Goals, drama, and excitement typified a captivating first round of the OFC Pro League, as professional football finally arrived in the Pacific.
Auckland FC and South Melbourne FC have already asserted themselves as the early leaders atop the competition standings, but all eight clubs showed promise in the opening match days, despite rain playing its part in a fragmented opening week.
Round Review
Unfortunately, wet weather conditions played a significant part in the opening round, forcing the postponement of three of the four midweek fixtures. Auckland FC and Vanuatu United FC were the only two clubs to complete all three of their Round 1 matches, with the other games to be rescheduled for a later date.
New Zealand’s national stadium Eden Park, was the venue for Bula FC and Vanuatu United FC’s history-making start to the OFC Pro League. Both sides shared the points in a 2-2 draw after a dramatic late Vanuatu United equaliser.
Auckland FC followed the opening act with a statement 3-0 victory over South Island United in the first North v South derby. They made the most of home ground advantage during the opening round, winning all three of their matches – 3-1 over Vanuatu United FC and 1-0 against Bula FC.
South Melbourne FC were the other club to finish the week with a 100% record, edging Tahiti United 2-1, before defeating PNG Hekari FC 1-0, sitting three points behind Auckland in second in the early table.
The surprise package of the opening round were Solomon Kings FC, who are one of three clubs yet to taste defeat and remain the only club yet to concede a goal. They opened with a 1-0 win over Melanesian rivals PNG Hekari FC, before settling for a 0-0 draw with Tahiti United.
After an opening day derby defeat, South Island United became the fourth club to register their first win, beating Vanuatu United FC 2-1.
Bula FC, Vanuatu United FC and Tahiti United all sit on one point after the opening round of the competition, with PNG Hekari FC yet to register a point on the board.
Moments that Mattered
Auckland FC & South Melbourne FC make 100% starts
Pre-competition favourites Auckland FC and South Melbourne FC underlined their title credentials during the opening round, with three and two victories each respectively.
Already their first clash during the third round in Australia is building some anticipation, but first, both sides will have to acclimatise to the challenge of the heat and humidity in the islands when they make the trip to Papua New Guinea for Round 2 later this week.
History made at Eden Park
Bula FC and Vanuatu United FC made history by playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw to begin the inaugural OFC Pro League at Eden Park.
Alex Saniel had the honour of scoring the first ever goal in OFC Pro League history, whilst Fijian legend Roy Krishna scored the first for Bula FC.
Bula FC appeared on course to claim the first victory of the OFC Pro League, but a dramatic late goal from Vanuatu United’s William Cardona in the sixth minute of second half stoppage-time secured a share of the points.
Auckland FC claim bragging rights in first North v South derby
New Zealand’s newest football rivalry helped kick off the OFC Pro League, with Auckland FC stealing a march over their Aotearoa rivals South Island United thanks to a 3-0 victory.
Playing in front of a home crowd, striker Oscar Faulds gave Auckland FC the half-time lead, before they added two more goals in the final ten minutes, through Bailey Ferguson and a Liam Gillion penalty.
It proved the perfect confidence booster to begin Auckland FC’s campaign, and they will meet South Island United again during Round 3 in Australia.
Lars Hopp stays on as Vanuatu United FC coach
Vanuatu United FC’s preparations were hampered just days before kick-off when head coach Lars Hopp announced he would be stepping down from his position following the completion of Round 1.
The German however has decided to withdraw his resignation and will stay on as head coach for the rest of the OFC Pro League, with plenty of promise shown by his squad in the opening week.
Despite not yet registering their first win, they were unlucky not to get more from tight defeats to both New Zealand clubs – Auckland FC and South Island United.
PNG Hekari FC get off to difficult start
Home comforts couldn’t come any sooner for PNG Hekari FC ahead of the second round in Port Moresby – who after two games, are the only club yet to register a point or a goal in the OFC Pro League.
Ati Kepo’s red card significantly hindered their chances in an opening 0-1 loss to Solomon Kings FC, before they struggled defensively in a 0-5 defeat to South Melbourne FC in their second outing of the opening round in Auckland.
Whilst there is still a long way to go in their campaign, PNG Hekari’s three games at home in Port Moresby next up already feel like a crucial juncture.
Looking ahead
The OFC Pro League now makes the trip to Papua New Guinea for the second round of the competition, where each club will play three more matches at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Home club PNG Hekari FC’s clash with early leaders Auckland FC highlights the opening weekend, whilst Solomon Kings FC and South Melbourne will attempt to continue their positive starts to the competition.
Check out the match scheduled HERE
Tickets available for Round 2 HERE
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek