OFC Professional League matches thread

TAHITI UNITED LEAD!!! Manuarii Shan cracking free kick! SMFC keeper not looked convincing this game they're missing their best GK

Could've been 2-0 just now

Well there goes my ball knowledge, South Melbourne going into HT a goal down to Tahiti who were supposed to be one of the weaker sides.

South have a lot of attacking potential especially with their throw ins basically being corners. Unfortunately for them they just aren't able to make do with their opportunities and the Tahiti defense if giving their runners a fair bit of trouble. It's also worth mentioning that they're not going to improve as much as the comp goes on like other clubs since they're actually fielding an established squad unlike everyone else.

On the other hand you gotta give it to Tahiti United. Basically no one has been giving them a shot so Tahiti pulling ahead already is great stuff. 

South Melbourne equalise! Tahiti nearly saved themselves at first but South were just relentless

Noah4thenix

South Melbourne equalise! Tahiti nearly saved themselves at first but South were just relentless

 Yep good pressure finally pays and it's a nice strike for the equaliser from Uchida. Just what SMFC needed now they have the whole second half to win it

I'm impressed by Tahitis attacking movement and decision-making. Better than I expected from some of these island sides

Six teams seen so far and only one is a winner.

Damn! Mesarouni for South Melbourne pops in a free kick and they lead 2-1 with 5 to go

Took a while but looks like South have pulled a last minute winner off a free kick. The one SMFC fan in the stands seems quite pleased

Jessie Merino

Six teams seen so far and only one is a winner.

Make that two

South get the win but I can't imagine it's a win they'll be too pleased about. Coming in with an experienced team you would expect them to be strong from the start and while they were dominant Tahiti's defence just refused to give up an inch. Frankly as everyone else contineus to improve South Melbourne might end up being the most dissapointing team this season. That said it's early days so no need to jump to conclusions.

Props to Tahiti United I think they put on a much better performance than anyone was expecting, their defence was ruthless.

South Melbourne are also coming off a mega season with the Vic NPL and Aus Championship, and I'd be surprised if many of their players have much island experience. Could be a long tournament for them.

Need to take the advantage of having an established team and being on good pitches while they can.

Jason Pine and Paul Iffil on commentary would make for a much better package too.

Yipe there is a very good reason why both SIU and AFC II have recruited some ex ACFC old heads like Gray, Tade, Drake and den Heijer with tonnes of experience playing in the Islands.

It's just much tougher there. Especially Honiara. So yes could definitely be a weakness for SM, that lack of experience playing in OFC.

Not sure why they're checking VAR that seems like a pretty clear pen

edit: even with the 2nd angle that still seemed like a pen but we move on for now

Noah4thenix

Not sure why they're checking VAR that seems like a pretty clear pen

edit: even with the 2nd angle that still seemed like a pen but we move on for now

Lea'i went down very easily for what I could see. Seemed like he ran into Erick Joe more than Erick Joe leaving a leg out.

I have to say, I think Solomon Kings have a decent team, but they needed to sign some Aus/NZ experience in defence like some other sides have done. They constantly seem to be getting opened up by Hekaris attack, and there's better attacks in the league than them.

Tomare doesn't touch that with his arm or foul the player imo - that's not a red card for me.

Edit - very well done by VAR again!

That is a lovely goal for the Solomon Kings!

Junior David spots the overlapping pass, Komasi with a perfect low cross into Higashides path who tucks it away!

Banzai!...AIEEE!!!

Jason Pine and Paul Iffil on commentary would make for a much better package too.

Not sure about Piney - but Ifill was in Christchurch over the weekend playing in a social 7-a-side tournament. Priorities.

TVNZ could do a lot worse than get Chris Chang involved in their coverage, he definitely knows his stuff.

observerfromuh

anyone know the crowd?

7459 at AFC2 v SI Utd

Games today.
SIU's Josh Rogerson to miss next 4 games (concussion).

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/01/20/south-island-united-ready-for-quick-turnaround-in-ofc-pro-league/

Games to be played on Tuesday January 20, 2026

Bula v South Island United
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand, 3pm

Auckland FC v Vanuatu United
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand, 7pm

Pretty sure this was a figure for the entire day, including people who went to game 1 but left before game 2

Jessie Merino

observerfromuh

anyone know the crowd?

7459 at AFC2 v SI Utd

Sounds like today's games won't be played. Well at least not today.

rescheduled* not cancelled, soz

— South Island United (@SouthIslandUtd) January 20, 2026

Still a chance the 2nd game AFC II verus Vanuatu may kick off??
I guess with double headers you can't delay KO of the first game for very long.

