BULA FC looked fresh at the beginning of their OFC Pro League tie against Vanuatu United.
Attacking midfielder Nabil Begg was threatening in the wider channel with his blistering speed.
Vanuatu FC’s center-back Jason Thomas put up a strong defense each time Begg came rushing in.
Vanuatu’s golden boot, Alex Saniel, looked dangerous inside the box. He is currently second in the top scorers list of the tournament with four goals.
Saniel combined well with Brian Kaltak and Otto Ingham.
Captain Michel Coulon instructed his side well as the teams fought it out.
As half time approached, Kaltak received a long ball which he dabbed inside for Saniel to smack it into the top corner of the goal, convincingly beating Bula FC goalkeeper Didier Desprez.
Bula FC came out firing in the second half, and Fijian star Roy Krishna was denied from scoring a few times by Vanuatu United FC goalkeeper Matt Acton, who is a towering figure at the goal.
But just as Bula FC was looking to get back into the game, Vanuatu secured a quick turnover and hurried the ball up the field.
Striker Kathy Iamak got possession, raced up the middle to slot one in from just inside the edge of the box. Vanuatu now led 2 – 0.
Bula FC bravely fought right to the final whistle, but ultimately the clock ran out.