Bula FC and South Melbourne FC played to a 1-1 draw in an exciting match held in Port Moresby on Sunday. The contest featured a dynamic back-and-forth exchange, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.
Bula FC’s head coach, Stephane Auvray, opted for a revamped lineup, notably benching key players Roy Krishna, Setareki Hughes, and goalkeeper Didier Desprez to spark a different tactical approach. In contrast, South Melbourne FC maintained a largely consistent squad but introduced goalkeeper Jake Charlston in place of Ilia Shalamanov-Trenkova.
From the outset, South Melbourne applied intense pressure, keeping Bula FC largely confined in their own territory. This aggressive high pressing soon bore fruit, as they broke the deadlock within the first fifteen minutes. Max Mikkola’s signature long throw was flicked on to Andrew Mesourouni, who seized the opportunity to score from close range, putting South Melbourne ahead.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including a near miss when Luka Coveny’s header hit the crossbar, Bula FC demonstrated resilience. Just before the half-time whistle, they equalized thanks to Christopher Wasasala. In a moment of brilliance, Wasasala intercepted a pass from South Melbourne captain Marco Jankovic and slipped a shot past Charlston from a tight angle.
The game continued to build in intensity after the break, with both teams vying for the lead. Mesourouni had a chance to retake the advantage for South Melbourne but shot over from the edge of the box. Substitute Setareki Hughes came close for Bula FC but narrowly missed the target. Auvray’s tactical changes brought on Krishna and Fergus Gillion, and the match opened up as both teams adapted to the sweltering Port Moresby heat.
Ultimately, neither team could find the decisive goal, and they settled for a point each—an outcome reflective of the contest’s competitive nature. This match highlighted the teams’ determination and skill, as both sides showcased their potential for greater achievements in the league.
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