Vanuatu United FC have secured their place in the OFC Pro League semi-final playoff, thanks to a nervy 2-2 draw with Tahiti United at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
Solomon Kings’ victory earlier in the day had put Vanuatu United under increased pressure, knowing defeat would see them slip out of contention.
Lars Hopp’s side were dominant in the early stages, looking to assert themselves against a Tahiti United side who were already eliminated.
William Cardona was at the forefront of Vanuatu United’s play, with two long throws causing alarm for Tahiti United. The first saw the league’s top goalscorer Alex Saniel denied by a combination of goalkeeper Jackson Gardner and the crossbar, before Otto Ingham blazed over the top when he should’ve scored unmarked at the back post.
Cardona would finally create the breakthrough however, with his fourth assist of the season. His ball in behind the Tahiti United defence finding Owen Smith, who clinically lifted his effort over Gardner and into the corner to give Vanuatu United a precious lead.
It was a lead the Chiefs took into the break, having controlled much of the first half against a Tahiti United outfit who had struggled to piece anything meaningful together across the pitch.
Samuel Garcia made a couple of changes at the half-time break, bringing on a change of goalkeeper in Niuhau Firiapu and the dangerous forward Germain Haewegene as they looked to find a way back into the contest.
It would be just before the hour mark when his side were given a golden chance to equalise. Kevin Barbe was caught by William Cardona in the box when trying to clear the ball, and referee Veer Singh pointed to the spot. A VAR check followed, but the decision was eventually upheld.
Captain Teaonui Tehau stepped up and hammered his effort into the corner, past the outstretched hands of Matt Acton, to level the scores.
Parity would only last five minutes however. Goalscorer Owen Smith turned provider, finding Alex Saniel with a smart pass and the league’s leading marksman made no mistake, curling a wonderful effort past Firiapu.
The goal certainly galvanised Vanuatu United, who pushed in search of another that would surely kill the game off – Azariah Soromon going closest, when his deflected effort crashed off the underside of the crossbar.
Tahiti United certainly made the most of the let-off and moments later the scores were level again. Kevin Barbe on hand to poke the ball home from a corner kick after Acton failed to claim the initial delivery.
They proceeded to throw all they had in search of a winner, but Vanuatu United held firm, digging deep to hold on for a draw and with it, a place in the semi-final playoff against Bula FC this weekend.
Tahiti: 2 (Teaonui TEHAU (P) 59′, Kevin BARBE 73′)
Vanuatu United FC: 2 (Owen SMITH 22′, Alex SANIEL 64′)
HT: 0-1
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek