Vanuatu United FC have taken a big step towards qualifying for the semi-final play-off, with a decisive 3-2 win over Solomon Kings FC in the Challengers Group at Go Media Stadium.
A dramatic finish highlighted the all-Melanesian affair – the Chiefs holding on for victory in a five-goal thriller which saw momentum swing either way across the 90 minutes.
Both sides entered the clash level on three points after opening-round victories at Eden Park, with the winner set to take a significant step toward qualification ahead of next Sunday’s play-off with the fourth-placed side from the Leaders Group.
Lars Hopps’ men made the brighter start, controlling possession early and forcing Solomon Kings captain Phillip Mango into action on several occasions. Otto Ingham caused problems down the right wing, while William Cardona’s return added composure and control as Vanuatu looked the more polished side in the opening exchanges.
The pressure nearly paid off midway through the half when Alex Saniel capitalised on a midfield turnover before threading Owen Smith through on goal, only for Mango to react quickly and deny the chance.
Despite Vanuatu’s early dominance, Solomon Kings gradually worked their way back into the contest. Sota Higashide’s quick feet and movement began to trouble the Vanuatu defence, while Don Keana and Jez Lofthouse combined well in attack as the match opened up into an end-to-end battle.
With both teams exchanging attacking moments, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 35th minute. Raymond Diho sparked the move down the left before combining with Owen Smith, whose delivery found Otto Ingham in the box to head past Mango and give Vanuatu United the lead.
The second half saw Solomon Kings threaten early through Sota Higashide, who dropped deeper to dictate the attack. He first slipped Rafa Lea’i through on goal, with Jez Lefthouse firing wide from the resulting cross, before forcing Matt Acton into a strong save with a powerful strike of his own.
Higashide was later brought down in the box and made no mistake from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute, sending Matthew Acton the wrong way to level the contest up.
The Kings didn’t have parity for long though – the league’s leading goalscorer, Alex Saniel, making his mark to put Vanuatu United back ahead. He reacted quickest after a low cross into the box was missed by Phillip Mango, tapping home from close range.
Mango then failed to deal with a corner delivery into the box in the 83rd minute, Javin Wae nodding the ball into the back of his own net for the decisive third Chiefs goal.
Wae atoned for his own goal by scoring one down the other end three minutes later, but it proved too little too late, as Lars Hopp and the Chiefs celebrated a crucial victory.
The result leaves Vanuatu United on the cusp of securing top spot in the Challengers Group with six points and consecutive victories from their first two games in Auckland. A draw in their final game against Tahiti United would do enough to secure qualification for the semi-final play-off on Wednesday, whilst Solomon Kings FC will be hoping the Chiefs slip up and they beat PNG Hekari FC to keep their campaign alive.
Solomon Kings FC: 2 (Sota HIGASHIDE 62, Javin WAE 86′)
Vanuatu United FC: 3 (Owen SMITH 35′, Alex SANIEL 76′, Own Goal 83′)
HT: 1-0
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek