oceaniafootball.com brings you photos of all the action at Stade Numa Daly in Noumea where AS Magenta held Waitakere United to a 1-1 draw in their Group A clash on Saturday.

The draw on Match Day 1 of the 2010 O-League leaves both teams second equal behind Group A leaders Auckland City FC while Lautoka sit top of Group B ahead of Hekari United FC, Tafea FC and Marist.

All photos courtesy of AS Magenta official photographer Alain Vartane. 

O-League newcomers AS Magenta have held Waitakere United to a 1-1 draw at Noumea’s Stade Numa Daly on Saturday afternoon to leave Auckland City FC two points clear at the top of Group A after the first round of matches.

The New Caledonians had fortune on their side when United defender Aaron Scott inadvertently headed the ball into his own goal in the 78th minute to cancel out Brent Fisher’s first-half strike. Moments earlier Fijian speedster Roy Krishna had been shown a red card leaving the visitors with 10 men to defend the slender lead. 

United, who won the O-League title in 2007 and 2008, will now have to play catch up after cross-town rivals and defending champions Auckland City beat Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura 5-0 at Kiwitea Street last Saturday.

Coach Neil Emblen says he was disappointed not to get a result but was pleased with how his side played in what was their first competitive match of the season. 

“We dominated for three quarters of the match but obviously the sending off and own goal changed things,” said Emblen, who has taken over the coaching role after the departure of Chris Milicich last season.

“They were bigger and more physical than I had expected and fair play to them because they came back into it at the end.”

United dominated the first half playing into a strong breeze and found the breakthrough in the 37th minute when Neil Sykes drove a corner clearance back into the box for Fisher to head over goalkeeper Jean Yan Dounezeck. It was his first goal for the club after playing three seasons for Bodens BK in Sweden.

In a contrasting second half, AS Magenta started to exploit United down the flanks and enjoyed plenty of possession through midfield standouts Noel Kaudre and Pierre Wajoka.

With much at stake for both teams, tempers flared in the 75th minute when Krishna was shown a red card for retaliation. The send off proved costly as AS Magenta went on a fast break minutes later and a deep cross found United defender Aaron Scott whose unchallenged header went into the back of his own net.

United and Magenta now sit second equal in Group A behind Auckland City while Fiji’s Lautoka are top of Group B ahead of Hekari United FC, Tafea FC and Marist FC.

AS Magenta: 1 (own goal 78)
Waitakere United: 1 (Brent FISHER 37)
Half time: 0-1
Saturday 24 October 2009
Stade Numa Daly
Noumea, New Caledonia

Referee: Norbert HAUATA [TAH]
Assistant Referee 1: Didier HMUZO [NCL]
Assistant Referee 2: Mahit CHILIA [VAN]
Fourth Official: Isidore ASSIENE-AMBASSA [NCL]

Crowd: 2,000

AS Magenta line-up: 1. Jean Yan DOUNEZECK  [GK], 2. Benjamin LONGUE, 3. Jeremie DOKUNENGO, 7. Noel KAUDRE, 9. Paul POATINDA, 10. Pierre WAJOKA, 14. Jules WEA, 17. Andre SINEDO, 24. Lamo XEWE, 25. Joris GORENDIAWE, 32. Ludovic BOIT
Substitutes: 4. Emmanuel DIANAI, 6. Jedidja SAIKO, 12. Poulidor TOTO, 18. Jean Chrys XENIE, 26. Fabrice WACAPO, 27. Cedrickson CARIOU, 33. Philippe KOKONE
Coach: Alain MOIZAN

Waitakere United line-up: 1. Danny ROBINSON  [GK], 2. Jason ROWLEY, 3. Aaron SCOTT, 4. Tim MYERS, 7. Martin BULLOCK, 8. Brent FISHER, 9. Benjamin TOTORI, 11. Neil SYKES, 12. Roy KRISHNA, 14. Jeremy CHRISTIE, 17. Jake BUTLER,
Substitutes: 5. Ash SOLLY, 10. Allan PEARCE, 13. Dimas MORALES DA SILVA, 15. Craig WILIE, 20. Ryan DE VRIES, 22. Liam LITTLE  [GK], 27. Dan JONES
Coach: Neil EMBLEN

2010 O-LEAGUE TABLE 

Group A 

Group B

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

New Caledonia’s AS Magenta face a tough test to kick off their debut O-League campaign with a clash against two-time champions Waitakere United in Noumea on Saturday.

