SOUTH Melbourne FC suffered their first loss in the OFC Pro League, beaten by Vanuatu United FC 2–0.
Starting in second place on the overall table, South Melbourne FC immediately claimed possession, with Aaran Cocks and Yuki Uchida combining well around the edge of the box to set up golden boot contender Jordan Swibel.
But Michel Coulon marshalled his men with defensive instructions every time South Melbourne FC attacked.
At the other end of the field, Kathy Iamak and William Cardona devised moves for Vanuatu United FC, who had prolific strikers Alex Saniel and Kaltfer Kaltack, who were lethal inside the box.
In the tit-for-tat match, both teams had a number of scoring opportunities, but were unable to capitaliSe.
Then, in the 35th minute, a beautifully weighted corner kick by Cardona gave Saniel the perfect chance to head past South Melbourne FC goalkeeper Iliya Shalamanov-Trenkova.
Once they were in the lead, Vanuatu United FC changed their defensive strategy, making sure five players held back to help goalkeeper Matt Acton defend their goal.
In the second half, Vanuatu United FC were quick to go on the hunt again. South Melbourne FC looked rattled as they scrambled in defence.
South Melbourne FC were frustrated as time wound down, and Head Coach Sinisa Cohadzic was shouting instructions from the sideline.
Tempers flared in the later stages of the game, and South Melbourne FC were giving away too many free kicks as Vanuatu United FC controlled the ball and slowed down the pace.
Then, a series of one-touch movements in the 78th minute by Cardona and Owen Smith inside South Melbourne FC’s box gave Ingham the golden chance to finish it with a rocket of a shot. Vanuatu United FC now led 2–0.
South Melbourne FC tried their best to score some late goals, but each time the ball went straight into Acton’s safe hands.
In the end, Vanuatu United FC won 2–0.
