O-League action continues this weekend as Auckland City FC and Lautoka look to stay top of Group A and Group B respectively while the rest of the eight-team field play catch-up football.

Match Day Two kicks off on Saturday with the Group A clash between Waitakere United and Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura at Fred Taylor Park in Auckland. Both teams will be eager to put their previous matches behind them as the two-time champions Waitakere could only manage a 1-1 draw against AS Magenta and the Tahitians went down 0-5 to title holders Auckland City.

Roy Krishna and Vetea Tepa will both miss the game after receiving red cards in their respective first round matches while Waitakere player-coach Neil Emblen is still serving a carry-over suspension from last season. Waitakere will also be without their Young All Whites who have progressed to the second round at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.

Crossing over to Papua New Guinea for Group B, Hekari United FC will host Fiji’s Lautoka on Saturday at Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium. Hekari fought hard for a 3-3 draw against Tafea FC in Port Vila on match day one and could leap-frog Lautoka into first place with a win on Saturday. David Muta, Kema Jack and Benjamin Mela all impressed during their first outing and will again be key players for the home side.

Lautoka will be full of confidence after a classy display in their debut O-League match beating Marist FC 3-1. The Fijians will be eager to consolidate their lead with a follow-up away result.

In the other Group B match, Marist have a chance to redeem themselves on Saturday with a second straight home match at Lawson Tama Stadium, this time against Vanuatu club champions Tafea FC. Coach Patrick Miniti is confident his side will bounce back from their first up defeat with the support of an empassioned home crowd likely to reach 15,000. The Solomon Islands have a strong O-League history to preserve after representatives Kossa FC and Koloale FC finished runners-up in the previous two editions.

Tafea FC meanwhile will go into the match hoping for maximum points to potentially go top of Group B. The team remains largely unchanged from the first round with only Hubert Nake left out of the travelling squad.

Finally it’s back to Auckland on Sunday for the Group A clash between Auckland City FC and AS Magenta. Former Waitakere striker Daniel Korivcic will be keen to add to his goal tally for Auckland after an impressive hat-trick against AS Manu Ura on Match Day One. The only change from that squad will be Paul Urlovic replaced by Grant Young who has recovered well from a hamstring injury.

AS Magenta will be without star midfielder Pierre Wajoka and Andre Sinedo who are both tied up with personal commitments while former Ligue 1 defender Benjamin Longue is under an injury cloud. Coming into the squad is former New Caledonian international Steeven Longue, brother to Benjamin, plus Theodore Kaudre and Albert Itrema.


2010 O-LEAGUE – MATCH DAY 2 PREVIEW

This is the Official Preview for Match Day 1. Please note squads are subject to change.

Media wishing to attend any O-League match should contact the respective home club contact prior to match day. Media are encouraged to use these contacts for further club specific information or clarification.

Waitakere United [NZL] vs. AS Manu Ura [TAH]
Saturday 7 November 2009
Fred Taylor Park
Auckland, New Zealand
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Kevin DOCHERTY [AUS]
Assistant Referee 1: Nick VAN SELM [NZL]
Assistant Referee 2: Glen LOCHRIE [NZL]
Fourth Official: Jamie CROSS [NZL]

Waitakere United: 1. Danny ROBINSON  [GK], 2. Jason ROWLEY, 3. Aaron SCOTT, 4. Tim MYERS, 5. Ash SOLLY, 6. Graham PEARCE, 7. Martin BULLOCK, 8. Brent FISHER, 9. Benjamin TOTORI, 10. Allan PEARCE, 11. Neil SYKES, 13. Dimas DA SILVA, 14. Jeremy CHRISTIE, 17. Jake BUTLER, 19. Dakota LUCAS, 21. Keegan LINDERBOOM, 22. Liam LITTLE  [GK], 26. Jason HICKS
Coach: Neil EMBLEN [ENG]

AS Manu Ura: 1. Jonathan TOROHIA  [GK], 2. Henri TAPEA, 3. Rex FAURA, 5. Philippe MORETA, 6. Aldo TAUIHARA, 7. Tetahio AURAA, 9. Jean-Francois KABEU, 10. Auguste WASHETINE, 11. Hiashi KAKE, 12. Hiroana POROIEA, 14. Stephane TUAIRAU, 15. Henri CHANON, 16. Daniel TAPETA  [GK], 19. Heitini TUPEA, 20. Billy MATAITAI, 22. Fraddy TAUIHARA
Coach: Patrick PITO [TAH]



Hekari United FC [PNG] vs. Lautoka [FIJ]
Saturday 7 November 2009
PMRL Stadium
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: John SAOHU [SOL]
Assistant Referee 1: Hilary ANI [PNG]
Assistant Referee 2: David CHARLES [PNG]
Fourth Official: Job Ponis MINAN [PNG]

Hekari United FC: 3. Tagaya LEPANI, 4. Cyril MUTA, 5. Brian TUHIANA, 7. Benjamin MELA, 8. Michael FOSTER, 9. Tuimasi MANUCA, 11. Joachim WAROI, 12. David MUTA, 13. Andrew LEPANI, 15. Charles PARANDA, 17. Kema JACK, 18. Eric KOMENG, 20. Gure GABINA  [GK], 23. Samuel KINI, 24. Kluivert DAGI, 27. Desmond WALUKA  [GK], 30. Pita BALEITOGA
Coach: Jerry ALLEN [SOL]  

