An added time goal by William Cardona saw Vanuatu United FC hold Extra Bula FC to a 2-2 draw in the opening match of the inaugural OFC Pro League at Eden Park in Auckland.
Extra Bula FC’s resolve was tested until the last play of the game and Vanuatu was awarded for their resilience with the American Cardona scoring.
Captain Roy Krishna and Ba football star Nabil Begg have their names down in the books as the goalscorers for Fiji’s first professional football club.
Dynamic winger Kaile Auvray put on a stellar performance as he engineered both goals, proving to be a lethal, key player with game awareness and holding his own when challenged.
Extra Bula FC had a perfect start as they dominated early, controlling possession and creating various opportunities.
However, their chances went begging as they couldn’t find the back of the net and through a stubborn Vanuatu United defence.
Despite their strong start, it was Vanuatu that scored first with Bill Kaltack sneaking a header through.
The goal was initially thought to have been scored by former Suva football player Alex Saniel but the VAR showed otherwise.
Their lead last for only 10 minutes.
Inside the 31st minute of play, Auvray delivered a decisive corner kick that deflected off the back of Sterling Vasconcellos and Krishna was in the right place at the right time to cooly slot in the equalizer.
The teams went into the break locked at 1-all.
The second spell started just as the first half did with Extra Bula FC controlling possession and the tempo of the game.
Many opportunities were created but they couldn’t quite get the finishing until late in the 69th minute.
Auvray’s individual brilliance at the left corner and composure under pressure, allowed him to curl in a kick, finding Begg who slotted in a tidy goal.
The last few minutes of the game was nerve-wrecking as Vanuatu piled on pressure, desperate for the equalizer and it was Cardona’s attempt that finally went past goalkeeper Didier Desprez.
Extra Bula FC will face South Island United in its next match on Tuesday, January 20 at Santos Stadium in Papua New Guinea.
