Vanuatu club champions Nalkutan FC came from behind to claim a 3-1 victory over visiting Solomon Islands club Kossa FC in the first of two friendlies on Tuesday evening.
A defensive error in the first half saw former Amicale FC forward Moffat Deramoa round Nalkutan keeper Firiam Kalo to net the opening goal.
Nalkutan remained organised as they sought an equaliser and were rewarded just ahead of the break when Solomon Islands international and former Kossa striker James Naka netted after some great build-up from Kevin Shem and Bong Kalo.
Azariah Soromon replaced the veteran Naka for the second half and wasted no time in making his mark on the match when he found himself in the penalty area with two defenders to beat.
Soromon pulled the ball back out the defenders range and slotted nearly past the keeper to make it 2-1 to the home side.
Vanuatu international Bong Kalo then added a third for his side to secure a 3-1 victory.
Nalkutan coach Moise Poida said he was pleased with how the side has come together as they being their preparations for the OFC Champions League Group Stage next month.
“This is our second match together as a team and I’m pleased with how the players have played strategically but it’s still too early to determine their strengths and weaknesses,” he said.
“Come Thursday, when we play the second match, maybe I will have a clearer picture of how the team will look.
“The boys, physically, need to improve but like I said, this is our second match as a team.”
Additional reporting Raymond Nasse