Bula FC's Setareki Hughes, left, tussles for possession against Solomon Kings FC's Sota Higashide in OFC Pro League 2026 round two match in Port Moresby. 1 February 2026. Photo: OFC Media / Phototek.nz
Bula FC has jumped to third place on the points table after securing a 1-0 win over Solomon Kings FC in the second round of the OFC Pro League on Sunday.
Nabil Begg scored a late goal in the first half in the in Port Moresby on a humid Sunday afternoon.
The Stephane Auvray coached side could have ended the match with two more goals but their strikers could not repeat Begg's feat.
His son and international signing Kaile was a big threat to the Solomon Kings' defence throughout the match, with the winger looking dangerous every time he had the ball on his feet.
Solomon Kings FC captain and goalkeeper Phillip Mango was a tough one to beat in between the posts and saved a number of attempts from the Fijians early on.
But Bula FC managed to score after a through ball from Setareki Hughes found Begg on the far side of the box.
Begg sent the ball towards goal but Mango managed defuse that.
However, the second attempt went to the back of the net, sending Fijian fans on the grandstand at the Santos National Football Stadium into celebration in the 44th minute.
Kaile said winning the match was a great result for them.
"I think the most important is that we won the game," he said post match.
"I don't think it was our best performance, but I love the resilience and, you know, we showed discipline and great camaraderie."
He said the weather was also a challenge for players, although he stated he was not new to such conditions as he was used to that back at home in Trinidad.
Solomon Kings had a tougher challenge on their hand in the second spell when Don Keana was flashed the red card and sent off the field after he had taken a charging Kaile down.
Player Rafa Leaai said post match that he was proud of the team despite the loss.
"The boys worked hard and am proud of the boys," he said.
Meanwhile, in the first game on Sunday New Zealand's South Island United and South Melbourne FC shared six goals in an epic 3-3 draw.
The Kiwis got their goals through Haris Zeb, David Yoo and Jaylen Rodwell.
South Melbourne FC secured their three through Yuki Uchida, Maximilian Mikkola and Jordan Swibel.
Zeb opened the scoring in the game for South Island United in the ninth minute of the first half but their Australian counterparts managed two through Uchida and Mikkola, to lead 2-1 at halftime.
Match-day three will be held on Tuesday.
That will feature Tahiti United taking on Auckland FC, before PNG Hekari FC battle in the second game of that day.
Auckland FC continue their lead at the top of the table with 12 points from four wins, five more over South Melbourne FC, who are on second spot at the moment.
Bula FC, Solomon Kings and South Island United have four points each, but the Fijians have a better goal advantage.