Lautoka: 1. James CHRONOPOULOS  [GK], 2. Samuela KAUTOGA, 3. Keni DOIDOI, 4. Samuela VULA, 6. Malakai WAQA, 7. Valerio NAWATU, 8. Ilatia TUILAU, 9. Nahuel ARRARTE, 10. Kamal HASSAN, 11. Sailesh SAMY, 13. Apisai SMITH, 15. Marika ROBANAKADAVU, 17. Arvindra NAIDU, 19. Leone VURUKANIA, 22. Aliverti BALELOA  [GK], 27. Salesh KUMAR
Coach: Imdad ALI [FIJ]



Marist FC [SOL] vs. Tafea FC [VAN]
Saturday 7 November 2009
Lawson Tama Stadium
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Andrew ACHARI [FIJ]
Assistant Referee 1: Matthew TARO [SOL]
Assistant Referee 2: Jackson NAMO [SOL]
Fourth Official: Nelson SOGO [SOL]

Marist FC: 1. Michael KOUMA [GK], 2. Chrisanto MISIGA, 4. Emmanuel POILA, 5. David HOUPERE, 6. Michael PATITI, 7. Joseph LANI, 8. John WAYNE, 9. Abraham INIGA, 10. Michael MISITANA, 11. Commins MENAPI, 12. Clifford HUTA, 13. Lenson BISILI, 15. Joe LUWI, 16. Martin RUHASIA, 18. Tolei Ini KOPURIA, 19. Johan Firisi DOIWALE, 20. Navusu KITU  [GK], 21. Charlie TANIRO
Coach: Patrick MINITI [SOL]

Tafea FC: 1. Alfred MALAS  [GK], 3. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN, 4. Roger JOE, 5. Silas NAMATAK, 6. Fredy VAVA, 7. Moise POIDE, 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL, 10. Richard IWAI, 11. Etienne MERMER, 13. Francois SAKAMA, 14. Asi DANIEL, 15. Jonah TURU, 16. Alphonse QORIG, 17. Geoffrey GETE, 18. Robert TOM, 19. Michell KALTAK, 20. Len MERKA [GK]
Coach: Graham DEMAS [VAN]



Auckland City FC [NZL] vs. AS Magenta [NCL]
Sunday 8 November 2009
Kiwitea St
Auckland, New Zealand
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Rakesh VARMAN [FIJ]
Assistant Referee 1: Mark RULE [NZL]
Assistant Referee 2: Jacqueline STEPHENSON [NZL]
Fourth Official: Chris KERR [NZL]

Auckland City FC: 1. Jacob SPOONLEY  [GK], 3. Ian HOGG, 4. Sam CAMPBELL, 5. Matt WILLIAMS, 6. Ki-Hyung LEE, 7. James PRITCHETT, 8. Chad COOMBES, 10. Grant YOUNG, 11. Daniel KOPRIVCIC, 13. Alex FENERIDIS, 14. Keryn JORDAN, 15. Ivan VICELICH, 16. Jason HAYNE, 17. Adam McGEORGE, 18. Paul GOTHARD  [GK], 20. Greg UHLMANN, 21. Riki VAN STEEDEN, 22. Adam DICKINSON
Coach: Paul POSA [NZL]

AS Magenta: 1. Jean Yan DOUNEZECK  [GK], 2. Benjamin LONGUE, 4. Emmanuel DIANAI, 6. Jedidja SAIKO, 7. Noel KAUDRE, 9. Paul POATINDA, 11. Albert ITREMA, 14. Jules WEA, 15. Steeven LONGUE, 24. Lamo XEWE, 25. Joris GORENDIAWE, 29. Theodore KAUDRE, 32. Ludovic BOIT, 33. Philippe KOKONE
Coach: Alain MOIZAN [NCL]

2010 O-LEAGUE TABLE

Group A

2010 O-LEAGUE RESULTS

Group A
17/10/09       Auckland City FC vs. AS Manu Ura      5-0
24/10/09       Waitakere United vs. AS Magenta      1-1

Group B
17/10/09       Tafea FC vs. Hekari United FC            3-3
18/10/09       Marist FC vs. Lautoka                         1-3      
 

2010 O-LEAGUE – LEADING GOAL-SCORERS

3 – Daniel KOPRIVCIC
1 – Nahuel ARRART
1 – Chad COOMBES
1 – Brent FISHER
1 – Kamal HASSAN
1 – Abraham INIGA
1 – Kema JACK
1 – Samuela KAUTOGA
1 – Tuimasi MANUCA
1 – Benjamin MELA
1 – Silas NAMATAK
1 – François SAKAMA
1 – Robert TOM
1 – Ivan VICELICH

In the lead up to match day two of the 2010 O-League, football fans will be able to recap round one action on television this week as highlights footage is made available to regional broadcasters across the region.

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has produced the O-League highlights for the first time and distributed the footage to all OFC broadcast partners via Television New Zealand’s Pacific Services.

This represents the first of six highlights packages that will be made available for football fans over the course of the current O-League season.

The one-hour show includes action and colour aplenty from defending champions Auckland City FC’s impressive campaign-opening 5-0 win over Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura, the passion and tension from Tafea FC’s 3-3 home draw in Port Vila against Hekari United FC (PNG) and finally the upset of the round as Solomon Island club champions Marist FC were stunned 1-3 by Fiji’s Lautoka.

Due to a venue rescheduling in New Caledonia, the AS Magenta vs. Waitakere United first round match unfortunately could not be included.

OFC has signed agreements with broadcasters in almost all of the participating nations to ensure maximum television coverage of the competition including highlights, full match replays and live coverage where possible.

The round one highlights have gone to air in New Zealand this week and other countries are expected to follow suit.

The coverage is a product of a ground-breaking broadcast agreement between OFC and Triangle and Stratos Television that was signed last month.

For scheduling information check local listings.

