The Solomon Island Bilikiki are receiving expert assistance from a seasoned European beach soccer coach in Honiara this week ahead of their trip to Dubai next month for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009.

Davor Ivcevic, assistant coach and squad member of Switzerland's beach soccer team, arrived on Monday and will take the Bilikiki through an intensive one-week training programme. 

Switzerland will also participate in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, which kicks off on 16 November and involves 16 of the world's best teams.  

Eddie Ngava, General Secretary of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), says that his goal is for the team to have the best training possible before departing for the FIFA tournament. Ngava also confirmed that SIFF has made plans for the team to arrive one week prior to the World Cup in order for Ncevic to join the team in Dubai and oversee further training and acclimatisation.

SIFF requested a professional coach through Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) earlier this year to assist the team after it won the OFC Beach Soccer Championship Tahiti Nui in August and qualified for their fourth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

SIFF initially requested Switzerland’s head coach, Angelo Schirinzi, who ruled himself out due to commitments with their national side. Schirinzi then appointed Ncevic to help out the Solomon squad on his behalf.

Ivcevic says that his training program will largely focus on the tactical aspects of beach soccer. When asked to nominate specific areas of the Bilikiki’s play that require improvement Ncevic says he will work on the team’s defence and finishing.

"I am satisfied with the skill level of the players but I think more work needs to be done in areas like making use of space as a tactic and other advanced team techniques," Ivcevic said.

Bilikiki team manager Rueben Oimae says that he is very happy with the arrival of Ivcevic.

"I think the team will benefit a lot from his work here," Oimae said.

The Bilikiki will be in a training camp for the entirety of Vcevics’ visit this week and are undertaking two intensive training sessions per day.

They will face tough competition in the first round of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after being drawn in Group A alongside Portugal, Uruguay and hosts UAE.



Bilikiki coach Henry Koto (left) with Swiss coach Davor Ivcevic

Fifteen goals have already been scored in the 2010 O- League as Auckland City FC and Lautoka stormed to victory on Match Day 1 of the competition to go top of Group A and Group B respectively.

The season kicked off at Auckland’s Kiwitea Street on Saturday with defending champions Auckland City cruising to a 5-0 win over Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura in Group A. Daniel Koprivcic led the way with a second-half hat-trick on debut for the club.

Auckland City coach Paul Posa says he was pleased to pick up maximum points in the season opener and is delighted to be involved in another O-League campaign.

“O-League is great because it raises the standards,” said Posa, who took over from Colin Tuaa midway through last season in a caretaker role and is now leading the club in a British-type manager’s role.

“To play different teams with different styles – we learn from that and they learn from us which I think is a great thing.”

Auckland City started well in the wet conditions going ahead in the 18th minute when All Whites defender Ivan Vicelich climbed high at the near post to head home Ki-Hyung Lee’s corner.

Chad Coombes took Auckland City’s lead out to 2-0 at half-time before Koprivcic stole the show in the second half. The former Waitakere United striker grabbed the first of his three in the 69th minute when he out-muscled his marker on the edge of the area and slotted the ball low past goalkeeper Daniel Tapeta. He scored his second in the 80th minute shortly before AS Manu Ura’s Vetea Tepa was sent off for an off-the-ball incident. Koprivcic then completed his hat-trick with a coolly-taken penalty in injury time.

Kicking off in Port Vila shortly after the Kiwitea clash was the opening Group B match between Tafea FC and Hekari United FC. The 4,000 local faithful at Municipal Stadium were given plenty to cheer in the opening minute of the game when Silas Namatak curled the ball top corner from just outside the area.

Tafea doubled their lead in the 34th minute through Robert Tom before three goals were scored in the space of five minutes just before half-time. Striker Kema Jack grabbed a double in quick succession before Vanuatu international Francois Sakama hit back in the 45th minute to give the home side a 3-2 advantage. Benjamin Mela made it 3-3 five minutes after the break and the score remained unchanged. 

On Sunday around 15,000 fans turned out at Honiara’s Lawson Tama Stadium to support Marist FC as they faced a determined Lautoka side in the second Group B match.

Making their O-League debut, Lautoka got off to the perfect start going ahead in the 14th minute when Kamal Hassan headed home after a weak punch out from goalkeeper Fred Hale off a corner. Another strong header, this time from Samuela Kautoga put the visitors two goals clear in the 20th minute, a lead they kept going into the break.

Marist substitute Michael Patiti came on for Joe Luwi midway through the second half and made an immediate impact with a blistering run down the right to set up Abraham Iniga for an easy tap in. The stage was set for a dramatic finish in what was turning out to be a fiercely competitive encounter with no fewer than seven yellow cards issued. But it wasn’t to be for the home side as Lautoka defended well in the dying stages and grabbed a third goal in injury time through Nahuel Arrart.

It was the first home defeat for a Solomon Island club in the O-League since 2007 when ironically it was Marist who again found themselves on the wrong side of a Fijian club going down 0-2 to Ba.


2010 O-LEAGUE - MATCH DAY 1

Full match reports:

Auckland City FC: 5 (Ivan VICELICH 18, Chad COOMBES 34, Daniel KOPRIVCIC 69, 79, 90+1)
AS Manu Ura: 0
Half-time: 2-0
Saturday 17 October 2009
Kiwitea Street
Auckland, New Zealand

Referee: Gerard PARSONS [AUS]
Assistant Referee 1: Mark RULE [NZL]
Assistant Referee 2: Glen LOCHRIE [NZL]
Fourth Official: Nick WALDRON [NZL]

Crowd: 875
 
Auckland City FC line-up: 1. Jacob SPOONLEY  [GK], 3. Ian HOGG, 5. Matt WILLIAMS, 6. Ki-Hyung LEE (17. Adam McGEORGE 74), 7. James PRITCHETT, 8. Chad COOMBES (22. Adam DICKINSON 72) 11. Daniel KOPRIVCIC, 13. Alex FENERIDIS, 15. Ivan VICELICH, 19. Keryn JORDAN (16. Jason HAYNE 62), 20. Greg UHLMANN
Substitutes not used: 4. Sam CAMPBELL, 9. Paul URLOVIC, 12. Paul GOTHARD  [GK], 21. Riki VAN STEEDEN
Coach: Paul POSA [NZL]

