South Melbourne FC are through to the inaugural OFC Pro League final after a commanding 4-0 semi-final victory over Vanuatu United FC at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
Hellas produced a clinical first-half display, scoring three times before the break to secure a fifth consecutive Pro League win and book their place in Sunday’s final at Eden Park against either Auckland FC or South Island United.
Coach Sinisa Cohadzic restored several senior players to the starting side after rotating the squad in the final Leaders Group fixture eight days earlier, while Vanuatu United were forced into defensive changes due to injury and suspension.
South Melbourne took control early, with Jordan Swibel opening the scoring in the 17th minute with a clever backheel finish from close range following a low cross by Yuki Uchida.
Swibel was again heavily involved midway through the half when his effort from a corner forced an own goal after goalkeeper Matthew Acton could not keep the ball out, doubling Hellas’ advantage.
The Victorian club effectively sealed the contest seven minutes later through Max Mikkola, whose strike took a deflection before bouncing in off the underside of the crossbar.
Vanuatu United struggled to recover after the break, with South Melbourne continuing to dominate possession and chances. Their fourth goal arrived in the 57th minute when Tommy Giannakopoulos converted from close range after Swibel’s header struck the post.
South Melbourne eased through the closing stages as attention turned towards Sunday’s final and the opportunity to become the first champions of Oceania’s new professional league competition.
South Melbourne FC 4 (Jordan Swibel 17’, Own Goal 32’, Max Mikkola 39’, Tommy Giannakopoulos 57’)
Vanuatu United FC 0
HT: 3-0