Extra information:

2010 O-League OFC Broadcast Exchange Partners

Mai TV [FIJ]
Kundu2 [PNG]
Triangle and Stratos Television [NZL]
Solomon One Television [SOL]
Tahiti Nui Television [TAH]

Samoa Football (Soccer) Federation –Normalisation Committee (SFSF-NC) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new media officer Adrienne Maree Moli. 

Adrienne Moli has been involved with Samoan Football for the past 15 years and has always had a passion for the game.  Her appointment is a vital step towards ensuring that SFSF–NC gains the exposure needed to promote and grow football in Samoa.

Moli has been actively involved as a volunteer for the SFSF-NC Fun Football and National League programs each Saturday.

Moli has also worked extensively in the business industry as a Claims Officer with Progressive Insurance (Apia) and their American Samoan branch, Oxford Insurance.

Her career change into the football media has been motivated by her desire to see Samoa football reach its full potential.

 “I am very excited about my role and look forward to contributing to the development of football in Samoa.  There’s a great team here at SFSF–NC and I expect to put in a lot of hard work to see our goals realised,” says Moli.

Maree joins an already productive team at Samoa Football which has made great progress since coming together in June this year.

Under the leadership of Colin Tuaa, SFSF – NC has since held a successful Business House Competition, the Men’s National League is in its sixth week with 12 clubs competing and the Fun Football Program for children up to 13 years of age has seen a big response from both parents and children.

Samoa Football also facilitated courses for referees and youth level coaches in July.  Since then, two female referee participants and one female coach participant have recently returned from FIFA recognised courses in Auckland, New Zealand. 

SFSF-NC Chief Executive Colin Tuaa says he is delighted to be overseeing another exciting step forward for Samoa Football.

“Adrienne Maree Moli’s appointment is another significant step for SFSF NC.  Maree’s passion for football and current involvement as a volunteer and player will benefit her in her role as Media Officer. Maree has a solid background in business and brings a wealth of skills to the role.  I am positive she will make an impact in her new role,” Tuaa says.

The Federation is also preparing for the commencement of the Women’s and Youth Leagues as well as the Primary Schools Competition scheduled before the end of the year. 

The Solomon Islands national beach soccer team has received another preparation boost ahead of the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai from 16-22 November.

Known as the Bilikiki, the national side will depart for the United Arab Emirates on Friday - one week earlier than originally scheduled.

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) General Secretary Eddie Ngava confirmed this week that the team will have one week for friendly matches and training in Dubai before the tournament.

“SIFF and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) are working together to ensure that the team has the best training possible,” said Ngava.

“As part of the team’s preparation an expert overseas coach has come in to assist the team locally and they will also have three friendly matches in Dubai before the World Cup kicks off, hence, their early departure."

The team completed a week of training with Switzerland assistant beach soccer coach Davor Ivcevic last week. Feedback from the players was positive with several crediting Ivecic for giving them a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

The Bilikiki went into training straight after winning the OFC Beach Soccer Championship Tahiti Nui in July and maintained a steady schedule.

Team Manager Rueben Oimae told local media this week that he is satisfied that his squad has shown excellent application to their required training regime and this dedication has lifted the quality of their play accordingly.

“Our aim is to reach the second round and we have put all our training towards achieving that,” Oimae said.

The Bilikiki are in a highly challenging Pool D along with United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and former champions Portugal. This will be Solomon Islands fourth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearance.

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009
Solomon Islands schedule:

Monday 16 November
Uruguay vs. Solomon Islands

Tuesday 17 November
Solomon Islands vs. UAE

Wednesday 18 November
Portugal vs. Solomon Islands

Friday 20 November
Quarter Finals

Saturday 21 November
Semi Finals

Sunday 22 November
3rd/4th play-off
Final

Courtesy of SIFF Media

Consistently outstanding performances from a pair of talented young footballers are catching the attention of CIFA technical staff as the Cook Islands National Football League championship enters into its fourth round in Rarotonga.

Fourteen-year-old Karailani Matenga, a year nine student, is a goalkeeper for the Titikaveka Football Club’s Open Women’s team. Last weekend she was instrumental in holding powerful rival women’s club Tupapa to one goal as her team secured a surprise draw.

While playing away on Tupapa’s turf, Matenga showed that the age of her opponents did not intimidate her as she stopped a host of strong attacks. She held Tupapa to only one first half goal as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Tupapa boasts national Cook Islands U-20 representative players Regina Mustonen, Elizabeth Harmon and Marissa Iroa. They also fielded National Women’s squad member Melanie Rakei. Matenga’s team had only one national player in U-20's squad member Danille Trego.

CIFA National Development Officer Jimmy Katoa says Matenga’s impressive skills haven’t gone unnoticed.

“She maybe young in age but her skills as a goalkeeper are really outstanding. We have been keeping an eye over her performance and she has not let us down at all. She looks very promising,” Katoa said.

Matenga hails from a strong sporting pedigree. Her parents have been highly successful national sports people in their own right both in the Cook Islands but also in New Zealand.

Her mother Margharet Matenga is a former Silver Fern netball player, while her father Teariki played rugby for the Cook Islands. Karailani's older sister Lucianga is also a national netball player along with their father’s sister Selina Napa.

Meanwhile, also showing outstanding form in the current national league is Tereora College student Taime Tuakeu for the Tupapa U-16 Boys. Last weekend Tuakeu scored no less than four goals against Titikaveka in their 6-2 home ground victory.
 
In the second half Tuakeu scored three more goals while club-mate Terii Framhein netted their final goal on 60 minutes.
 
Both Tuakeu and Framhein were part of the Cook Islands Football Association’s U-16 Boys Academy Programme last year.

Courtesy of CIFA

Marist Football Club coach Patrick Miniti says his team has exorcised its demons after a disappointing first round O-League defeat at home by Lautoka FC last month.