The Super Ligue winners will look to New Caledonia captain Pierre Wajoka for inspiration tomorrow while drawing on home support at the 10,000-seater Stade Numa Daly.

Wajoka is the midfield mainstay of the national team and claimed a little piece of history by scoring the first ever goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualification process with a penalty against rivals Tahiti at the XIII South Pacific Games on August 25, 2007. “Les Cagous” went on to win gold at the tournament and finished runners-up behind New Zealand in the 2008 OFC Nations Cup.

Waitakere United manager Neil Emblen is well aware of the danger Wajoka can cause and says his side will need to be on guard in defense.

“Pierre is a classy player and put in impressive performances against New Zealand last year during the World Cup qualifiers,” said Emblen.

“Magenta also have a number of other former and current internationals so we’re expecting a competitive match.”

Emblen would himself be the stalwart of United’s defense but a carry-over suspension has ruled him out. The English-born manager, who takes over from Chris Milicich, believes it won’t be such a bad thing to miss tomorrow’s game.

“Obviously I’d love to be playing but this way I have the opportunity to be coach rather than player-coach for the opening match and I can make a good assessment of the team from the sideline.”

Emblen has most of his 30-strong squad available for selection but is without his three New Zealand U-17 players Jack Hobson, Zane Sole and Tim Pilkington who are preparing for kick-off in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria this weekend. Assistant coach Darren Bazeley is also in Nigeria leaving Carl Jorgensen as Emblen’s assistant in Noumea.

Star strikers Benjamin Totori and Roy Krishna, both with three O-League goals to date, are likely to provide problems for the AS Magenta defense while former Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand player Jeremy Christie will marshal the midfield.

Meanwhile AS Magenta will be led in defense by experienced campaigner Benjamin Longue who is one of a long line of New Caledonian-born players to have made an appearance in French Ligue 1. The 28-year-old tough-tackling defender played for Bastia in France before returning home to star for AS Magenta. Longue opted for a premature retirement from international football following the end of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualification trail.

AS Magenta have never appeared in the O-League but did reach the final of the previous incarnation of the Oceania competition in 2005. They are five-time champions of their domestic league and have won the ‘Coupe de Calédonie’ seven times. The last New Caledonian club side to appear in the O-League was AS Mont Dore in the inaugural 2007 season with a 6th place finish. Waitakere United have won the O-League title on two occasions in 2007 and 2008.


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

Referee: Norbert HAUATA [TAH]
Assistant Referee 1: Didier HMUZO [NCL]
Assistant Referee 2: Mahit CHILIA [VAN]
Fourth Official: Isidore ASSIENE-AMBASSA [NCL]

AS Magenta: 1. Jean Yan DOUNEZECK  [GK], 2. Benjamin LONGUE, 3. Jeremie DOKUNENGO, 4. Emmanuel DIANAI, 6. Jedidja SAIKO, 7. Noel KAUDRE, 9. Paul POATINDA, 10. Pierre WAJOKA, 12. Poulidor TOTO, 14. Jules WEA, 17. Andre SINEDO, 18. Jean Chrys XENIE, 24. Lamo XEWE, 25. Joris GORENDIAWE, 26. Fabrice WACAPO, 27. Cedrickson CARIOU, 32. Ludovic BOIT, 33. Philippe KOKONE

Waitakere United: 1. Danny ROBINSON  [GK], 2. Jason ROWLEY, 3. Aaron SCOTT, 4. Tim MYERS, 5. Ash SOLLY, 7. Martin BULLOCK, 8. Brent FISHER, 9. Benjamin TOTORI, 10. Allan PEARCE, 11. Neil SYKES, 12. Roy KRISHNA, 13. Dimas MORALES DA SILVA, 14. Jeremy CHRISTIE, 15. Craig WILIE, 17. Jake BUTLER, 20. Ryan DE VRIES, 22. Liam LITTLE  [GK], 27. Dan JONES

2010 O-LEAGUE RESULTS/STANDINGS

Group A
17/10/09 Auckland City FC vs. AS Manu Ura    5-0

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

Group A

Group B

2010 O-LEAGUE – LEADING GOAL-SCORERS

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

A hat-trick to Vanuatu front-man Vira Jack Ala has driven his team to a 6-2 win over New Caledonia in tonight’s 3^rd v 4^th play-off match at Vodafone Arena in Suva, Fiji.

