OFC Pro League: South Island United 2-1 Vanuatu United – Match Recap, Highlights & Standings

Haris Zeb, the young star of the last OFC Champions League, decides the game for the New Zealanders.

Writer by Sports & News Continental | From New Zealand, OFC

The team from southern New Zealand entered the match against the Vanuatu team as considerable favorites, seeking redemption after a crushing defeat suffered by the tournament favorite, Auckland FC.

The match between Welshman Rob Sherman and German Lars Hopp was expected to be a very 'European' game with strict tactical discipline, and in less than 10 minutes South Island United scored 2 quick goals through Ryan Feutz and Haris Zeb.

In the second half, Vanuatu United wasn't as desperate to get back on track, especially since they already had a draw in the first round against Bula FC in a great football match, but they gradually started putting pressure on Vanuatu International. Alex Saniel scored in the 67th minute, but that was all.

Christian Gray and his team have returned to the playoff zone, confirming their status as favorites with a top-3 squad in the league, while Vanuatu United are 2 points away from the playoff zone and occupy second-to-last place.