Marist will be desperate to take maximum points from its next O-League match against Vanuatu champions Tafea FC when the two meet on Saturday 7 November at Lawson Tama Stadium.

The Solomon Island champions fell 1-3 to Lautoka FC in front of 12,000 dismayed Honiara fans on 18 October.

But Miniti says his team will be looking forward with optimism and determination despite widespread public dismay following the loss to Lautoka FC.

“It will be a difficult task for us but we cannot afford to walk away empty handed from this game,’ Miniti said.

Miniti concedes that certain areas of Marist’s game suffered in their season opening home match but is confident his team is back on track for their all-important second home match.

“The team has worked towards a better result and we look forward to our next match,” Miniti said. 

“We know that Tafea FC will be very fast and our defense will have to be at its best if we are to gain anything from this match.”

Marist’s captain Abraham Iniga has issued a rallying call to the Solomon Islands public pleading for renewed passionate home support against Tafea FC.

“We carry not only the Marist flag but also a national responsibility and we urge the public to back us in our next match,” Iniga said.

The Solomon Islands have a strong O-League history to preserve after representatives Kossa FC and Koloale FC finished runners-up in the previous two editions.

Saturday's match will be crucial for Marist as they fight to stay in contention in Group B. Lautoka currently leads the group on three points with Papua New Guinea's Hekari United and Tafea FC in second place after their 3-3 draw in Port Vila last month while Marist are languishing at the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile in Group A, Auckland City FC sit top ahead of AS Magenta and Waitakere United on one point and AS Manu Ura who are yet to get a result.

Courtesy of SIFF Media

OFC President Reynald Temarii has passed on his congratulations to the New Zealand U-17 team who became the first Kiwi side to qualify for the knock-out stages of a FIFA tournament at the weekend.
 
As Oceania’s representative at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009, New Zealand qualified in dramatic fashion with an injury-time strike by Jack Hobson-McVeigh against Turkey in Calabar on Saturday evening to give the unbeaten Young All Whites their third straight draw (1-1) of the tournament.
 
Turkey progressed as Group D winners, while Burkina Faso – who won their final group match against Cost Rica in Enugu – finished second and New Zealand went through as one of the top third-place finishers.

New Zealand are now the only Oceania country outside of Australia to qualify for the second round of a FIFA event.

President Temarii says the historic achievement is a positive sign for Oceania football.
 
“OFC is continually striving to improve the standard of football in the region and prepare Oceania’s representatives for success on the world stage and we are now seeing those efforts paying off,” said President Temarii. 
 
“Reaching the knock-out stages of a FIFA World Cup is a remarkable feat and I would like to congratulate New Zealand Football on behalf of the entire Oceania football family. I know the team will now be looking to go even further in the tournament and I wish them the best of luck against Nigeria in the second round later this week.”

The Young All Whites face Nigeria on Thursday evening (local time) at Abuja National Stadium where an expected crowd of over 40,000 will be cheering on the home side. The Golden Eaglets qualified top of a ‘group of death’ after defeating Honduras (1-0) and Argentina (2-1) and drawing with Germany (3-3). Other second round action will see Argentina vs. Colombia, Italy vs. USA, Switzerland vs. Germany, Turkey vs. UAE, Spain vs. Burkina Faso, Mexico vs. Korea Republic and Iran vs. Uruguay.

The highest placing by an OFC representative at the FIFA U-17 World Cup was in 1999 when Australia finished runners-up behind Brazil.

For the latest FIFA U-17 World Cup news visit FIFA.com

AUCKAND – The Young All Whites’ second round opponents at the FIFA U-17 World Cup will be hosts Nigeria in front of an intimidating crowd of over 40,000 and their coach couldn’t be happier.

With group play completed this morning and the top 16 teams all confirmed, the final pieces of the playoff puzzle could be placed.

While Nigeria qualified top of a ‘group of death’ featuring Argentina, Germany and Honduras, taking on the hosts at the 60,000 seat Abuja National Stadium is a prospect that excites New Zealand coach Steve Cain.

“The occasion will be absolutely fantastic. The crowd will be huge and the atmosphere will be absolutely magical,” Cain said.

“The African people have been very friendly to us and very complimentary to us when we’ve played. We’ve won some hearts and minds and we’d like to continue that with a game against the host nation.”

“It’s exactly what we’d hope for. It’s an occasion and something that will stick in the boys’ minds for a lifetime.

At a World Cup, every team you play is going to be hard so you’d rather have a game in front of a full house. We’ve backed ourselves all tournament and we’ll do so again against Nigeria. We’ve shown we’re a very hard team to beat.

FIFA U-17 World Cup
Round of 16

Nov 4
Argentina v Colombia, Ijebu Ode
Italy v USA, Kaduna
Switzerland v Germany
Turkey v UAE, Enugu

Nov 5
Spain v Burkina Faso, Kano
Mexico v Korea Republic, Bauchi
Iran v Uruguay, Calabar
Nigeria v New Zealand, Abuja (7am Friday Nov 6 NZT)

Vanuatu striker Seule Soromon has put New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC) defences on red alert after he bagged all four goals in YoungHeart Manawatu's 4-0 win over Team Wellington at Newtown Park today.
 
The win capped off the perfect start to the season for YoungHeart Manawatu coach Bob Sova, whose team moved into second place.

Elsewhere, reigning champions Auckland City remained in top spot despite a 0-0 draw at Otago United while Waitakere United moved into third thanks to a 1-0 win at home to Canterbury United. Waikato FC – thrashed 5-0 by Auckland City last week – enjoyed their first win of the season with a 4-2 win over Matt Chandler’s Hawke’s Bay United.