Yellow cards: Nil

Red cards: Nil

AS Manu Ura line-up: 16. Daniel TAPETA  [GK], 2. Henri TAPEA, 3. Rex FAURA, 5. Philippe MORETA, 7. Tetahio AURAA, 8. Vetea TEPA, 9. Jean-Francois KABEU, 10. Auguste WASHETINE, 12. Hiroana POROIEA, 20. Billy MATAITAI, 22. Fraddy TAUIHARA
Substitutes not used: 1. Jonathan TOROHIA  [GK], 14. Stephane TUAIRAU, 15. Henri CHANON, 19. Heitini TUPEA, 22. Fraddy TAUIHARA
Coach:  Patrick PITO [TAH]

Yellow cards: Rex FAURA 55, Philippe MORETA 79

Red cards: Vetea TEPA 74

Tafea FC: 3 (Silas NAMATAK 1, Robert TOM 34, Francois SAKAMA 45)
Hekari United FC: 3 (Kema JACK 40, 42, Benjamin MELA 50)
Half-time: 3-2
Saturday 17 October 2009
Municipal Stadium
Port Vila, Vanuatu

Referee: Jamie CROSS [NZL]
Assistant Referee 1: Michael JOSEPH [VAN]
Assistant Referee 2: Alick LUKUI [VAN]
Fourth Official: Robinson BANGA [VAN]

Crowd: 4,000+

Tafea FC line-up: 1. Alfred MALAS [GK], 4. Roger JOE, 5. Silas NAMATAK, 6. Fredy VAVA, 7. Moise POIDE (16. Alphonse QORIG 84), 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL, 11. Etienne MERMER (15. Jonah TURU 45), 13. Francois SAKAMA, 17. Geoffrey GETE, 18. Robert TOM, 19. Michell KALTAK (10. Richard IWAI 67)
Substitutes not used: 3. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN, 14. Asi DANIEL, 20. Len MERKA  [GK], 21. Francois TAKAU
Coach: Graham DEMAS [VAN]

Yellow cards: Silas NAMATAK 20

Red cards: Nil

Hekari United FC line-up: 20. Gure GABINA [GK], 2. Lorima DAU, 4. Cyril MUTA, 7. Benjamin MELA, 9. Tuimasi MANUCA, 12. David MUTA (10. Abraham ENOCH 63), 15. Charles PARANDA, 16. Pita BALEITOGA, 17. Kema JACK, 18. Eric KOMENG (8. Michael FOSTER 89), 19. Koriak UPAIGA (5. Brian TUHIANA 75)
Substitutes not used: 1. Godfrey BANIAU [GK], 13. Andrew LEPANI, 22. Amuna KAMBA, 24. Kluivert DAGI
Coach: Jerry ALLEN [SOL]

Yellow cards: Lorima DAU 13, Pita BALEITOGA 26, Cyril MUTA 87

Red cards: Nil

Marist FC: 1 (Abraham INIGA 82)
Lautoka: 3 (Kamal HASSAN 14, Samuela KAUTOGA 20, Nahuel ARRART 90+2)
Half-time: 2-0
Sunday 18 October 2009
Lawson Tama Stadium
Honiara, Solomon Islands

Referee: Chris KERR [NZL]
Assistant Referee 1: Matthew TARO [SOL]
Assistant Referee 2: Gerald OIAKA [SOL]
Fourth Official: John SAOHU [SOL]

Crowd: 16,000

Marist FC line-up: 20. Fred HALE  [GK] (1. Michael KOUMA  [GK] 46), 2. Chrisanto MISIGA, 3. Derol MELO, 5. David HOUPERE, 7. Joseph LANI, 9. Abraham INIGA, 10. Michael MISITANA (14. Tutizama TANITO 87), 11. Commins MENAPI, 12. Clifford HUTA, 15. Joe LUWI (6. Michael PATITI 73), 17. Gibson HOSEA
Substitutes not used: 4. Emmanuel POILA, 8. John WAYNE, 13. Lenson BISILI, 16. Martin RUHASIA
Coach: Patrick MINITI [SOL]

Yellow cards: Abraham INIGA 38, David HOUPERE 46, Joe LUWI 71, Derol MELO 90+1

Red cards: Nil

Lautoka line-up: 1. James CHRONOPOULIS [GK], 2. Samuela KAUTOGA, 3. Keni DOIDOI, 4. Samuela VULA, 6. Malakai WAQA (5. Semesa NAKOSIA 75), 8. Ilatia TUILAU, 9. Nahuel ARRART, 10. Kamal HASSAN, 15. Marika ROBANAKADAVU, 16. Jone VONO (14. Samuela DRUDRU 88), 17. Arvindra NAIDU (11. Sailesh SAMY, 69)
Substitutes not used: 13. Apisal SMITH
Coach: Imdad ALI [FIJ]

Yellow cards: Samuela VULA 47, Marika ROBANAKADAVU 51, Ilatia TUILAU 67

Red cards: Nil

oceaniafootball.com brings you photos from Match Day 1 of the 2010 O-League which has seen Auckland City FC and Lautoka pick up maximum points while Tafea FC and Hekari United FC settled for a 3-3 draw.

Defending champions Auckland City FC sit top of Group A with three points after their comfortable 5-0 win over Tahiti's AS Manu Ura at Kiwitea Street on Saturday with the other Group A match between AS Magenta and Waitakere United still to be played (24 October).

O-League debutants Lautoka lead Group B after a 3-1 win over Marist FC at Honiara's Lawson Tama Stadium on Sunday while Tafea FC and Hekari United FC are placed second equal in Group B with one point.

