Missed chances cost Bula FC as Vanuatu Utd claim historic first win

Bula FC were left ruing missed chances on Sunday after a 2-1 defeat to Vanuatu United FC.

The result handed the ni-Vanuatu side their first win of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League. Round three is underway in Melbourne.

For Bula head coach Stephane Auvray, the verdict was simple: “Not scoring,” he said post-match, summing up the difference after his side slipped to seventh place after three rounds of competition.

Earlier tournaments were held in Auckland and Papua New Guinea. Despite controlling much of the game and creating many opportunities, Bula could not convert when it mattered most.

Veteran striker Roy Krishna was among those who came close but the finishing touch proved elusive.

“We’re pretty much doing everything right, apart from the final task of actually putting the ball in the goal,” 21-year-old Adam Supyk said, echoing the frustration within the squad.

Bula entered the game as favourites and Auvray admits he may have over-reached in his push to secure all three points.

“I’m someone who is very patient and believes in the long term process,” he said. “I lost that [on Sunday] because there was so much space to win the game.

Vanuatu United fans. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

“I kind of broke our structure and really played to win, which at the end of the day was not very productive.”

In chasing a win, Bula exposed themselves and Vanuatu United made them pay.

For Vanuatu, the win was more than just three points. It was a statement of resilience.

The side came into the match without head coach Lars Hopps and with three key players suspended following earlier red cards.

After two hard-fought draws to open their campaign, pressure was mounting. But when their moment came, they seized it.

The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations, with fans waving flags and circling the ground in scenes of pride and relief.

For a team representing a football-mad Pacific nation, the breakthrough victory carried weight.

Vanuatu United captain Michel Coulon paid tribute to the supporters who turned out in force. “It was a big honour to have some supporters here and make us feel at home… thanks to our supporters also for making us strong in the second half.”

The result keeps Vanuatu within reach of the top four, breathing life into their campaign as the competition begins to take shape.

Attention now turns to quick turnaround. Vanuatu Utd face a strong Solomon Kings side on Wednesday while Bula FC will look to regroup against Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Hekari, who fell 2-1 to Solomon Kings over the weekend.

In other results, Auckland FC drew 1-1 with South Melbourne, while Tahiti United drew 2-2 with South Island United.

Three rounds in, the margins are already proving fine. For Bula, it is a lesson in execution. For Vanuatu United, it is proof that belief and backing from home can shift momentum.

In Pacific football, where pride and performance often go hand in hand, Sunday’s result was a reminder: dominance means little without delivery.

For more information on the competition, click here.