Pacific football makes history as OFC Pro League kicks off in NZ

Pacific football officially entered a new era at Eden Park on Saturday, with Vanuatu United FC and Bula FC contesting the first match of the inaugural Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League, the region’s first fully professional club competition.

After years of planning and anticipation, the historic fixture delivered goals, momentum shifts and late drama, offering a strong statement of intent for a league designed to lift club football standards across Oceania.

Bula FC, featuring several Fijian internationals, enjoyed much of the early possession and looked dangerous through Roy Krishna, who returned to the Pacific after a successful spell playing club football in India.

His movement and experience posed regular problems for the Vanuatu United backline.

Despite Bula’s early control, it was Vanuatu United who struck first and etched their name into the record books.

From a corner in the 21st minute, Alex Saniel’s header caused chaos in the box, allowing defender Bill Kaltack to apply the final touch and score the first goal in OFC Pro League history.

Vanuatu United FC’s Alex Saniel celebrates the opening goal of the OFC Pro League 2026, Vanuatu United FC v Bula FC, Eden Park, Auckland, Saturday 17 January 2026. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek/Shane Wenzlick

The lead lasted just 10 minutes. Bula responded from another set-piece, with Sterling Vasconcellos rising highest before the ball fell kindly for Krishna, who finished from close range to level the match.

The sides went into the break locked at 1-1, but Vanuatu United emerged with renewed confidence after half-time, moving the ball more effectively and pressing higher up the pitch.

Clear-cut chances were limited in the second period, although Krishna and Jordy Tasip both threatened as the contest remained finely balanced.

Round one of the 2026 OFC Pro League has kicked off in Auckland. Photo/OFC Media

Bula continued to find space out wide, where teenager Kaile Auvray, son of head coach Stéphane Auvray, impressed with his pace and direct approach.

It was Auvray who helped restore Bula’s lead in the 70th minute, bursting to the byline before cutting the ball back for substitute Nabil Begg, who finished acrobatically past goalkeeper Matt Acton.

Vanuatu United refused to let the historic occasion end in defeat and pushed forward in the closing stages.

Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when William Cardona’s long-range effort slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Didier Desprez and into the net, sealing a dramatic late equaliser.

While both teams shared the points, the result felt secondary to the significance of the occasion.

The opening match showcased Pacific talent, competitiveness and ambition and marked a major step forward for professional football in the region.

Vanuatu United FC 2 (Bill Kaltack 21’, William Cardona 90+5’)
Bula FC 2 (Roy Krishna 31’, Nabil Begg 70’). Half-time: 1-1.

The inaugural OFC Pro League continues in Auckland this weekend, with more historic fixtures set to further shape the future of Pacific club football.