Full match details of the three matches will be uploaded in due course.

PHOTOS:


Marist FC


Lautoka



Tafea FC and Hekari United FC



Hekari United FC



Tafea FC








AS Manu Ura


Auckland City FC


Daniel Koprivcic celebrates his hat-trick on debut for Auckland City FC

In match number three of the 2010 O-League, Solomon Island club champions Marist FC host Fiji's Lautoka at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. 

Lautoka are making their debut in the O-League while Marist's only other appearance in the competition was during the inaugural 2007 season.

oceaniafootball.com brings you the latest updates from the crucial Group B clash.

HALF TIME UPDATE:

Marist FC 0 Lautoka 2
Kamal Hassan and Samuela Kautoga put Lautoka ahead by two goals inside the first 20 minutes.

FULL TIME:

Marist FC 1 Lautoka 3
Abraham Iniga got Marist back in the game with a goal midway through the second half but Lautoka made it 3-1 in injury time with a strike from Nahuel Arrarte.

oceaniafootball.com brings you the latest updates from Match Day 1 of the 2010 O-League with action from the Tafea FC and Hekari United FC match.

The game at Port Vila Stadium in Vanuatu is an important one for both sides as they look to get their 2010 season off to a winning start.

Hekari United FC were within a whisker of qualifying for the 2009 O-League final and will be looking to advance this time around. Tafea FC have returned to the competition after a year's absence and will have the home crowd support behind them on Match Day 1.

SCORE UPDATES

0' KICK OFF

1' Tafea FC 1 Hekari United FC 0

34' Tafea FC 2 Hekari United FC 0

41' Tafea FC 2 Hekari United FC 1

43' Tafea FC 2 Hekari United FC 2

45' Tafea FC 3 Hekari United FC 2

HALF TIME

50' Tafea FC 3 Hekari United FC 3

FULL TIME: Tafea FC 3 Hekari United FC 3

Welcome to Kiwitea Street in Auckland for Match Day 1 of the 2010 O-League featuring Auckland City FC vs. Tahiti's AS Manu Ura.

It's an overcast day here in Auckland as the teams line up. oceaniafootball.com brings you live text updates of the match - please refresh your browser regularly to keep up with all the action.

0' Kick off

4' Ki-Hyung Lee takes a free kick for Auckland City and Ivan Vicelich gets on the end of it at the back post but his header is a weak one

6' Lee takes a shot from the edge of the box but it's save by AS Manu Ura goalkeeper Daniel Tapeta

7' Another powerful strike by Lee but it sails over the bar

8' Corner for Auckland City taken by Lee. Cleared by AS Manu Ura

12' Another corner to Auckland. The ball bounces around in the penalty box but is eventually cleared

13' AS Manu Ura have a strong down the left through Jean-Francois Kabeu but his through-ball is collected by goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley

14' Auckland's Matt Williams has a clear header chance for Auckland in front of goal but can't get the direction right. Goal kick for AS Manu Ura

18' Corner for Auckland City

18' GOAL! Auckland City FC 1 AS Manu Ura 0 Ivan Vicilech climbs high at the near post and puts Auckland City ahead. Well taken corner from Lee

22' AS Manu Ura get into Auckland City's defensive third but Spoonley collects with ease

23' Auckland City take a short corner. Tapeta gets the cross from Lee

25' Another goal from corner but easily cleared by AS Manu Ura

25' Lee crosses a ball in and Keryn Jordan gets across his marker but heads wide

27' AS Manu Ura have their first attacking free kick. Hiroana Poroiea puts it in and Phillipe Moreta gets on the end of it but heads over the bar

28' Chad Coombes caught with the ball as the last line of defense but fortunately for him the referee blows the whistle for a free kick against AS Manu Ura

29' Another free kick for AS Manu Ura this time from deep. Kabeu is left unmarked on the back post and heads goal-ward. Spoonley palms the ball out for a corner

31' Another free-kick in the attacking third for AS Manu Ura. This time Moreta floats it up and Spoonley climbs high to claim it

34' GOAL! Auckland City FC 2 AS Manu Ura 0 Feneridis takes a free-kick quickly and puts Keryn Jordan in the clear. Jordan then weights a ball nicley inside for Chad Coombes who side-foots the ball into the back of the net

37' Chad Coombes has a shot from outside the area but hooks the ball wide

40' Corner for Auckland City. Lee drives it low to Jordan who scuffs his shot. AS Manu Ura break quickly.

43' Jordan's header at the back post draws a great save from Tapeta. Strong ball in from Daniel Koprivcic

HALF TIME

46' Second half kicks off

47' A well-taken Lee free-kick finds Jordan in the box but he heads just wide

50' Coombes makes a run down the right but his cross is straight to the goalkeeper

52' Free-kick by Lee again finds Lee in the box who can't get enough on it

55' Yellow card AS Manu Ura's Rex Faura is cautioned for a dangerous tackle

56' Lee tries a short free-kick but it rolls out for a goal kick

60' Attacking free-kick for AS Manu Ura. Moreta puts the ball in but referee calls a foul against AS Manu Ura

61' Great ball in from Coombes from the right but AS Manu Ura manage to clear the ball

62' Substitution 16. Jason Hayne replaces 19. Keryn Jordan for Auckland City

68' Jason Hayne cuts inside from the left and blasts a right-foot shot over the top

69' GOAL! Auckland City FC 3 AS Manu Ura 0 Daniel Koprivcic out-muscles his marker on the edge of the box and places the ball to the right of Tapeta.

