Bula FC register first win

Fiji’s Bula FC secured their first win in Circuit 2, Round 1, of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Professional League, after holding off the determined Solomon Kings FC 1-0 on Sunday, 01 February 2026, at Port Moresby’s Santos National Football Stadium. 

The match kicked off to a flying start, with both sides competing aggressively and showing desperation to claim 3 competition points. 

Fiji broke the deadlock in the 44th minute after a tough arm wrestle, with Setareki Hughes delivering a brilliant pass into space for Nabil Begg to score the opening goal and take a 1-0 lead at the interval.

There was drama in the second half, with the Solomon Kings’ forward getting red-carded just within 10 minutes of the clash. 

Despite being down one man for the entire match, especially in the second spell, the Solomon Islanders defended resolutely, ensuring that the Fijians didn't score more goals. 

The Kings showed heart and courage to level the margin, but Bula maintained their solid defensive line to ice the game with a gritty win.  

After a draw and one loss, Bula FC finally recorded their maiden win in the elite competition, hoping to continue their winning streak in the upcoming games. 

Bula FC coach Stephane Auvray attributed the hard-fought victory to the team’s character and adaptability.

“The most pleasing part of our performance was our ability to adapt. We had to change our formation and switch quickly to fix the problem, and the players adapted really well,” he stated. 

The coach also praised Fiji's most capped footballer, Roy Krishna, whose leadership in guiding the young players and barking orders on the field has been pivotal.

Although Bula FC won their first game of the season, coach Auvray emphasized on consistency, describing the win as pleasing and expecting his men to improve their performance in the next games. 

With one player down for almost 35 minutes, Solomon Kings FC’s coach Ben Cahn praised the players for showing determination and resilience to stay in the fight until the final whistle.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the players. They gave everything. We played well. With one man down, and to keep pressing, running, and dominating the game was incredible,” he said.

The coach mentioned that they would need to make some fine-tuning in the front third and ensure to capitalize on the possession to score goals.

In addition, the battle of the ‘South Side’ in the opening match saw South Melbourne FC draw with South Island United FC, 3-3. 

Meanwhile, Bula FC will face South Melbourne FC on Wednesday (January 4th), while the Solomon Kings go head-to-head with competition heavyweights Auckland FC on Saturday (February 7th).