OFC: Bench sparks late Vanuatu comeback to reach the final four

Vanuatu United’s substitutes proved the difference in a dramatic extra-time comeback, turning the match on its head to secure a 2-1 victory over Bula FC from Fiji and a place in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League semifinals this week.

In a tense 120-minute battle on Sunday, Vanuatu were forced to dig deep after conceding early and trailing for long periods, before finding a late equaliser and then the winner through their bench impact.

Bula FC struck first in the 18th minute and held their lead into the closing stages of normal time, with Vanuatu struggling to break through a disciplined defence.

But the breakthrough finally came right on the edge of full-time, when substitute Azariah Soromon stepped up to level the match and force extra time.

Coming off the bench, Soromon and Nicolas King were tasked by head coach Lars Hopp to “lift the game up” - a challenge both answered under pressure.

“I think we did, me and Nico,” Soromon said. “So I’m very happy for the boys.”

Vanuatu United fans cheering at Go Media Stadium. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

For Soromon, the equaliser shifted the mindset immediately.

“I was very happy to send the team back into the game. And we know if we score, we know we’re going to come back and win the game,” he said.

Vanuatu’s challenge intensified in extra time after they were reduced to 10 men following a second-half red card, but they refused to drop out of the contest.

“We’ve always fought to the end, regardless of the score,” King said. “It always seemed that victory was not away from our grabs… the boys pushed to the end and the results came.”

Hopp praised the impact of his bench in a press conference, saying their ability to read the game before coming on was key to the turnaround.

“It’s a credit to the guys who came on because it’s not so easy to come on in a game like this and to be ready, watch the game, try to imagine yourself being on the pitch and then coming on and do it,” Hopp told journalists.

The result continues a strong run for Vanuatu United, who built momentum through the Challengers Group after a testing regular season.

They are now the only Pacific nation left in the competition and join Auckland FC, South Island United, and South Melbourne in the final four.

Hopp also reflected on his future with the club, admitting there were moments he considered leaving.

“Had the team not been the team it is, it probably would have been easier to just leave… but there was such a great spirit in the group and you feel that you didn’t want to leave at that point.”

Vanuatu United will play South Melbourne in the semi-final on Wednesday 20 May at Go Media Stadium. Kick-off scheduled for 1.30pm (NZT). Auckland FC will face South Island United at 6.30pm that same evening.

For more information on the 2026 OFC Pro League, click here.