VANUATU United were definitely underdogs going in against the Solomon Kings FC. In front of a small crowd for OFC Pro League Round Three in Melbourne.
On paper, the Solomon Kings were the superior side placed third in the competition with Vanuatu United in fifth spot.
The first half began slowly as the teams sized each other up, but it did not take long for Solomon’s side to display their soft touches and skill around the pitch.
Sota Higashide was a top performer in their recent outing. It will be exciting to see what the central midfielder can produce today.
Vanuatu also had some surprises in the attack. Star footballers Alex Saniel and Bill Kaltak combined well every time they had possession, and the match could have gone either way.
In the 29th minute, William Cardona used the breeze to produce a beautiful corner-kick which went straight from the flag and into the net. Solomon Kings goalkeeper Phillip Mango had no chance. Vanuatu United led 1 – 0.
The Solomon Kings started to look hesitant in defence as Vanuatu built momentum. And Saniel fired a couple of near misses for Vanuatu United.
Vanuatu intensified the pace in the second half with relentless waves of attack.
Then another quick ball into the Solomon King’s box saw Ingham neatly place a pass through from Kaltak to smack it in. The Kings were shellshocked at that point. Vanuatu United, ahead by two, had total control.
In the end, Vanuatu took their second consecutive win of the tournament.