The Solomon Islands beach soccer team has lost 1-3 to Switzerland in the first of two friendly matches in the Dubai this week ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Both warm up matches provide the Bilikiki a valuable opportunity to aclimatise to the hot conditions ahead of their opening World Cup match against Uruguay on Monday 16 November.

The FIFA tournament, which goes through until Sunday 22 November, includes 16 of the world's best beach soccer teams. It will be the fourth consecutive year that the Solomon Islands have represented Oceania at the event.

Bilikiki management were happy with the first up performance against a talented Switzerland side. The team will now look to try different strategies in the second friendly against the Europeans.

The matches follow on from a recent visit by Switzerland assistant coach Davor Ivcevic to the Solomon Islands to assist with preparations for the tournament. 

Ivcevic's tour was organised by Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) who have worked together to ensure the best possible build up for the Bilikiki.

As OFC’s representative on the world stage, the Solomon Islands will play alongside Ivory Coast and Nigeria (African qualifiers), Italy, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Switzerland (European qualifiers), Costa Rica and El Salvador (CONCACAF qualifiers), Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay (CONMEBOL qualifiers) plus Japan and Bahrain (Asian qualifiers) as well as the United Arab Emirates who gain automatic entry as hosts.

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.

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

Cook Islands Football powerhouses Tupapa and Nikao Sokattak are locked together on equal points at the top of the Rarotonga Football Senior Men’s division after the conclusion of round four last weekend.

Matavera took the biggest upset of the round as they gained their first win five rounds into the season, 2-1 over Takuvaine at home. There were no further surprises, however, as highflying Nikao took a resounding 7–0 home win home against Titikaveka.

Rounding out the Men’s play on the weekend, Tupapa gained three valuable points by defeating Avatiu 1- 0 at Victoria Park on Saturday, leaving Avatiu languishing near the bottom of the points-table just ahead of Titikaveka.

In the Women’s Open, Titikaveka continued to top the points table after another win over Nikao, while Avatiu team upset Tupapa 2-1.

The Nikao U-16 Boys comfortably won their game against Titikaveka 2–0 while the Nikao U-14 Girls lost by the same score.

Matavera’s U-13 and U-16 Boys' teams lost their respective matches against Takuvaine 0 – 2 and 0–1.

In the Tupapa versus Avatiu game fixtures, Avatiu won the U-13 Boys match 2 – 0, but lost the U-14 Girl’s fixture 1 – 2. Tupapa also beat Avatiu 0 -3 in the U-16 Boy’s grade.

Round 5 gets underway in Rarotonga this Thursday.

Courtesy of CIFA Media

Strong performances by New Zealand referee Mike Hester and his assistants Tevita Makasina (TON) and Jan Hendrik Hintz (NZL) at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 have led to the Oceania trio being appointed to the semi final match between Colombia and Switzerland on 12 November.

The trio have officiated in four matches over the course of the tournament while Hester has also been involved in a fifth match as fourth official.

Vanuatu’s Harry Atisson will oversee the semi final as referee assessor making it an important occasion for Oceania referees. Atisson says he is proud to be representing Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) at this time.

With appointments for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ still to be decided, the U-17 tournament acts as an important part of the screening process.

Hester, who has attended several FIFA events including the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa earlier this year, says he is enjoying the challenge.

"This tournament presents a realistic opportunity to press our claim for selection at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ but ultimately you’ve got to take it one match at a time so that’s our approach," said Hester.

A Lieutenant Commander in the New Zealand Navy, Hester started refereeing in 2001 but is already one of New Zealand’s most respected officials, refereeing age-group and senior internationals along with a host of New Zealand Football Championship matches.

Auckland City FC’s O-League defence is still on track after a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against New Caledonian club AS Magenta at Kiwitea Street on Sunday afternoon.

Two quick goals from Matt Williams and Daniel Koprivcic in the second half sealed the victory for City after an initial strike by 18-year-old Lamo Xewe had put the visitors ahead.

The defending champions are now two points clear of Waitakere United at the top of Group A while AS Magenta remain third ahead of Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura.

O-League newcomers Magenta will feel unlucky not to have picked up at least a point after going ahead in the 6th minute. New Caledonian international and dead-ball specialist Pierre Wajoka curled in a free-kick from the left for Noel Kaudre to flick onto Xewe who headed the ball past Paul Gothard from close range.