Against the run of play it was New Caledonia who scored first on 9 minutes.

Vanuatu's Junior Malas unfortunately tripped on the ball inside his own half and handed possession to opposition captain Ivann Pourouoro who made no mistake one-on-one with the keeper, placing his low shot in the corner.

But Vanuatu were enjoying greater possession and made that advantage count with the equaliser coming on 13 minutes to Vira Jack Ala after a neat short passing movement.

And Vanuatu stepped up their domination in the second half with a further three goals coming to Don Mansale early in the second half, Junior Malas after 32 minutes and Lui Sifas after 37 minutes.

Vanuatu coach Marco Herrominly was very pleased with his team’s determination in their final tournament fixture.

“Our boys really wanted to finish this tournament third. In the first half I wanted them to move forward and press as much as possible and at half time I told them I wanted them to concentrate on defending more – this strategy was successful."

"This year’s team doesn’t have a lot of experience, Vanautu is putting more emphasis on the beach soccer  but we will come back with a stronger team next year and we will be aiming to win the OFC Futsal Championship,” said Herrominly.

SUBS: 3. Adrien GUILLAMO ; 4. Louis WAISHITINE ; 5. Anderson PAULIN ; 6. Henri DRUDRI ; 7. Rodrigue POIWI ; 20. Arnaud LLAMBRICH

Coach: Eric MICHALAK (FRA)

Vanuatu:  1. Daniel MANSALE (GK); 5. Lui SIFAS; 6. Terry QUARE; 8. Louis DOMINIQUE; 11. Ben Edward

SUBS:  20. Pascal BALA (GK); 2. Morsen Sope; 3. Don MANSALE; 4. Marco HERROMINLY; 7. Ben HUNGAI; 9. Junior MALAS; 10. Vira Jack ALA;

Coach: Marco HERROMINLY (VAN)

Team Fiji believe they have a few tricks up their sleeve that could see them trip up the high flying Solomon Kurukuru in Friday night’s final of the OFC Futsal Championship in Suva.

The final kicks off at 8:00pm (local time) at Vodafone Arena and follows the 3rd/4th place playoff between New Caledonia and Vanuatu from 6:00pm (local time).

On paper the odds look heavily stacked against Fiji as they nurse an injury plagued roster with at least one key player ruled out of the final. Recent form favours the Solomon Kurukuru after they beat the hosts 5-3 on Tuesday night, with two of Fiji's goals coming in the last five minutes.

But Fijian coach Imtiaz Khan says he has seen cracks in the Solomons style of play.

"I have noticed some things about the way they play and I have some ideas. I want my boys to play with patience and good defence and then the goals will come. Last year was a bad loss for us against the Solomons but this week it was just two goals difference,” said Khan.

The Fiji squad is somewhat depleted with livewire Joseph Mishra ruled out with a broken bone in his shoulder while Mira Sahib is nursing knee and ankle complaints and is rated only a 50/50 proposition to play.

Conversely, the defending champions have sustained no injuries of note during their unbeaten run at the championship. The Solomon Kurukuru have been in prolific goal scoring form, hitting the net no less than 24 times whilst conceding only six. Micah Lea'alafa has been an unstoppable force as their target player and leads all scorers in his quest to be golden boot with seven goals. Next best is Jack Wetney with five, closely followed by captain Elliot Ragomo on four.

Fijian captain Kamal Hassan, who also has four goals, is well aware that his team will need to put in a massive defensive effort.  

"Defense is a priority for us. If we defend well then we will score on the counter attack."

Solomon Islands assistant coach Jerry Sam says his team have plenty of respect for their Fijian opponents and are looking forward to a carnival atmosphere at Vodafone Arena. 

"It’s going to be a huge match. They are the host nation, our last game was tough with them and lots of Fijian fans will come to support them. The main thing is sticking to our tactics, using our brains on the court and thinking about what we are doing."

