking sluggish in the early going of the second period.
Godfrey Haro had the clearest sight of goal, breaking through the Vanuatu United defence but slicing his effort wide from the edge of the box under pressure.
Owen Smith – so dangerous from set pieces all season – again showed off his dead ball prowess. The forward striking a free-kick from distance that swerved away from Biasu, only to thud off the inside of the post and away to safety.
The pace was picking up as the match entered into the final twenty minutes, with both sides fully aware that any dropped points could prove to be fatal to their semi-final aspirations.
Crucially for Vanuatu United and their hopes of OFC Pro League glory, Alex Saniel was on hand to give them a precious lead with fifteen minutes remaining.
Captain Michel Coulon headed a cleared corner back into the box and Saniel was left unattended, bringing the ball down and firing past Biasu from 12 yards.
Saniel should have doubled the lead soon after, but fired wide of an unguarded net from long range after Biasu had rushed out to clear the ball.
His second and Vanuatu United’s third would finally come with minutes left on the clock. The deadly forward was found by substitute Azariah Soromon’s pass, before turning his man and placing the ball in the far corner to make it 3-1.
Vanuatu United will now look forward to a crunch match against Solomon Kings FC in two days time, in a fixture that could determine who tops the group.
Vanuatu United FC: 3 (Raymond DIHO 29′, Alex SANIEL 75′, 87)
PNG Hekari FC: 1 (Ati KEPO 37′)
HT: 1-1
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek