South Melbourne FC have suffered their first defeat of the OFC Pro League campaign, falling 2–0 to Vanuatu United FC in Honiara.
Travelling with a reduced squad due to domestic commitments, South Melbourne left several first-choice players at home, including captain Marco Jankovic and Jordon Lampard.
The undermanned Victorian side struggled to establish control early as Vanuatu United dominated possession in the first half while looking to bounce back from their Round 3 defeat to Hekari United FC.
South Melbourne’s defence was eventually breached when Vanuatu United’s leading scorer Alex Saniel opened the scoring. Rising above the defence, Saniel powered home a header from a corner delivered by William Cardona to give the hosts the lead.
The same combination almost doubled the advantage shortly after, but Saniel failed to connect cleanly with another Cardona cross, allowing South Melbourne to head into the break trailing by just one goal.
Coach Sinisa Cohadzic made a change at half-time, introducing James Lackay for Che Gorr Burchmore as South Melbourne looked to shift momentum.
However, Vanuatu United continued to threaten and nearly extended their lead early in the second half when Owen Smith went close.
As the game opened up, South Melbourne pushed forward in search of an equaliser, attempting to bring attackers Yuki Uchida and Jordan Swibel into the contest.
Winger Arran Cocks produced South Melbourne’s best opportunity around the hour mark, cutting in from the right before forcing a save from goalkeeper Matt Acton.
But it was Vanuatu United who struck again. Saniel’s pressing forced an error in defence, allowing Otto Ingham to win possession. Cardona then lifted a delicate pass over the back line to Smith, who laid it off first time for Ingham to finish and double the lead.
South Melbourne thought they had a chance to respond when referee Ben Aukwai pointed to the penalty spot following a foul on Jack Pope. However, a VAR review determined the challenge occurred outside the area.
Swibel’s resulting free-kick caused problems for Acton, who spilled the shot, but Luka Coveny fired the rebound over the crossbar.
It proved to be South Melbourne’s final clear opportunity, as Vanuatu United held firm to hand the Australian club their first defeat of the tournament.
