FIJI’S Bula FC tried to salvage their automatic chances of a semi-final berth as they took on top seed South Melbourne FC in the OFC Pro League.
But it was always going to be a struggle. South Melbourne has not lost a match and asserted their dominance early on with a Jack Pope goal when Bula goalkeeper Didier Desprez misread the ball in their danger zone.
Bula struck back when Christopher Wasasala evaded the Melbourne defence to set up Ibraheem Afazal, who scored to level the account.
Max Mikkola and Andrico Mesourouni scored a goal each and increased South Melbourne’s lead to 3–1 at half-time.
Bula hoped to tidy up their attack and subbed on Kaile Auvray, Nabil Begg, and Roy Krishna in the second half.
A Jordon Lampard goal put Melbourne up 4–1 and knocked the wind out of the Bula boys.
Krishna scored a late consolation, but South Melbourne walked away 4–2 winners.
With that third loss, Bula must take on the top team from the challengers group in a playoff to make the semi-final.
The next match was an all-Kiwi affair between Auckland FC and South Island United.
Auckland took the lead when Emiliano Tade scored from a banana corner kick in the 37th minute.
In the second half, South Island United looked like they had more fire in their belly as they pressed on towards Auckland’s box. David Yoo fired one in to level the scores at 1–1.
Riley Grover was at the right place at the right time when a loose ball ricocheted his way. Grover rifled it in with his powerful right boot to put South Island in front on the scoreboard.
It was unusual for Auckland to chase a game, but Aston Burns soon levelled the scores before Tade reclaimed the lead with a spectacular goal.
Auckland scored two more goals to win 5–2, but both sides have guaranteed their places in the main semi-finals alongside South Melbourne FC.