Auckland City almost had an equalizer two minutes later when Matt Williams headed a Ki Hyung Lee free-kick onto the cross bar for what proved to be their best chance of the half. The home side were then forced to make an early substitution as Alex Feneridis was carried off for a suspected ankle injury.

Magenta felt they had scored a second in the 36th minute when Xewe again headed home, this time from a Paul Poatinda cross, but the goal was called back for offside and the score remained 1-0 going into the break.

Adam Dickinson came on for Keryn Jordan at half-time and made an immediate impact teeing up Matt Williams inside the box for an easy side-footed equaliser in the 47th minute. Five minutes later Daniel Koprivcic broke free of his marker from a throw-in and placed the ball low past Jean Dounezeck for his fourth O-League goal.

Speaking after the match, coach Paul Posa paid credit to the New Caledonians and said his side were fortunate to get the result.

“They were technically very good and well organised so we’re pleased to get the 2-1win.”

Posa said it has been a juggling act getting his side ready for the current O-League and NZFC competitions as well as the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 which kicks off on 9 December in Abu Dhabi.

“We’ve been through a couple of intense weeks of training and that has affected how we’ve played but the aim is to come out fresh for the FIFA event next month.”

Meanwhile AS Magenta coach Alain Moizan is fully focused on the O-League and said his side have a renewed sense of belief after today’s match.

“We approached this game with some apprehension after seeing Auckland City beat AS Manu Ura 5-0 in their first match but now we have more hope and confidence that we can match them.”

While admitting that only a win is good enough at this level, Moizan said there were positives to take out of the performance.

“Noel Kaudre usually plays as a forward but he did very well for us in midfield and our youngster Lamo Xewe was particularly impressive.”

For match day three, AS Magenta will play AS Manu Ura while Auckland City and Waitakere United will feature in the top-of-the-table clash.

Auckland City FC: 2 (Matt WILLIAMS 47, Daniel KOPRIVCIC 51)
AS Magenta: 1 (Lamo XEWE 6)
Half-time: 0-1
Sunday 8 November 2009
Kiwitea St
Auckland, New Zealand

2010 O-LEAGUE TABLE

Group A

Group B

Welcome to Kiwitea Street in Auckland for the 2010 O-League clash between Auckland City FC and AS Magenta.

Conditions are nice with fine weather and light wins as both the teams are now walking out to the field for this Group A match.

Please refresh your browser regularly to keep up with all the action.

The starting line-ups for Auckland City FC and AS Magenta are as follows:

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

AS Magenta: 1. Jean Yan DOUNEZECK [GK], 2. Benjamin LONGUE, 7. Noel KAUDRE, 9. Paul POATINDA, 10. Pierre WAJOKA, 14. Jules WEA, 15. Steeven LONGUE, 17. Andre SINEDO, 24. Lamo XEWE, 25. Joris GORENDIAWE, 32. Ludovic BOIT
Substitutes: 4. Emmanuel DIANAI, 6. Jedidja SAIKO,  11. Albert ITREMA, 28. Michel UREGEI, 29. Theodore KAUDRE, 33. Philippe KOKONE
Coach: Alain MOIZAN [NCL]

0' KICK-OFF

4' Auckland City FC have a free kick from the half-way line. Ki Hyung Lee takes and Ivan Vicelich wins the header but AS Magenta manage to clear the ball

6' GOAL Auckland City FC 0 AS MAGENTA 1 Lamo Xewe puts the New Caledonians ahead. Pierre Wajoka curled the ball in with his left from a free kick and Noel Kaudre flicked the ball onto Xewe to head home from close range

8' Auckland City almost have an equaliser with another free kick by Lee which Matt Williams heads onto the cross bar and the ball goes out for a goal kick

11' Auckland City have the first corner of the game from the left. Lee puts in a dangerous ball to the near post but the ball misses everyone

15' Xewe drives the ball in from the left and Greg Uhlmann can only head the ball out for AS Magenta's first corner

16' The AS Magenta corner is cleared easily by Vicelich

20' Joris Gorendiawe is put in the clear down the left but is called offside

24' Auckland have another corner this time from the right. Lee takes and the ball eventually falls to Jason Hayne who blasts the ball over the cross bar from the edge of the area

