Auckland FC defeated Bula FC 2-0 in their second match in the Leaders group of the OFC Pro League at Eden Park, Auckland. 9 May 2026.
Photo: OFC Media via @phototeknz
A lack of finishing has let Bula FC down as the side languishes at the bottom of the OFC Pro League Leaders group, staring down at a play-off.
With two losses after two games, the Fijians are set to face either Vanuatu United FC or the Solomon Kings FC, depending on the final round of games in the Challengers group on Wednesday.
Following the side’s 2-0 loss to Auckland FC at Eden Park on Saturday, head coach Stephan Auvrey told reporters his team did not match up at critical moments.
He said the focus in their clash against the Leaders group table-toppers South Melbourne FC on Tuesday will be on finishing their opportunities.
“If we scored goals, maybe at the end we would tie or get a win. So if we score our goals, we can go really far,” he said, as Bula FC has not scored any goals in their two Leaders group matches so far.
“We know we are not the favourites in this top group, we know we have accomplished a lot by finishing third [in the regular season] and we just have to keep pushing to see where it takes us,” he said.
Fiery striker Setareki Hughes was missed and Auvrey said the needed to control the game more and create chances.
He said against Auckland FC, and in the 0-1 loss to South Island United in their first round-robin game last week, the team could not finish off their moves and score the goals needed to win.
“We had fair chances [against Auckland FC] but did not score them. In the second half, we had some good moments but not impactful enough.
“I am pretty pleased with many things I have seen because it’s becoming consistent.”
South Melbourne FC has cemented their semifinal spot after beating South Island United 4-2, also on Saturday and stays on top of the Leaders group table.
The top three teams from the Leaders group will head straight to the semifinals, while the fourth team – Bula FC – will meet the top team from the Challengers group.
Bula FC is the only Pacific Island club in the top four after the first five rounds of the competition.
Bula FC’s opponent will be confirmed after Vanuatu United, who are currently leading the Challengers group, and the Solomon Kings’ match on Wednesday.
In the Challengers group, Vanuatu United just need a draw against Tahiti United to claim the play-off spot. They defeated Solomon Kings FC 3-2 at Go Stadium on Sunday to claim their second win and lead the Challengers group with six points.
Tahiti United and PNG Hekari fought to a 2-2 draw.
In the final round-robin matches, Solomon Kings FC will have the chance to overtake Vanuatu United FC, when they square off against the struggling PNG Hekari FC outfit.
The Kings must win by more than four goals to claim the top spot outright, and hope that Vanuatu United will loses to Tahiti United.
Draws for next round of games:
South Melbourne FC vs Bula FC
Kick-off: 3pm Tuesday 12 May
Auckland FC vs South Island United
Kick-off: 7pm Tuesday 12 May
Eden Park, Auckland
Solomon Kings FC vs PNG Hekari United
Kick-off: 3pm Wednesday 13 May
Tahiti United v Vanuatu United FC
Kick-off: 7pm Wednesday 13 May
Go Media Stadium, Auckland
All matches live on FIFA+