Soromon began the YoungHeart Manawatu rout with a 25th minute close range tap in while Team Wellington nearly drew level in the 39th minute only for Greg Draper’s effort to hit the post. Seule Soromon put the match beyond the hosts when he scored two quickfire strikes in the 54th and 55th minutes to give the visitors a commanding 3-0 lead.
 
YoungHeart Manawatu confirmed victory in the 73rd minute after another coolly taken finish by Soromon. Soromon could have grabbed his and YoungHeart's fifth goal after he rounded goalkeeper Jim Bannatyne only to see his effort cleared off the line by Team Wellington’s Chris Davies with eight minutes remaining.
 
Otago United’s draw with Auckland City ended a run of seven consecutive defeats against the champions that stretches back to season 2006-07. Otago has only beaten Auckland City once in their last ten attempts. Despite a draw City maintained it’s unbeaten start to the season and has yet to concede a goal in it’s three competitive matches in all competitions to date while Otago sit in 5th place in the table.

Former New Zealand international striker Brent Fisher repaid the faith of coach Neil Emblen with a debut headed goal from a Neil Sykes’ freekick after 31 minutes to hand Waitakere United an opening day NZFC victory. The 1-0 victory ensured Waitakere sit among the early leaders in the race for an NZFC play-off spot and guarantees that competition for places in United’s frontline remains intense with Fijian striker Roy Krishna only used as a late substitute.

Meanwhile, Centennial Park, Ngaurawahia was the scene of a six-goal thriller as Waikato FC defeated Hawke’s Bay United for the first time in three seasons.

Goals by Waikato FC strikers Dan Peat and Michael Gwyther helped kick-start their club’s campaign with a 4-2 win at home over the visitors.
 
A first half brace by Dan Peat in the 19th and 27th minutes complemented a 23rd minute close range header by Michael Gwyther.
 
Leon Birnie threw Hawke’s Bay a lifeline with a goal on the stroke of halftime but Waikato FC restored their two goal buffer in the 71st minute through a Joey Simpkins penalty after Mikael Munday was brought down in the box. 
 
A 76th minute Andrew Abba volley set up a tense finish but it wasn’t enough to deny a first ever NZFC win for new player/coach Che Bunce.

Story and photo courtesy NZF Media

For the latest NZFC news visit NZFC.co.nz

New Zealand have made history today by becoming the first Kiwi side to advance to the knock-out round of a FIFA World Cup tournament.

In dramatic fashion, an injury-time strike by Jack Hobson-McVeigh against Turkey in Calabar on Saturday evening gave the Young All Whites their third straight draw (1-1) of the tournament and was enough to send them through to the round of sixteen.

Even with four regular starters waiting in the wings, Turkey looked a far superior side in the early going. After just five minutes they carved out an opening via some lovely midfield interplay, but Engin Bekdemir could only hammer his shot high and wide from 20 yards. The move deserved better than the finish provided. Five minutes later, Ahmet Sari had the ball in the net, but the header was waved away for a foul on the Kiwi goalkeeper.

Just up the other end, captain Gordon Murie fired a warning by bullying the ball home from close range after a deflection. The strike, however, was also ruled out, this time for offside. The dream of keeping up with the Turks didn't last, though, as Bekdemir wriggled around his man and lobbed the keeper from 18 yards to open the scoring an t he 17th minute.

The Kiwis were keen to keep themselves in the game, but their spirits must have sunk when Josh Morrison missed the chance of a lifetime in the 29th minute. Getting first to the ball after a goal-mouth scramble, he could only conspire to hit over from five yards out.  Minutes later, Sari saw a try cleared off the line as the action was getting fast and furious.

The hard-charging Kiwis seemed to go off the boil a bit at the start of the second half, just as the Turks began to up the tempo in search of a second goal.  Enes Baykan had a chance to score in the 60th minute, but he couldn't steer his close-range shot through a forest of legs.  Seconds later, a free-kick by the busy Bekdemir stung the palms of Coey Turipa in the New Zealand goal.
Just as it looked like it was all over for the tired Kiwis, Hobson-McVeigh fired a stunning goal to the top corner in stoppage time to, miraculously, send the islanders through when all seemed lost

The Turks are through to the round of sixteen as section winners, while Burkina Faso - who won their game in Enugu - finish second and New Zealand sneak through as one of the top third-place finishers. Costa Rica are officially out.

Photo courtesy Action Images

For the latest news and results from the FIFA U-17 World Cup visit FIFA.com

An exciting new grassroots football programme 'Just Play' has successfully kicked off at Loto Tonga Soka Centre in ‘Atele this week and oceaniafootball.com is pleased to bring you all the latest photos.  

The initiative, which aims to promote physical activity among children aged 6-13, has been developed by Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in close collaboration with its 11 Member Associations including Tonga Football Association (TFA).

With strong support from the Australian Government through its agencies the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the 'Just Play' programme will be rolled out across the region over the next three years.

Activities in Tonga this week have included training workshops for over 50 teachers and volunteers who will run the project in 10 government primary schools.

The sessions, which featured dozens of eager students, were facilitated by OFC 'Just Play' project manager Franck Castillo and OFC 'Just Play' technical coordinator Yvon Avry. Local media turned out in force to cover the action.

Also taking place this week was the signing of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Nuku’alofa between the TFA and the Tongan Government.

Present at the signing was Vice President of TFA the Honourable Moimoi Vaea, acting Director of Education Mrs Peaua Heimuli, acting Director of Sport Mr Viliami Liava’a and OFC representative Franck Castillo. The MOU defines the roles of each stakeholder in facilitating the 'Just Play' programme over the next three years.