28' There is a break in play after Alex Feneridis went down with an injury. He is now receiving treatment off the field

29' Lee takes another corner for Auckland but AS Magenta clear the ball

31' SUBSTITUTION Alex Feneridis is limping away to the changing rooms with what looks like a serious injury. He has been replaced by Adam McGeorge

34' Jason Hayne beats his player down the left but goalkeeper Jean Yan Dounezeck comes out to cut down the angle and Hayne's shot rolls out out for a goalkick

36' AS Magenta's Paul Poatinda plays a nice ball across from the right and Xewe heads home past goalkeeper Paul Gothard but the goal is called back for offside

42' Lee takes a free kick from deep inside AS Magenta territory. His cross is just over Vicelich's head at the near post and the ball is cleared

HALF-TIME

46' KICK-OFF

46' SUBSTITUTION Keryn Jordan is replaced by Adam Dickinson for Auckland City

47' GOAL Auckland City FC 1 AS Magenta 1 Matt Williams scores an equaliser from close range after a nice head down from the substitute Adam Dickinson

50' AS Magenta have a free-kick from just outside the box. Xewe takes but hits the ball just over the bar

52' GOAL Auckland City FC 2 AS Magenta 1 Daniel Koprivcic scores straight from a throw in with a well placed side-footed shot

56' Lee takes a corner from the right but it goes straight back out for another corner

57' Lee strikes another one and the ball is cleared

60' SUBSTITUTION Ludovic Boit is replaced by Philippe Kokone for AS Magenta

70' YELLOW CARD Andre Sinedo brings down Koprivcic down the left-hand side and is cautioned

73' SUBTITUTION Auckland City makes their final substitution with Chad Coombes coming on for James Pritchett

74' Daniel Korpivcic gets into the box down the right but then loses the ball when he could have crossed it into Hayne

77' Hayne wins the ball from his marker on the right and has a shot from a tight angle but Dounezeck makes a juggling save

84' McGeorge has a left-foot shot from just outside the box centre field but blasts it over the top

85' SUBTITUTION Jedidja Saiko replaces the goal scorer Lamo Xewe

FULL-TIME Auckland City FC 2 AS Magenta 1

Lautoka, Tafea FC and Waitakere United have all picked up three points on match day two of the 2010 O-League with Auckland City FC and AS Magenta still to play their match on Sunday.

Waitakere kicked things off with a solid 2-0 home victory against a well-organised AS Manu Ura at Fred Taylor Park in Auckland on Saturday afternoon taking them to the top of Group A.

O-League newcomers Lautoka are now leading Group B with a second straight away win, this time against Hekari United at Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium. After a penalty goal by Hekari in the first half, the Fijians fought back to secure victory with second half goals to Valerio Nawatu and Apisai Smith.

It was another close encounter at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara where Marist suffered a second home defeat going down 0-2 to Vanuatu's Tafea.


2010 O-LEAGUE RESULTS [MATCH DAY 2]

Waitakere United: 2 (Benjamin TOTORI 55, Brent FISHER 86)
AS Manu Ura: 0
Half-time: 0-0
Saturday 7 November 2009
Fred Taylor Park
Auckland, New Zealand

Hekari United FC: 1 (Kema JACK 28)
Lautoka: 2 (Valerio NAWATU 69, Apisai SMITH 76)
Half-time: 0-1
Saturday 7 November 2009
PMRL Stadium
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Marist FC: 0
Tafea FC: 2 (Francois SAKAMA 48, Etienne MERMER 51)
Half-time: 0-0
Saturday 7 November 2009
Lawson Tama Stadium
Honiara, Solomon Islands

Still to be played:

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

2010 O-LEAGUE TABLE

Group A

Group B

Welcome to Fred Taylor Park for match day two of the 2010 O-League featuring Waitakere United and Tahiti's AS MAnu Ura.

Conditions are excellent here in Auckland with light cloud and a moderate cross-field wind. Both teams will be eager for a result to stay in contention in Group A.

Today's action also includes Marist FC vs. Tafea FC in Honiara, while Hekari United FC host Lautoka in Port Moresby. oceaniafootball.com will endeavour to bring you all the latest scores and results as they happen. 