71' Substitution Auckland City FC's 22. Adam Dickinson replaces 8. Chad Coombes

73' Alex Feneridis skies the ball over the top as the sun starts to shine at Kiwitea street

74' Ian Hogg puts a ball in from the left for Koprivcic to run onto but the ball goes wide as he slides in

74' The ball goes over Vicelich and Spoonley tries to clear the ball but it goes under his foot. AS Manu called off-side

79' Auckland City's Hayne puts a low cross in from the left bu Tapeta comes out to collect

79' Yellow Card AS Manu Ura's Philippe Moreta is cautioned for dissent

80' GOAL! Auckland City FC 4 AS Manu Ura 0 Nice build up play from Vicelich and Lee to put Hayne in  the clear. Hayne cuts inside from the left and slides the ball to Koprivcic who blasts the ball into the top of the net from an acute angle. 

84' Substitution 17. Adam McGeorge replaces 6. Ki-Hyung Lee 

84' Red Card AS Manu Ura's Vetea Tepa sent off on call by assistant referee Mark Rule

89' AS Manu Ura's Kabeu takes a shot from just inside halfway trying to lob Spoonley, but he overhits it

90' +1 GOAL! Auckland City FC 5 AS Manu Ura 0 Kopirvcic grabs a hat-trick with a penalty after AS Manu Ura conceeded a foul inside the box

90' +3 Alex Feneridis shoots the ball over the top from just outside the area

FULL-TIME Auckland City FC 5 AS Manu Ura 0


START LISTS

Auckland City FC: 1. Jacob SPOONLEY  [GK], 3. Ian HOGG, 5. Matt WILLIAMS, 6. Ki-Hyung LEE, 7. James PRITCHETT, 8. Chad COOMBES, 11. Daniel KOPRIVCIC, 13. Alex FENERIDIS, 19. Keryn JORDAN, 15. Ivan VICELICH, 20. Greg UHLMANN

Substitutes: 4. Sam CAMPBELL, 9. Paul URLOVIC, 12. Paul GOTHARD  [GK], 16. Jason HAYNE, 17. Adam McGEORGE, 21. Riki VAN STEEDEN, 22. Adam DICKINSON
Coach: Paul POSA [NZL]

AS Manu Ura: 16. Daniel TAPETA  [GK], 2. Henri TAPEA, 3. Rex FAURA, 5. Philippe MORETA, 7. Tetahio AURAA, 8. Vetea TEPA, 9. Jean-Francois KABEU, 10. Auguste WASHETINE, 12. Hiroana POROIEA, 20. Billy MATAITAI, 22. Fraddy TAUIHARA

Substitutes: 1. Jonathan TOROHIA  [GK], 14. Stephane TUAIRAU, 15. Henri CHANON, 19. Heitini TUPEA, 22. Fraddy TAUIHARA
Coach: Patrick PITO [TAH]

PHOTOS

Ten-man Ghana won the FIFA U-20 World Cup by defeating Brazil in a sudden death penalty shoot-out after the two teams failed to break the deadlock in 120 minutes of football. 

The African and South American champions, who had not lost a game during the competition, keep that proud record intact, but at the end of the day, it was the Black Satellites, who followed in the footsteps of Argentina, victors at Canada 2007, in lifting the famous trophy.

Brazil had the better of the early stages and went agonisingly close to taking the lead early on when Giuliano's free-kick was put into the box and Alex Teixeira was inches away from connecting with a header. Giuliano prompted A Seleção once again, playing the ball to Paulo Henrique on the left who crossed for Alan Kardec, but his volley was wide.

Douglas stung the hands of the goalkeeper with a shot from distance, but the major talking point of the first half came in the 37th minute when David Addo was given a straight red card for a foul on Alex Teixeira, after the latter was breaking quickly on the counter attack. While the Belgian believed Addo to be the last man, the Africans protested that both Jonathan Mensah and David Addy had tracked back to cover.

Ghana, who boasted the tournament's most prolific strikeforce in Dominic Adiyiah and Ransford Osei failed to muster a single shot on goal in a stop-start opening 45 minutes, punctuated by no fewer than 17 free-kicks, yet this was not the bruising encounter those statistics may suggest.

Abeiku Quansah had a goalbound shot saved four minutes after the break, but it was a routine stop for Rafael as Brazil did most of the pressing. Alex Teixeira should have done better, but headed wide from Diogo's centre and Alan Kardec had a golden opportunity, but headed straight at Daniel Agyei from Souza's cross.

As the midway point to the second half approached, Ghana had more possession, but still Brazil looked the more dangerous. Rafael Toloi slipped a perfectly-weighted pass for Alan Kardec to latch on to, but he fired wildly into the side netting. The No9 was guilty of missing yet another chance seconds later when he planted a free header from Douglas Costa's cross over the crossbar.

There was no doubt who the 67,814 in the stadium were supporting, as there was a tremendous roar from the home fans whenever their fellow Africans crossed the halfway line and the noise levels increased further when Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu's deflected shot forced Rafael to make a fine, low save to his right.

As the half wore on, the Black Satellites seemed to increasingly get into their rhythm of playing with ten men and their attacking forays became more and more regular, while at the back they defended with tremendous spirit. They earned the right to take the tie into extra time, but there was still drama to come in the latter stages of the 90 when Andre Ayew and Rafael Toloi clashed for the ball, the latter requiring serious treatment.

With Rogerio having made all three of his substitutions, there was a distinct possibility that Brazil would have been forced to play extra time with ten men. Yet despite running with a noticeable limp, the defender continued heroically to maintain the numerical advantage for his team.

The South Americans had a glorious chance to take the lead six minutes into extra time, but Agyei pulled off a world-class save to deny Maicon, who still had his hands cupped to his mouth in disbelief for a full minute afterwards.

Agyei frustrated Wellington Junior in the second period of extra time, with a smart stop at his near post, but with some players having played 11 and a half hours during this competition, the pace of the game decreased - and the game limped into a penalty shoot-out.

That is when the fireworks began. First, Alan Kardec and Ayew and Giuliano and Inkoom traded successful penalties, but Brazil got the first advantage after seeing Douglas Costa score and Jonathan Mensah miss. Souza then saw his penalty saved, but Bright Addae failed to reduce the deficit when his strike from 12 yards was comfortably claimed by Rafael.

That left Maicon with the chance of winning it for Brazil, but he blasted the chance high over the bar. Adiyiah kept his cool to take the shoot-out into sudden death. Then Agyei denied Alex Teixeira before Agyemang-Badu made the victory certain with the decisive spot-kick.

Meanwhile Hungary beat Costa Rica to take bronze after also winning on penalties.

Story courtesy FIFA.com

Photo courtesy FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

The quest to become Oceania’s top football club begins on Saturday when Match Day 1 of 2010 O-League kicks off.

Tomorrow’s action will see Auckland City FC host AS Manu Ura at Kiwitea Street while Hekari United FC play away to Tafea FC in Port Vila. On Sunday, Marist FC will welcome Lautoka to Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara before Waitakere United travel to Noumea for their clash against AS Magenta next Saturday 24 October.

Auckland City FC will be hungry for a first-up win against AS Manu Ura as they look to defend their 2009 title. Paul Posa’s side has been through an intensive pre-season programme in preparation for the Oceania competition as well as the New Zealand Football Championship which also kicks off this month and the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 where they will play Al Ahli FCD on 9 December.

The Tahitians are expected to put up a strong challenge against Auckland after showing impressive form during their domestic league as well as the Coupe de Polynésie – French Polynesia’s premier knock-out competition – which they won earlier this year. The last time the two teams met was in March last year during the 2008 O-League when it finished 1-0 to Auckland City FC.

Returning after a year's absence are Vanuatu representatives Tafea FC, who will find a tough challenge in Hekari United FC. Tafea won through to the 2010 edition after defeating Vaum United 4-1 in their domestic decider with goals to national team stars Francois Sakama, Jean Nako Naprapol and Geoffrey Gete. The team will need to call on their national ranks as they face a determined Hekari side who last year came within a whisker of reaching the 2009 O-League final.

Marist FC are likely to have the support of around 10,000 at Lawson Tama Stadium as they get their campaign underway against Fiji champions Lautoka on Sunday. The Solomon Island club’s only other appearance in the O-League was during the inaugural 2007 season when they finished a disappointing fifth. Meanwhile, Fiji has only ever been represented by Ba in the competition but a shift in the balance of power saw Lautoka finish top of the table in the first round of the 2009 National Soccer League to qualify for their maiden O-League.

AS Magenta have also never appeared in the O-League but did reach the final of the previous incarnation of the Oceania competition in 2005. The New Caledonians will have crucial home advantage in their opening encounter against Waitakere United and will look to national striker Pierre Wajoka to lead from the front. With a new head coach in Neil Emblen, Waitakere will be eager to repeat their form of 2007 and 2008 when they earned back-to-back O-League titles and performed credibly on the world stage at the FIFA Club World Cup.

To view a copy of the 2010 O-League Programme click here


2010 O-LEAGUE – MATCH DAY 1 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. 
 
Auckland City FC [NZL] vs. AS Manu Ura [TAH]
Saturday 17 October 2009
Kiwitea Street
Auckland, New Zealand
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee : Gerard PARSONS [AUS]
Assistant Referee 1 : Mark RULE [NZL]
Assistant Referee 2 : Glen LOCHRIE [NZL]
Fourth Official : Nick WALDRON [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, 9. Paul URLOVIC, 11. Daniel KOPRIVCIC, 12. Paul GOTHARD  [GK], 13. Alex FENERIDIS, 19. Keryn JORDAN, 15. Ivan VICELICH, 16. Jason HAYNE, 17. Adam McGEORGE, 20. Greg UHLMANN, 21. Riki VAN STEEDEN, 22. Adam DICKINSON
Coach: Paul POSA [NZL]

AS Manu Ura: 1. Jonathan TOROHIA  [GK], 2. Henri TAPEA, 3. Rex FAURA, 5. Philippe MORETA, 7. Tetahio AURAA, 8. Vetea TEPA, 9. Jean-Francois KABEU, 10. Auguste WASHETINE, 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]


Tafea FC [VAN] vs. Hekari United FC [PNG]
Saturday 17 October 2009
Municipal Stadium
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Jamie CROSS [NZL]
Assistant Referee 1: Michael JOSEPH [VAN]
Assistant Referee 2: Alick LUKUI [VAN]
Fourth Official: Robinson BANGA [VAN]

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, 12. Hubert NAKE, 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]

Hekari United FC: 1. Godfrey BANIAU  [GK], 2. Lorima DAU, 4. Cyril MUTA, 5. Brian TUHIANA, 7. Benjamin MELA, 8. Michael FOSTER, 9. Tuimasi MANUCA, 10. Abraham ENOCH, 12. David MUTA, 13. Andrew LEPANI, 15. Charles PARANDA, 17. Kema JACK, 18. Eric KOMENG, 19. Koriak UPAIGA, 20. Gure GABINA [GK], 22. Amuna KAMBA, 24. Kluivert DAGI, 30. Pita BALEITOGA
Coach: Jerry ALLEN [SOL]


Marist FC [SOL] vs. Lautoka [FIJ]
Sunday 18 October 2009
Lawson Tama Stadium
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Local kick-off: 15H00

Referee: Chris KERR [NZL]
Assistant Referee 1: Matthew TARO [SOL]
Assistant Referee 2: Gerald OIAKA [SOL]
Fourth Official: John SAOHU [SOL]

Marist FC: 1. Michael KOUMA  [GK], 2. Chrisanto MISIGA, 3. Derol MELO, 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, 14. Tutizama TANITO, 15. Joe LUWI, 16. Martin RUHASIA, 17. Gibson HOSEA, 20. Fred HALE  [GK]
Coach: Patrick MINITI [SOL]

Lautoka: 2. Samuela KAUTOGA, 3. Keni DOIDOI, 4. Samuela VULA, 5. Semesa NAKOSIA, 6. Malakai WAQA, 8. Ilatia TUILAU, 10. Kamal HASSAN, 11. Sailesh SAMY, 13. Apisai SMITH, 14. Samuela DRUDRU, 16. Jone VONO, 17. Arvindra NAIDU, 18. Marika ROBANAKADAVU 22. James CHRONOPOULOS [GK]
Coach: Imdad ALI [FIJ]


AS Magenta [NCL] vs. Waitakere United [NZL]
Saturday 24 October 2009
Stade Numa Daly
Noumea, New Caldonia
Local kick-off: 16H00

Starting lists to be confirmed.