In tonight’s other match, Vanuatu and New Caledonia will be playing for experience and pride.

Vanuatu coach Marco Herrominly stressed that he has brought an inexperienced side and that he is aiming to build depth over the next three years with a view to the next FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2012.

For New Caledonia coach Eric Michalak, finishing on a high is the main priority.

"To win and finish on a good note is vital and also this is important for the future of my team. This is a new group we have together and to finish with a win will help the confidence.”

OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 - Finals Day Preview

3rd/4th Place Play-off 
New Caledonia vs. Vanuatu
Date: Friday 10 July
Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva
Time: 18h00 (Local time)

Final
Fiji vs. Solomon Islands
Date: Friday 10 July
Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva
Time: 20h00 (Local time)

Standings - Group Stage
 

Golden Boot

7 - Micah LEA’ALAFA (SOL)
5 - Jack WETNEY (SOL)
4 - Kamal HASSAN (FIJ)
4 - Elliot RAGOMO (SOL)
3 - James EGETA (SOL)
3 - Ismael TCHOVAMILI (NCL)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Priscilla Duncan
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5651
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 884 018
E: priscilla@oceaniafootball.com

Joel Tiller
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5654
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 994 520
E: joel@oceaniafootball.com 

Fijian captain Kamal Hassan scored a first half double to lead his team a 3-1 win over New Caledonia in their crucial Day 3 group game at the Vodafone arena in Fiji.

Last year’s Golden Boot winner Hassan put his team in front in the seventh minute, finishing off an excellent individual counter-attack by teammate Uraia Raimulo Loki with a powerful drive.

And Hassan again gave New Caledonia keeper Ronan Euzen no chance in the tenth minute after silky footwork saw him leave his marker for dead in midcourt and blast another blistering drive into the net.

New Caledonia were gifted a lifeline back into the contest on 16 minutes, though, when the Fijian defence offered up a weak pass to Hassan who was easily robbed of possession by New Caledonia’s Christophe Whaap who then finished with a unstoppable shot into the back of the Fijian net.

Whaap then undid his good work by giving away consecutive deliberate handballs in the 18^th and 19^th minutes, both of which incurred yellow cards resulting in his sending off. New Caledonia then showed impressive steel and organisation to deny Fiji a third goal as the clock ran down to halftime.

But the hosts were able to restrict New Caledonia to minimal scoring chances in the second stanza and flank player Dinesh Chand Mudaliar took his teams’ lead to two goals with an excellent drive into the net from a wide angle on 30 minutes.

From there Fiji displayed patience and control to dominate possession in the final ten minutes as they held on for a re-match of their Match Day 2 encounter with the Solomons, this Friday night.

New Caledonia: 1. Ronan EUZEN (GK); 5. Anderson PAULIN; 8. Ismael TCHOVAMILI; 10. Loic CAUNES; 11. Ivann POUROUORO

Subs: 2. Jerry IARUEL; 3. Adrien GUILLAMO; 4. Louis WAISHITINE; 6. Henri DRUDI; 7. Rodrigue POIWI; 9. Christophe WHAAP; Arnaud LLAMBRICH (GK)

Goal: Christophe WHAAP 16'

Yellow Cards: Christophe WHAAP 18', 19'

Fiji: 1. Simione Moce TAMANISAU (GK); 2. Mira SAHIB; 3. Sandeep NAIR; 4. Dinesh Chand MUDALIAR; 9. Kamal HASSAN

Subs: 5. Shivam NATHAN; 6. Mohammed SHALMEEN; 8. Aisea Dauivalu CODRO; 10. Uraia Raimulo LOKI; 11. Christopher Junior KUMAR; 12. Emori RAGATA (GK)

Goals: Kamal HASSAN 7': 10'

The Fiji Futsal team will be calling on home crowd support in Suva this evening as they face New Caledonia in the final group match of the OFC Futsal Championship to determine who will join Solomon Islands in the Final on Friday.

The hosts go into the crunch match at Vodafone Arena needing only a draw to advance but will have to bounce back from a 3-5 defeat to the Solomon Kurukuru yesterday while the New Caledonians are coming off a confidence boosting 5-4 win over Vanuatu. In tonight’s other match, Melanesian rivalry goes on the line when defending champions Solomon Islands meet the winless Vanuatu.

