Do-or-die showdown awaits Vanuatu United and Bula FC on Sunday

It’s do-or-die in round six of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League as Vanuatu United face Bula FC on Sunday at Go Media Stadium.

Fourth-placed leaders group side Bula FC will take on challengers group winners Vanuatu United, 3pm (NZT), in what will be the last match for one of them.

Vanuatu United finished top of the challengers group, which featured the bottom four teams at the end of the regular season.

After wins over Papua New Guinea (PNG) Hekari and Solomon Kings, along with a draw against Tahiti United in their final match, Vanuatu United did enough to secure progression.

The winner from this match will not only join the other three clubs in next week’s semi-finals, but also become the only Pacific club remaining in the competition.

Vanuatu United striker Alex Saniel says his side is leaving absolutely nothing to chance heading into Sunday afternoon.

Bula FC during a training session. Photo/PMN News

“We’re going to go for this game,” Saniel said. “It’s a must win and we’re going to prepare well.”

Saniel has been invaluable for Vanuatu United, leading the overall competition with 11 goals.

Known for his ability to find the back of the net, the striker credited his teammates for helping him reach the tally.

“Credit to my teammates, they work really hard to assist me to score goals.”

For their opposition, Bula FC’s Roy Krishna said Vanuatu United’s threats extend beyond just Saniel and his finishing.

“He’s a good player, and credit goes to him. All the goals he’s been scoring are unbelievable and he never gives up.

“So I think they have threats everywhere, but we can’t be really focusing on them. We need to focus on ourselves, what we have planned and just believe in it.”

Krishna, one of the squad’s senior players with extensive A-League experience, said the team was fortunate to come through the round with “no injuries.”

“It was a tough group… we had a plan and it didn’t work out… but we still have one more chance and we’re going to go all out,” Krishna said.

For coaches Lars Hopp (Vanuatu United) and Stephane Auvray (Bula FC), they will hope their respective game plans are executed come Sunday.

For Saniel, to “stop conceding goals” was one of the key focuses ahead of Sunday, crediting Bula FC for having “good attacking and also defending.

Dry and sunny conditions are expected at Go Media Stadium, with both teams thanking supporters for their backing throughout the competition and hoping that support continues on Sunday.

Krishna also had a message for the Fijian fans.

“Please come out in numbers on Sunday… be our 12th man because we need the support.”

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