With the 2010 O-League kicking off this weekend, Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is pleased to inform football fans of the media coverage for Match Day 1.

OFC has signed a ground-breaking agreement with Triangle and Stratos Television in New Zealand to ensure all Auckland City FC and Waitakere United’s home matches will be available on free-to-air television (Triangle) as well as on the digital platform (Stratos) within 24 hours after the completion of each match. 

In terms of television coverage outside of New Zealand, discussions are well advanced with OFC’s Broadcast Partner Network to facilitate live and delayed broadcasts of matches in each of the participating nations, as well as replays of away matches in those countries where possible.  

Defending champions Auckland City FC will get their 2010 O-League campaign underway at home this Saturday when they meet Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura. A full replay of the match at Kiwitea Street will be screened on Triangle at 10pm Saturday with a second replay airing at 12pm on Stratos the following day.

Waitakere United meanwhile will play away against AS Magenta in Noumea for their first round match on 24 October before hosting the New Caledonians on 7 November at Fred Taylor Park. The return-leg will be replayed on Triangle and Stratos Television with broadcast details to follow on oceaniafootball.com and tritv.co.nz

Coverage will be provided by a high quality outside broadcast crew including expert commentary from former All Whites striker Fred De Jong. 

Triangle is available on Auckland UHF channels 41, 42 and 52 while Stratos can be viewed nationwide on Freeview Channel 21 and Sky Digital Channel 89. Christchurch viewers can also tune in via Telstra Clear Cable Channel 89. For more information and tuning instructions visit tritv.co.nz/index.php/tune-in

For website coverage, oceaniafootball.com will provide LIVE text updates for the Auckland City FC vs. AS Manu Ura on Saturday from 3:00pm local time. Photos and results from all the matches will be available on oceaniafootball.com following the completiton of Match Day 1.

To view a copy of the 2010 O-League Programme click here

New Zealand Football is providing urgent financial assistance to Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) partners whose facilities were damaged by the September 30 tsunami.

Funding of $5000 each is being sent to Western Samoa and American Samoa to help with urgently needed repair and replacement of football infrastructure and equipment such as buildings, playing fields and goalposts, NZF Chairman Frank van Hattum said.

The damage to Football Federation American Samoa’s waterfront national headquarters at Pago Park in Pago Pago was extensive. The offices were flooded and damaged; a tool shed, water pump, garage and storage shed were swept away and the playing field flooded and coated in oil and debris.

FFAS groundsman Paepae Soia Su was the only staff member there when the tsunami struck. He ran from the huge wave but was caught by it and swept inland. He escaped with his life by clinging to a tree. Soia Su’s truck disappeared in the flood and hasn’t been seen since.

In Samoa the tsunami was just as devastating but the offices of the Samoa Football Soccer Federation (SFSF) and the J.S. Blotter Football Complex just 10 minutes from downtown Apia provided refuge for hundreds of people as they waited for news about their homes and family members.

“Our Oceania partners are in crisis and New Zealand Football has decided to provide some financial assistance to help with urgent needs and assist them to rebuild,” van Hattum said.

New Zealand won the OFC to earn a playoff against fifth-placed Asian team Bahrain for a place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The second leg of the playoff is being held in Wellington on November 14 in front of a capacity crowd.

“We are mindful of the fortunate position we are in with tremendous support coming from the public for our World Cup bid, while our Oceania friends are suffering,” van Hattum said. 

Story courtesy of NZF Media

The newly-expanded 2010 O-League featuring the champion clubs of Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu is set to get underway this weekend.

Now in its fourth season, the O-League has grown from six to eight teams reflecting the rising popularity of the competition and enabling more OFC member associations to take part.

OFC President Reynald Temarii believes the expansion, which was approved by the OFC Executive Committee in June, will help to lift the overall standards in Oceania.

“Building a strong club competition is a crucial component in our region’s development and will only help to improve the standards of quality and technical skill both on and off the field,” said President Temarii.  

The 2010 O-League has been split into two groups of four teams and will follow a league system where each club plays one home and one away match against each of the other clubs in the same group. The highest ranked Group A side and the highest ranked Goup B side will then advance to a two-legged final stage to decide Oceania’s representative at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010.

In action for Group A this weekend will be defending champions Auckland City FC taking on Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura at Kiwitea Street in Auckland on Saturday. Meanwhile cross-town rivals Waitakere United, who won the O-League in 2007 and 2008, will have to wait until 24 October to get their 2010 campaign underway when they visit Noumea to play AS Magenta in the other Group A match.

In Group B, Hekari United FC (PNG) will play away against Tafea FC at Municipal Stadium in Port Vila on Saturday while Marist FC host Fiji club Lautoka at Honiara’s Lawson Tama Stadium the following day. 

General Secretary Tai Nicholas says the 2010 season is expected to be as intriguing as ever. 

“With a total of 26 matches culminating in a home-and-away final in April/May 2010, this season’s O-League promises to throw up many twists and turns.”

The OFC Club Championships started in 1999 and became known as the O-League in 2007 when the competition adopted a home-and-away format. Auckland City FC won the inaugural O-League and followed that up with victory last year over Solomon Island club Koloale FC in the final.

Auckland will represent Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 in December alongside the five other continental club champions and hosts UAE.

To view a copy of the 2010 O-League Programme click here

Marist FC fans will be taking confidence from the return of one of the brightest stars, international striker Commins Menapi, when their team opens its 2010 O-League campaign against Fiji’s Lautoka this Sunday in Honiara.