PHOTOS

AUCKLAND – The Young All Whites can clinch a place in the second round of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Calabar, Nigeria on Sunday morning (NZT) but runaway group D winners Turkey stand in their way.

Consecutive draws against Costa Rica and Burkina Faso have left New Zealand in second place in Group D needing a win over the Europeans to seal automatic qualification for the knockout phase of the competition.

A third draw may also be good enough to progress – as one of four best third-place finishes from the six groups, or in second place if Costa Rica and Burkina Faso draw – but New Zealand coach Steve Cain would prefer not to hand his team’s fate to other teams.

“The good thing about the results we’ve earned so far is that we’ve kept ourselves in the hunt and kept everything in our own hands,” Cain said.

“A draw may get us through but we can’t rely on that because we’d need to have results in our own and other groups go our way.

“An unbeaten record [with a third draw] would be a great achievement for a New Zealand team but it won’t feel like it if we’re on a plane home.”

New Zealand will be without the suspended Zane Sole after the Waitakere United midfielder picked up a yellow card in each of the first two matches.

The list of suspension casualties is longer for Turkey with defenders Furkan Seker and Onur Karakabak and impressive midfielder Orhan Gulle all ruled out while defender Okan Alkan may also sit out due to the threat of missing the round of 16 if he picks up another caution.

Turkey’s top scorer Muhammet Demir, who also led the scoring race in European qualifying is in the same boat as Alkan with one booking to his name already. Turkish coach Abdullah Ercan may be tempted to rest his influential captain to ensure he has him at his disposal when the knockout stages begin.

Turkey wrapped up top spot with a resounding 4-1 win over Costa Rica on Friday – a day after freak storms saw the first attempt to play the match called off after 20 minutes – and New Zealand coach Steve Cain is expecting his side’s biggest test so far.

“Turkey have been one of the pacesetters in the tournament so far and they won’t want to lose any momentum heading into the second round.”

“Regardless of who they put out they will be a good team. No doubt about it. And regardless of who they put out we will back ourselves like we have all tournament.”

After Thursday’s energy-sapping match in Enugu, the Young All Whites travelled to Calabar on Friday where the focus was again on restoring players physically and mentally for Sunday’s match.
Kick-off is at 7am (NZT) with delayed coverage on Sky Sport 2 at 8.30am.

FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009
October 25 - November 15

Group D
November 1
New Zealand v Turkey
Calabar

New Zealand: 1-Coey TURIPA (GK), 2-Matt GIBBONS, 3-Adam THOMAS, 4-Luis ESTEVEZ, 5- Gordon MURIE (captain), 6-Tim PILKINGTON, 7-Josh MORRISON, 8-Stephen KIBBY, 9-Nikolai MOLIJN, 11-Jack Hobson-MCVEIGH, 12-Tane GENT, 13-Michael BUILT, 14-Thomas SPRAGG, 15-Andrew MILNE, 16-Jamie DORIS, 17-Cameron LINDSAY, 18-Ashton PETT,19-Andrew BEVIN, 20-Alex CARR (GK), 21-Patrick GEORGE (GK).
Suspended: 10-Zane SOLE.
Coach: Steve CAIN (ENG)

Turkey: 1-Deniz MEHMET (GK), 2-Okan ALKAN, 3-Nurettin KAYAOGLU, 5-Ogulcan GOKCE, 7-Berkin ARSLAN, 8-Kamil COREKCI, 9-Muhammet DEMIR, 10-Engin BEKDEMIR, 11-Omer Ali SAHINER, 12-Sercan HACIOGLU (GK), 13-Sezer OZMEN, 14-Gokay IRAVUL, 15-Enes BAYKAN, 16-Suleyman OZDAMAR, 17-Gokay ISITAN, 18-Ufuk OZBEK, 20-Ahmet SARI, 21-Omer KAHVECI (GK)
Suspended: 4-Furkan SEKER, 6-Orhan GULLE, 19-Onur KARAKABAK.
Coach: Abdullah ERCAN (TUR)

GROUP D STANDINGS

AUCKLAND – New Zealand’s chances of making the second round of the FIFA U-17 World Cup are still alive following a rain-affected 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso in Enugu, Nigeria on Wednesday night.

Blistering heat sapped levels of both energy and concentration in the first half, but the heavens opened dramatically after the restart, leaving the artificial pitch unplayable and stopping play for over an hour only minutes after New Zealand captain Gordon Murie had headed his side level.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said New Zealand coach Steve Cain after the match.

“The first half was played in 32 degree heat, and humidity that took it through the roof. Plus, we played on a black rubber mat that made it feel like a sauna, and they were all over us to be honest.”

“We were out on our feet in that first half. We were like that after the warm up. That’s how hot it was.”

“But as soon as we once we turned round in the second half and the wind and the rain started it was their side who didn’t adapt to the more New Zealand conditions.

“We scored an equaliser and probably should have had another one but the game was probably 50-50 once we returned to the game.”

The Young All Whites’ second draw momentarily gave them sole ownership of second spot in Group D – Costa Rica and group leaders Turkey clashed after New Zealand’s match – and now can secure a breakthrough place in the knockout phase with an upset win over Turkey in Calabar on Saturday.

“The best thing is that it’s still in our hands. We went for the win today after the break to try and get the points that would have sent us through but in the end we settled for a draw. But we’ve kept ourselves in contention – we’re still alive.”

A third consecutive draw may yet be enough to qualify for the round of 16 as one of four best third placed teams but the Kiwis would then need to rely on results in other groups.

The Young All Whites endured a torrid first half with the Burkinabe dominating in familiar West African conditions.

New Zealand were guilty of giving away possession often and far too cheaply in all areas of the pitch, feeding wave after wave of attack from the Africans.