Please refresh your browser regularly to keep up with all the action.

The starting line-ups for Waitakere United and AS Manu Ura are as follows:

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

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

0' KICK-OFF

2' Neil Sykes takes a free-kick for the home side from deep in AS Manu Ura territory but goalkeeper Jonathan Torohia manages to punch the ball clear 

4' Down the other end, AS Manu Ura have a good chance with link-up play from Auguste Washetine and Billy Mataitai but the striker's attempted lob is straight into the hands of Danny Robinson

7' First corner of the game goes to Waitakere. Sykes takes but Torohia claims it easily

9' Another corner for Waitakere but same result

12' Benjamin Totori wins the ball well on the left hand side and sets off on a run into the box. With two waiting inside he elects to go alone but loses the ball

14' Neil Sykes takes a third straight corner from the right hand side but again Torohia gets both hands on it this time at the back post

16' Jean-Francois Kabeu shows his pace with a 50 metre run down the left for AS Manu Ura. His cross finds captain Tetahio Auraa whose first-time volley is saved

18' AS Manu Ura are lucky not to go down a goal after Dimas Da Silva's shot from just inside the box hits the side netting

19' Waitakere have an even better chance with Allan Pearce side-footing the ball across from the left for Brent Fisher whose shot from close range is saved well by Torohia going low to his left

22' A fourth consecutive corner for Waitakere from the right but again the goalkeeper takes it cleanly

27' Totori puts a ball through for Fisher who is caught offside

28' YELLOW CARD AS Manu Ura's Auguste Washetine is cautioned by referee Kevin Docherty

30' AS Manu Ura's Stephane Tuairau takes a shot from deep after the ball is cleared to him but the ball goes wide.

34' YELLOW CARD Fraddy Tauihara brings down Allan Pearce just outside the box centre field and is shown yellow

35' The resulting free-kick is taken by Jeremy Christie. His powerful shot makes it over the wall but is punched clear by Torohia

38' Washetine is put in the clear from a deep free-kick but his touch is just too heavy and Robinson comes out to smother the ball

43' Allan Pearce makes a nice run down the left and puts a dangerous ball across intended for Fisher but defender Hiroiana Poroiea just manages to put the ball out for a corner

44' Waitakere take a corner from the left but it goes out for another corner.

45' This time from the right hand side, Torohia once again claims a Sykes corner

HALF-TIME

46' KICK-OFF

46' Totori takes a shot with his left foot from just outside the box but gets no power on it. AS Manu Ura goalkeeper easily collects

48' Da Silva beats his marker down the left but is tackled by the second defender inside the box

52' Kabeu turns well to beat his player on the right and passes the ball forward to Hiashi Kake but the AS Manu Ura striker is offside

55' GOAL Waitakere United 1 AS Manu Ura 0 Benjamin Totori puts Waitakere ahead. Pearce put a nice ball in from the left for Fisher to lightly flick the ball on to the Solomon Island midfielder who finished well from close range

64' SUBSTITUTION Aldo Tauihara replaces Billy Mataitai for AS Manu Ura

65' YELLOW CARD The substitute Aldo Tauihara is cautioned

68' SUBSTITUTION Martin Bullock replaces Dimas Da Silva for Waitakere

70' SUBSTITUTION Phillippe Moreta replaces Stephane Tuairau for AS Manu Ura 

72' Sykes puts a nice ball through for Fisher who is clear on goal but the striker is unlucky to be called offside

73' SUBSTITUTION Dakota Lucas replaces Allan Pearce for Waitakere

80' Bullock puts the ball over the top from close range after a low cross by Lucas from the right

82' SUBSTITUTION Heitini Tupea replaces AS Manu Ura captain Tetahio Auraa

86' PENALTY GOAL Waitakere United 2 AS Manu Ura Brent Fisher converts from the spot after being fouled by Fraddy Tauihara

87' SUBSTITUTION Waitakere make their last substitution with Jason Hicks replacing Benjamin Totori

90'+2 YELLOW CARD AS Manu Ura's Henri Tapea is cautioned for a dangerous tackle

FULL-TIME Waitakere United 2 AS Manu Ura 0

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)