This is going to be a problem with the Hub concept and tight scheduling for teams, ie 3 matches in a week.

https://www.oceaniafootball.com/bula-fc-v-south-island-united-postponed/

Due to adverse weather conditions at North Harbour Stadium, the OFC Pro League match between Bula FC and South Island United has been postponed.

Following an inspection by the match officials, the pitch was deemed unplayable. The match will be rescheduled to a later date in the competition.

The second match of the day, between Auckland FC and Vanuatu United FC is still scheduled to go ahead at 7:00pm NZT.

44mm of rain in 24 hours taken from the nearest rain gauge at Albany Heights Road...3km from the stadium

How can the drainage at the ground be that shark? 

Need to have 2 day gap minimum between games so guessing this game will be played tomorrow or on Sunday/Monday? Might mess with Bulas travel arrangements! Hopefully no more delays

LT01

Need to have 2 day gap minimum between games so guessing this game will be played tomorrow or on Sunday/Monday? Might mess with Bulas travel arrangements! Hopefully no more delays

Reckon they'll play the match/es in the 4th circuit in March where there are only two matches for each team scheduled. Although it is bookended somewhat by the international window starting on the 23rd.

YoungHeartHM

44mm of rain in 24 hours taken from the nearest rain gauge at Albany Heights Road...3km from the stadium

How can the drainage at the ground be that shark? 

Who knows. Weren't Auckland Council's stadium management arm accused by a North Shore local councillor of letting things run down at NHS? Council hoping the Stadium would just be demolished?

I was worried that playing all the PNG hub's games at one venue might be an issue. You know PNG being a 2nd/3rd world country. Touch ironic.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360925888/live-south-island-united-v-bula-fc-oceania-pro-league-round-two

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/01/20/unplayable-pitch-forces-postponement-of-ofc-pro-league-match/

It’s not a good look. Quite embarrassing 

Yep, it’s been a bit of rain today but nothing torrential or even what I could heavy. 

Just consistent and I would call drizzling the last hour.

SHAMBLES, biggest city in the league and they can't even get a pitch that drains properly!

This is not the fault of OFC. 

Can't expect them to know the drainage capability or lack of, given NHS is one of Auckland's top 3 stadiums hosting many sporting fixtures. Plus it sits right alongside the headquarters of both NZ Football and Auckland FC.

But yes it reflects badly on Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), the council-controlled organisation for Auckland Council.

The 2nd game today is happening it seems.

AFC II ring the changes, even rotating keepers. I think only Normann & Drake backup from Saturday.

Hopefully the wet doesn't stop Prins and Ferguson from showcasing their skills.

THE SHOW GOES ON. 🫡

We are ON for 7pm KO. See you soon. 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/ZQePHbrtrO

— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) January 20, 2026

Kiwis Smith & Ingham backup for Vanuatu

The rain has cleared! 🌤️

Auckland FC and Vanuatu United FC are ready for action.

Watch the game LIVE and FREE on FIFA+#OFCProLeague pic.twitter.com/NGNSvO07R3

— OFC Pro League (@OFCProLeague) January 20, 2026

Lot more changes for Auckland than Vanuatu. Wonder if this will show in fitness later or even earlier in the game. Certainly they've understood the assignment in building such good squad depth for the heavy scheduling of this comp.

A little strange you would rotate the keeper.

imanixsupporter

Pretty sure this was a figure for the entire day, including people who went to game 1 but left before game 2

Jessie Merino

observerfromuh

anyone know the crowd?

7459 at AFC2 v SI Utd

#OFCProLeague

Circuit 1

Day 1: Eden Park

Vanuatu Utd v Bula - 3,701
Auckland FC v South Island Utd - 5,910

Day 2: Eden Park

Tahiti Utd v South Melb - 565
PNG Hekari v Solomon Kings - 780

— A-League Crowds (@ALeaguesCrowds) January 19, 2026

Yep, the AFC vs South Island United attendance was 5,910

Not bad attendances on Day 1. Crowd were quite loud through the telly for the 2nd game.

Still you have to wonder why the games weren't played at Mt Smart, with Auckland's ALM side away in Australia. That and there being a significant Fijian expat community in South Auckland.

Vicelich junior nods a header from a long throw into the net. Keeper Acton caught in no mans land land.

It's windy. That ginger haired Port guy is everywhere!

2-0 to auckland now - don't think that foul on Tade was a penalty tbh. Worry this could get ugly now. Questions will be asked of OFC if Auckland FC dominate every game like this.