Predictably, it was a turnover that led to the opening goal with Victor Nikiema dispossessing a New Zealand defender within sight of goal and smashing the ball past Coey Turipa.

English Premier League referee Howard Webb stopped play at regular intervals to allow players to rehydrate, but the sight of underutilised striker Andrew Milne going down with cramp in the 38th minute was a sign of just how much the conditions were affecting the New Zealanders.

The kiwis rode their luck to stay within touch at halftime and initially welcomed the deluge of rain that arrived just minutes into the second spell.

New Zealand’s renewed energy led to their first real chance of the match. Milne earned a free kick, with Murie claiming a faint but decisive touch on Zane Sole’s delivery to draw the teams level in the 57th minute.

New Zealand’s momentum was halted shortly thereafter with rain driving teams from the field, but the fears of abandonment were allayed when play restarted 90 minutes later.

New Zealand returned with the bit still between their teeth and a second striker, Tim Pilkington, introduced to chase a win that would all but book a place in the second round.

Pilkington had an early chance but the reinvigorated kiwis couldn’t break through, while the Burkinabe found their feet again to draw a pair of classy saves from Coey Turipa and series of desperate blocks by New Zealand defenders.

New Zealand’s final group match will be against Turkey on Saturday evening.

FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009
October 25 - November 15

Group D
Enugu
October 28
New Zealand: 1 (Gordon MURIE 57)
Burkina Faso: 1 (Victor NIKIEMA 12)
Halftime: 0-1

New Zealand line-up: 1-Coey TURIPA (GK), 3-Adam THOMAS, 5- Gordon MURIE (captain), 7-Josh MORRISON, 8-Stephen KIBBY (6-Tim PILKINGTON 63), 10-Zane SOLE, 13-Michael BUILT (4-Luis ESTEVEZ 75), 14-Thomas SPRAGG, 15-Andrew MILNE, 17-Cameron LINDSAY (11-Jack Hobson-MCVEIGH 80), 18-Ashton PETT.
Substitutes not used: 2-Matt GIBBONS, 9-Nikolai MOLIJN, 12-Tane GENT, 16-Jamie DORIS, 19-Andrew BEVIN, 20-Alex CARR (GK), 21-Patrick GEORGE (GK).
Coach: Steve CAIN (ENG)

Burkina Faso line-up: 1-Germain SANOU (GK), 2-Adama HAIKI, 3-Mouhamed OUATTARA, 6-Ismael ZAGRE, 8-Victor NIKIEMA, 9-Abdoulaye IBRANGO, 10-Fadil SIDO, 14-Dalhata SORO, 15-Ousmane DERRA, 17-Bertrand TRAORE (7-Louckmane OUEDRAOGO 46 / 5-Ibrahim BARRY 73), 19-Aboubacar TRAORE.
Substitutes not used: 4-Delwende YANOGO, 11-Abdoul NIKIEMA, 12-Zidane ZOUNGRANA, 13-Moussa DAO, 16-Lassane NIKKIEMA (GK), 18-Farouck KABORE, 20-Patrick MALO, 21-Abdouraziz GUIRE (GK).
Coach: Rainer WILLFELD (GER).

Cautions: Abdoulaye IBRANGO (BFA), Zane SOLE (NZL).

Group D Standings

FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 – New Zealand results/fixtures
October 25 - November 15

October 26
New Zealand 1 (Michael BUILT 18) Costa Rica 1 (Joel CAMPBELL 35)

October 29
New Zealand 1 (Gordon MURIE 57) Burkina Faso 1 (Victor NIKIEMA 12)

November 1
New Zealand v Turkey
Calabar

Story courtesy NZF Media

Photo courtesy Action Images

For the latest FIFA U-17 World Cup news visit FIFA.com

Another milestone in grassroots football has been achieved in the Pacific with the launch of Oceania Football Confederation’s (OFC) ‘Just Play’ programme in Tonga.

OFC has worked closely with Tonga Football Association (TFA) and the Tongan Government to introduce the programme which promotes physical activity (especially, but not only, football) for children aged 6-13 and encourages community involvement.

OFC President Reynald Temarii says introducing the ‘Just Play’ Active and Healthy Kids for Life project will see a range of benefits for local communities.

“Through this initiative, we will be able to use the development of football to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities in Tonga,” said President Temarii.

The programme, which started on Monday at Loto Tonga Soka Centre in ‘Atele, involves primary-aged children who receive guided tuition on developing games skills by teachers and volunteers trained by OFC and TFA.

Participants are also given a valuable sports kit containing balls, cones, bibs, an activity manual and other resources.

Franck Castillo, OFC head of social development and project manager for ‘Just Play’, says the programme would not be possible without key partners.

“With the assistance of Football Federation Australia (FFA), OFC has signed a partnership agreement with the Australian Government through its agencies the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). We are sincerely grateful for their support,” said Castillo.

The agreement with the Government of Australia amounts to AU$4 million over a three-year period and covers the implementation of ‘Just Play’ throughout the region. Also supporting the programme are UEFA, Cue Sports and Manukau-based charity Find Your Field of Dreams.

In Tonga, the government put their full backing behind the project on Tuesday when they signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Nuku’alofa.

Present at the signing was Vice President of TFA the Honourable Moimoi Vaea, acting Director of Education Mrs Peaua Heimuli, acting Director of Sport Mr Viliami Liava’a and OFC representative Franck Castillo. The MOU defines the roles of each stakeholder in facilitating the programme over the next three years.

‘Just Play’ in Tonga will involve 10 government primary schools including Kolomotu’a, Longolongo, Ngeleia and Nuku’alofa in the Central District, ‘Atele, Veitongo, Vaini in the Eastern District and Tokomololo, Pea and Halalo in the Western District. To kick things off, OFC 'Just Play' technical coordinator Yvon Avry is delivering workshops in Tonga this week for teachers and volunteers who will run the activities. 