Menapi has also returned to his former club after playing with New Zealand’s Waitakere United FC and, for a number of seasons, with Honiara champions Makuru Football Club.

He is arguably the Solomon Island’s most well known footballer and has gathered extensive experience for a number of clubs playing in New Zealand and Australia. Menapi has gained in excess of 30 caps for his country and will be invaluable role model to his younger teammates and his lethal striking ability will worry all opponents.

And Marist will come into this weekend’s match high on confidence after a morale boosting 4–0 win over Zome Mars FC, lead by Solomon Islands World Cup Beach Soccer star James Naka during their recent build up to this O-League Championship.

Earlier this week they completed a week long training camp at the NAC facilities in Tenaru. In what may be a good omen the same venue was used by the club when preparing for the finals of the Our Telekom National Club Championship which they then went on to win, beating  Koloale FC 1-0 in the final.

Menapi is accompanied by some other will known Oceania footballers in this Marist squad; midfielder Abraham Iniga, and central defender Jacob Pekau will wear blue and white this season after both switching allegiances from (Group B rivals) Papua New Guinea club Hekari.

Also featured in the 2010 O-League squad are some young players with exciting potential to add to an already potent Marist strike force.

Fleet footed forward Tutizama Tanito was revelation during Marist’s National Club Championship campaign.

Joe Luwi has already established his name in the O-League with KOSSA FC. He comes with a reputation for powerful shooting ability and a canny sense for attacking opportunities.

Experienced midfielder Abraham Iniga will wear the captain’s armband for Marist FC in this season’s O-League. Iniga was a key member of Marist’s acclaimed 2004/05 team which included stars like Jack Samani and Jerry Allen.

Solomon Island futsal sensation Elliot Ragomo, 19, has been awarded top goal scorer at the 2009 Al-Fateh Confederations Cup – a tournament featuring some of the best futsal players in the world.

Staged in Libya from 6-12 October, the competition featured the champion teams of each confederation barring UEFA after Spain withdrew at late notice.

Ragomo finished with six goals to claim the golden boot award despite the Solomon Island Kurukuru finishing last behind Iran, Uruguay, Libya and Guatemala.

The skillful striker has been an inspirational captain of the youthful national side, leading the Kurukuru to their second successive victory at the OFC Futsal Championship in July 2009.

He has won many accolades including most recently the Young Solomon Islander of the Year award in August.

Ragomo was the first ever Solomon Islander to play futsal as a professional when he played for Playas De Castellyon in the Nacinal Futsal Liga in Spain in 2007. He graduated from the Playas De Castellyon juvenile development squad in 2006 to make his name in their senior squad.

As national captain he led the Kurukuru in 2008 as they became the first Solomon Islands team to appear at a FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Domestically, Ragomo plays for the Brissolona Futsal Club and with Central Titans in the Honiara Beach Soccer League.

AL-FATEH CONFEDERATIONS CUP

Honours

Best Player 
Vahid Shamsaei (Iran)

Best Goalkeeper
Mohammed Al-Sharif (Libya)

Top Goal Scorer
Elliot Ragomo (Solomon Islands)

Fair Play Team
Libya

Matches

Standings

Fiji club Navua made history on Monday by winning the Inter District Championship for the first time in the 71-year history of the competition.

Since breaking into the premier ranks in 1990, it was Navua’s first final appearance in the IDC and the team held their nerve to win 2-0 win over Lautoka at the Vodafone Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

With two early goals from Alvin Avinesh and Shalesh Kumar, Navua then put in an impressive defensive effort to secure the victory. Lautoka had opportunities, including a penalty chance for Jone Vono Junior, but failed to capitalise.

It was an emotional moment for Navua Soccer Association President Anil Sharma who is stepping down from the position after last week being elected as one of Fiji FA’s Vice Presidents.

“During my term with Navua I have achieved what I wanted to do and now I will take all achievements to Fiji FA,” said Sharma.

“We have won the Fiji FACT and BOG titles but winning the IDC crown is the best feeling for me as it is the biggest and most prestigious tournament in Fiji.”

The Navua players will have a share of $50,000 for their historic win.

Photo courtesy of Fiji Times

The Solomon Islands national futsal team have gone down 0-6 against Asian powerhouse Iran in their final match at the Alfateh Intercontinental Futsal Championship in Libya.

With strong counter-attacking play, the Iranians caught the young Kurukuru off-guard on several occasions and were lethal with their set plays.

The Solomon Islands were in control during the opening exchanges and went close through Micah Lea’alafa whose shot went just wide.

But inside five minutes Iran were 1-0 up after a well taken set play. They followed that up with a second strike in the 8th minute, again from a dead ball situation, to double the lead.

The Kurukuru regrouped and started making advances but struggled to find a way through the Iranian defensive blockade.

With a goalkeeper in top form, Iran thwarted any shots that did make it through, and grabbed two more goals at the other end to take a 4-0 lead into the break.

Solomon Islands fought strongly in the second period using pace and skill to good effect and had the Iranians back peddling for extended periods. But Iran scored two more goals in quick succession to put the game out of reach.

The result was well deserved for the Asian champions who showed their class and strong strategic play. Nevertheless, the young Kurukuru side took heart from solid performances throughout the tournament where they had drawn huge support from an admiring crowd.

Story courtesy of SIFF Media

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert rates Saturday evening’s draw against Bahrain in Manama as the best of his coaching career and says it has put the All Whites fate in their own hands when they return to Wellington for the November 14 home leg.

Herbert’s move to play three central defenders and the three pronged attack of Shane Smeltz, Rory Fallon and Chris Killen had been labelled a risk, but while the All Whites were kept scoreless – despite tireless work from the front trio – the team’s ability to soak up pressure in oppressive conditions and break up Bahraini attacks means the two nations once again start level at Westpac Stadium.

A victory on home soil would clinch a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

“We’re under no illusions what we have in front of us,” Herbert said.

