Tahiti United break through as drama and discipline shape round two of OFC Pro League

Tahiti United finally found their footing in round two of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League, edging past Bula FC to secure their first win of the season.

In the other game played on Sunday in Papua New Guinea, South Melbourne overwhelmed a depleted Vanuatu United side in a game defined by early goals and costly discipline.

Tahiti United signed off the weekend action with a much-needed 1-0 win over Bula FC, ending their wait for a victory in a match played at a slower pace under heavy heat and humidity.

Both sides struggled to find rhythm at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, with chances few and far between.

Tahiti carried more of the threat early on, with Germain Haewegene forcing a solid save and captain Teaonui Tehau pulling a shot wide.

Bula FC, unbeaten coming into the round, found it hard to get their attack going. Veteran striker Roy Krishna saw little of the ball as Tahiti controlled territory without turning pressure into goals.

With little to separate the teams, the breakthrough came in unusual fashion. A defensive challenge inside the Bula FC penalty area saw the ball strike Semi Nabenu’s arm as he fell.

After a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot. Tehau stepped up and kept his nerve, calmly placing the penalty into the corner to give Tahiti the lead. It proved enough.

Bula FC pushed late, with more than 13 minutes of stoppage time played, but clear chances were rare.

Tahiti United and Bula FC battle in heavy heat and humidity at the Santos National Football Stadium during a tense Round 2 encounter. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Tehau nearly sealed the game with a clever chip, only for Didier Desprez to read it well.

A late appeal for a Bula penalty was waved away after another VAR review, allowing Tahiti to celebrate a long-awaited win.

Red cards derail Vanuatu as South Melbourne pull clear

The second match of the day delivered a very different story, as South Melbourne FC took full advantage of a chaotic and ill-disciplined Vanuatu United side to run out convincing winners.

Vanuatu stunned their opponents inside the opening minute when Alex Saniel capitalised on a loose back pass to score after just 57 seconds. But the early joy did not last.

South Melbourne responded with pressure and were level soon after when Lucas Inglese finished from close range following a Jordan Swibel effort off the post.

The match turned sharply when Vanuatu were reduced to 10 men after a high challenge earned a straight red card following a VAR check.

South Melbourne made the advantage count just before half-time, with Yuki Uchida heading in from a corner.

Things went from bad to worse early in the second half as Vanuatu picked up a second red card, then conceded a penalty for handball. Swibel converted to make it 3-1.

South Melbourne’s Jordan Swibel celebrates after finding the net as his side took control against a depleted Vanuatu United team. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Despite being down to nine men, Vanuatu United showed spirit and pulled a goal back through Saniel, but any hope of a comeback faded late on.

Swibel added his second into an empty net before Andrew Mesourouni curled in a fine free-kick in stoppage time.

A third red card late on summed up a difficult night for Vanuatu, who remain without a win heading into round three, while South Melbourne strengthened their place near the top of the table.