The programme is expected to roll out across Oceania over the next year including American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, New Caledonia, New Zealand (Manukau), Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

AUCKLAND – The chance to achieve two notable firsts is driving the Young All Whites in the FIFA U-17 World Cup clash against Burkina Faso in Enugu, Nigeria on Thursday morning (NZT).

After a promising draw against Costa Rica on Monday, the heat goes on the Young All Whites in more ways than one as a victory over the Africans in mid afternoon Enugu heat and humidity will almost certainly earn them a place in the second round – a first for a New Zealand team at a FIFA event.

But victory over an African team on their home continent would be another first, and New Zealand coach Steve Cain is weary of a side wounded after a 0-1 loss to Turkey on Monday morning.

“It’s shaping as a mini final this one as both teams will be looking for three points to get some sort of foothold in the final 16,” Cain said.

“We’ve never beaten an African team in Africa and playing at four o’clock in 30 degree temperatures and 95 per cent humidity so it’ll be difficult but these are the things we have to deal with.”

Thunder storms are scheduled for the region on match day but the Young All Whites are brimming with a quiet belief that they can produce another lightning strike after leading the Costa Ricans early in their Group D opener.

“We have to back ourselves heading into this game and if we can repeat the defensive effort from the Costa Rica match and can be a bit more sensible and positive with the ball at our feet then we can get something out of this game.”

Recovery has been the focus in the immediate 24 hours of a match that saw New Zealand lose three players to cramp in the stifling conditions. Birkenhead midfielder Jack Hobson-McVeigh returns from a suspension he picked up in qualifying to give Cain the option of fresh in midfield, although the performance of Jamie Doris, Cameron Lindsay and the combative Zane Sole may prompt a retention of the status quo.

While Nigerian and Ghanaian teams have dominated previous World Cups and the Burkinabe finished third in 2001, the current side remain somewhat of an unknown quantity for the Young All Whites although video analysis will go someway to removing that mystery.

But a brief glimpse of their opponents at the stadium hasn’t changed the New Zealand players’ view that they can rise to the challenge.

“From the 20 minutes of the match we saw before our game it was clear they press high and all over the pitch,” said New Zealand winger Thomas Spragg.

“While we need to treat them with respect there is not reason not to go into the game confident of causing an upset.”

FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009
October 25 - November 15

Group D
New Zealand vs. Burkina Faso
Enugu
October 29

New Zealand: 1-Coey TURIPA (GK), 2-Matt GIBBONS, 3-Adam THOMAS, 4-Luis ESTEVEZ, 5- Gordon MURIE (captain), 6-Tim PILKINGTON, 7-Josh MORRISON, 8-Stephen KIBBY, 9-Nikolai MOLIJN, 10-Zane SOLE, 11-Jack Hobson-MCVEIGH, 12-Tane GENT, 13-Michael BUILT, 14-Thomas SPRAGG, 15-Andrew MILNE, 16-Jamie DORIS, 17-Cameron LINDSAY, 18-Ashton PETT,19-Andrew BEVIN, 20-Alex CARR (GK), 21-Patrick GEORGE (GK).
Coach: Steve CAIN (ENG)

Burkina Faso: 1-Germain SANOU (GK), 2-Adama HAIKI, 3-Mouhamed OUATTARA, 4-Delwende YANOGO, 5-Ibrahim BARRY, 6-Ismael ZAGRE, 7-Louckmane OUEDRAOGO, 8-Victor NIKIEMA, 9-Abdoulaye IBRANGO, 10-Fadil SIDO, 11-Abdoul NIKIEMA, 12-Zidane ZOUNGRANA, 13-Moussa DAO, 14-Dalhata SORO, 15-Ousmane DERRA, 16-Lassane NIKKIEMA (GK), 17-Bertrand TRAORE, 18-Farouck KABORE, 19-Aboubacar TRAORE, 20-Patrick MALO, 21-Abdouraziz GUIRE (GK)
Coach: Rainer WILLFELD (GER)

Group D Standings

October 29
New Zealand v Burkina Faso
Enugu

November 1
New Zealand v Turkey
Calabar

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is pleased to confirm the FIFA-appointed match officials for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ second leg play-off match between New Zealand and Bahrain in Wellington on 14 November.

Urguay’s Jorge Luis Larrionda Pietrafesa will referee the match at Westpac Stadium with compatriats Pablo Javier Fandino Abate and Mauricio Espinosa Rodriguez as his assistants plus Roberto Carlos Silvera Calcerrada, also from Uruguay, as the fourth official.

Larrionda has been an international referee since 1998 and has officiated at a number of FIFA tournaments including the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. 

The referee assessor will be Carlos Alberto Alarcon Rios from Paraguay while USA’s Joseph Machnik will serve as the match commissioner.

2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA™ – PRELIMINARY COMPETITION

Intercontinental Play-off Matches – Second leg

New Zealand vs. Bahrain
14 November 2009
Westpac Stadium
Wellington
Local kick-off: 20H00

Referee: LARRIONDA PIETRAFESA Jorge Luis [Uruguay]
Assistant Referee 1: FANDINO ABATE Pablo Javier [Uruguay]
Assistant Referee 2: ESPINOSA RODRIGUEZ Mauricio [Uruguay]
Fourth Official: SILVERA CALCERRADA Roberto Carlos [Uruguay]
Referee Assessor: ALARCON RIOS Carlos Alberto [Paraguay]
Commissioner: MACHNIK Joseph [USA]

Photo courtesy FIFA.com