“It’s in our hands now, like it was in Bahrain’s tonight. You get the chance to play in front of a fantastic home crowd like Bahrain did tonight, and we won’t disappoint you with the crowd we’ll have in Wellington.”

“Expectations around New Zealand were that an absolutely outstanding performance would be to bring a point home and a very good performance would have been a narrow loss.

“The nation will be excited that we’ve brought the tie home. We’ve got a fantastic stadium, it’ll be sold out and it’s up to us to put a couple of balls in the back of the net and win the tie”

The All Whites were under pressure for large portions of the match but the second half substitutions of youngsters Chris Wood and Michael McGlinchey helped reverse the tide. The combination of the two resulted in Wood burying New Zealand’s best chance, albeit picked up by the linesman as being from a slightly offside position.

Bahrain had their chances too, and Herbert hailed two “excellent” saves from his keeper Mark Paston that kept Bahrain at bay as well as a "gutsy" team effort.

“I like what we saw for long periods, and whilst we were under pressure I would’ve been surprised if we weren’t. Australia are the best team in Asia and they were put under pressure when they came here.

“The back three of Sigmund, Nelsen and Vicelich were absolutely outstanding and laid the platform to give us a very precious outcome.”

Given the scale of what’s at stake over the home and away playoff between the Oceania champions and the fifth best team in Asia, Herbert rates the draw as the best yet from his four years in charge of the All Whites.

“I think it’s right up there. To come here and bring that tie home like that. I’m very proud of the players.”

“Certainly in my tenure as manager of the national team, that would be the best.”

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Qualifiers

First Leg
Bahrain 0 New Zealand 0

Second Leg
New Zealand v Bahrain
8pm, November 14
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Tickets from http://www.oneshotforglory.co.nz/ or 0800 TICKETEK

Story and photo courtesy of NZF Media

New Zealand’s dream of making the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ is still very much alive after the All Whites battled to a 0-0 draw against Bahrain in Manama on Saturday evening in the first of two playoff matches.

The Oceania champions will now host Asia’s fifth placed qualifier Bahrain in the crucial return-leg on 14 November in Wellington to see who will go through to FIFA’s pinnacle event.

In what was the biggest football match for New Zealand since 1982, the All Whites managed to control their nerves and settle into the game well at Bahrain’s National Stadium.

With a three-pronged attack in Chris Killen, Shane Smeltz and Rory Fallon, the Kiwis took a direct approach and looked the more physical side but had to be wary of Bahrain strikers Hussain Ahmed and Jaycee Okwunwanne who showed plenty of pace.

The first half was a tight affair with possession shared and very few chances falling to either team. Bahrain’s best opportunity came in the 20th minute when Okwunwanne blazed the ball wide of Mark Paston’s left post from just outside the area after Simon Elliot had given away possession moments earlier.

Paston spent much of the first period as a spectator but was called into action in the second half as the hosts enjoyed better ball possession and started to dictate the pace of the game.

Salman Isa missed a gilt-edged chance in the 75th minute when he rounded the All White keeper but struck the ball into the post. Okwunwanne had been waiting unmarked in the box and clearly showed his frustration at the midfielder for not turning the ball square.

Fouzi Aaish and Mohammed Hubail prompted excellent saves from Paston while another Okwunwanne strike was deflected away for a corner after a desperate defensive lunge by Ben Sigmund.

New Zealand also had their opportunities with substitute Chris Wood putting the ball in the back of the net in the 72nd minute only to be called back for offside. Killen, who was solid throughout, had his 74th minute shot sail just wide then went close five minutes later with an acrobatic effort from a Michael McGlinchey cross.

Despite late pressure from the Bahrainis, the All Whites held on for the draw with expert leadership shown by Ryan Nelson.

The Kiwis will take confidence into the second-leg which is scheduled for 14 November at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium. New Zealand last competed in a FIFA World Cup way back in 1982, with their present coach Ricki Herbert a member of that team, while Bahrain are yet to play in the showpiece event.

The tiny Gulf nation, with a population of a little over a million, came agonizingly close to playing in the FIFA World Cup four years ago but lost to Trinidad and Tobago at the same stage and at the same venue.

2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifying 

First Leg
Bahrain 0 New Zealand 0
Saturday 10 October
Bahrain National Stadium

Second Leg
New Zealand v Bahrain
8pm, November 14
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Tickets: www.oneshotforglory.com or 0800 TICKETEK

New Zealand: 1-Mark PASTON (GK), 4-Ben SIGMUND, 6-Ryan NELSEN (Captain), 5-Ivan VICELICH, 11-Leo BERTOS, 3-Tony LOCHHEAD, 8-Tim BROWN (12-Michael MCGLINCHEY 68), 7-Simon ELLIOTT, 9-Shane SMELTZ, 14-Rory FALLON (13-Chris WOOD 66), 10-Chris KILLEN,
Substitutes not used: 2-Aaron SCOTT, 15-David MULLIGAN, 16-Andrew BOYENS, 17-Andy BARRON, 18-James BANNATYNE (RGK).
Coach: Ricki Herbert

Cautions: Mark Paston, Ryan Nelsen

Bahrain: 1-Mohamed Jaffar, 5-Mohamed Ahmed Hubail, 6-Jayece John, 7-Sayed Mahmood Jala, 9-Husail Ali Ahmed, 10-Mohamed Ahmed Salmeen, 12-Faouzi Mubarak Aaish, 14-Salman Isa Ali (13-Mahmood Abdulrahman Mohamed 79), 15-Abdulla Ismaeel Omar,16-Sayed Mohamed Adnan, 17-Husain Ali Mohamed
Substitutes not used: 2-Mohamed Husain Mohamed, 3-Ahmed Hassan Rashed, 4-Abdulla Baba Fatadi, 8-Aala Ahmed Hubail, 11-Ismaeel Abdullatif Ismaeel, 18-Abbas Ahmed Ali
Coach: Milan Marcala.