Fiji coach Imtiaz Khan says his young side is focusing on taking the right attitude into tonight’s decider.

“New Caledonia were one of the teams we beat last year but Futsal is so unpredictable and you can’t say what is going to happen,” said Khan. “All we can do is stay positive.”

Fiji captain Kamal Hassan will lead from the front and hope to continue his goal scoring ways after netting a brace on Match Day 2. Meanwhile New Caledonia will fancy their chances after a dramatic win over Vanuatu yesterday thanks to a Loic Caunes winner two minutes from full time. Coach Eric Michalak says his players have dug deep to stay in contention for the title.

“Against the Solomons (Match Day 1) it was a very, very hard match so it was not so easy for us to move yesterday because we were tired. I was really proud of my boys," said Michalak.

The in-form Solomon Islands have less pressure going into their match against Vanuatu having already qualified for the Final but captain Elliot Ragomo believes there are still aspects of the game his team needs to work on.

"We can improve our set pieces, use our brains more and work on our teamwork and concentration.” 

Speaking after yesterday’s match against Fiji, it was clear what the victory meant for Ragomo and his side. 

“We knew it was our Independence Day so we just wanted to go so hard. For everyone watching and supporting and for the fans we are very happy that we have qualified (for the Final).”

Vanuatu, who are yet to pick up a point, will be playing for pride tonight but can take confidence in the fact that they beat the Solomon Islands 5-1 in last year’s OFC Futsal Championship. The match starts at 6:00pm (local time) with the Fiji-Vanuatu clash to follow at 8:00pm (local time).

For the latest scores and match reports stay tuned to www.oceaniafootball.com 

OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 - Match Day 3 Preview

Match: Solomon Islands vs. Vanuatu
Date: Wednesday 8 July
Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva
Time: 18h00 (Local time)

Match: Fiji vs. New Caledonia
Date:Wednesday 8 July
Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva
Time: 20h00 (Local time)

OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 - Standings
 

SUVA - New Caledonia and Vanuatu will be desperate for their first points of the OFC Futsal Championship when Match Day 2 gets underway in Suva this evening while Fiji take on a spirited Solomon Islands team who are also celebrating their National Independence Day.

Yesterday the Vodafone Arena crowd spurred the hosts to a 2-1 victory over Vanuatu in the championship opener before the Solomon Kurukuru – also supported by a strong contingent of fans – put on a dominant display defeating New Caledonia 8-3.

For tonight’s first clash (6:00pm local time), Vanuatu will be drawing on memories of last year’s OFC Futsal Championship when they breezed past New Caledonia 11-1. But Eric Michalak’s side has come a long way since then, working closely with OFC Futsal expert Scott Gilligan who believes the pace of the New Caledonians will be a threat.

In the following match (8:00pm local time), a win for either Fiji or Solomon Islands will see them go three points clear at the top of the table with one match to play on Wednesday before the Final and 3rd/4th place play-off on Friday. In the same match up last year, Solomon Islands beat Fiji 11-6. Dickson Kadau’s side is likely to find extra motivation on a day that marks the Solomon Islands independence from British rule on 7 July 1978.

One pundit who is confident the defending champions will go all the way is Victor Wai'ia, coach of the 2008 Kurukuru side that won the OFC Futsal Championship and went on to represent Oceania at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil. 

“I think Solomon Islands are in an even better position to win than last year because they have been working hard on their defensive strategy,” said Wai’ia who now works as the Futsal/Beach Soccer Development Officer for the Solomon Islands Football Federation.

Wai’ia has been in Fiji for the past week taking part in the FIFA Sub-Regional Futsal Referee Instructor Course which concludes today.

For match reports from Match Day 2 stay tuned to Oceaniafootball.com.


OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 - Match Day 2 Preview

Match: New Caledonia vs. Vanuatu
Date:Tuesday 7 July
Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva
Time: 18h00 (Local time)

Match: Fiji vs. Solomon Islands
Date:Tuesday 7 July
Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva
Time: 20h00 (Local time)


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Priscilla Duncan
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5651
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 884 018
E: priscilla@oceaniafootball.com

Joel Tiller
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5654
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 994 520
E: joel@oceaniafootball.com

NOUMEA - Federation Caledonienne de Football (FCF) will stage an over 35 seven-a-side football tournament at Stade Pentecost to help raise funds for cancer research. The tournament is scheduled for Sunday 25 January, 2009, and kicks-off at 09h00 local time.

New Caledonia national team coach Dider Chambaron is facilitating the tournament after a hugely successful tenure in Noumea. The teams will be charged 5000 francs entry fee with a limit of ten players per squad, allowing for three substitutes.

Chambaron led New Caledonia to its highest ever finish in the 2008 OFC Nations Cup when they finished runners-up to New Zealand. New Caledonia won the XIII South Pacific Games Men's Football Tournament gold medalin 2007 and recently finished fifth at the Coupe de L'Outre-Mer in France in 2008.

The project is the brain-child of FCF's Technical Development group which met the federation's headquarters in Noumea recently for a workshop. Although the tournament is described as an over 35 competition, there will be some leeway given to players in and around the age limit to emphasise the worthiness of the cause and highlight the social responsibility aspect.

For further details please contact Didier Chambaron (FCF) or the FCF offices at the following numbers:

+687-27 23 83

+687-75 18 01 

+687-91 20 43 

+687-94 11 83

SUVA - Fiji Women’s football representatives Asena Ratu and Adiela Kurikaba have been nominated for the first ever Oceania Women Footballer of the Year award which will be given by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in April.

The duo who were key players of the Fiji Women’s side that won bronze at the Pacific Games in Samoa last year are among the 15 ladies from the Oceania region that have been short listed for the inaugural award.

Ratu, 28 is an inspirational leader and midfielder who represents Tavua on the domestic scene has been a regular in the national colors since 2002 while Kurikaba who hails from champion soccer district Ba and is 22 years old first entered the sport of football as a 15 year old and has since been one of the top strikers in the country.

Fiji Women’s Football director Susan Wise was elated with the news of the nomination of the two players and said this sort of openings encouraged and raised more awareness of the sport in the country.

“This indeed is great news to women’s football in Fiji as the nomination of the two girls has reflected our commitment and urge of developing the sport here, she said.

“It’s a great achievement for us which shows we are moving in the right direction and in years to come, we can excel even further up the ladder.

“Both the girls deserve to be nominated as they have proven their worth on both the domestic and the international scene and can be matched against the world’s best.

“Asena has been around since early 2000s and one of the senior members of our national team and is a fantastic leader while Adiela has huge potential and is unarguably one of the best strikers not only in the country but also in the region.

“Competition will be tough for the award as the other nominees also are very good and carry lots of experience but we are confident of our chances and keep our fingers crossed” added Wise.

Apart from the two, Fiji football sensation Roy Krishna has also been nominated for the top honors in the Men’s category.

The 21 year old Siberia lad is one of Fiji’s finest and most marketable talent having already featured at the Club World Cup in Japan with New Zealand football champs Waitakere United last month.

The nominees in the Women’s category are as follows:

Filiga Kerisiano (American Samoa), Adiela Kurikaba (Fiji), Asena Reba Ratu (Fiji), Daisy Winas (PNG), Lydia Banabas (PNG), Majorie Pouye (New Caledonia), Haley Moorwood (New Zealand), Elodie Tein Poawi (New Caledonia), Rosie White (New Zealand), Ali Riley (New Zealand), Annalie Longo (New Zealand), Kirsty Yallop (New Zealand), Laydah Samani (Solomon Islands), Mele Likiliki (Tonga) and Mimosa Marmouyet (Tahiti).

Story courtesy www.fijilive.com

Images OFC Media and Communication

Asena Reba Ratu in action for Fiji at the XIII South Pacific Games in Samoa

Adiela Kurikaba sheilds the ball from an opponent as Fiji defeat Solomon Islands 3-0

NOUMEA – Two goals from set-plays were enough to hand defending champions AS Magenta an important 2-0 victory over Thio Sport in the Federation Caledonienne de Football (FCF) Super Ligue title chase.

It was fortunate for the defending champions had established a 2-0 first-half lead. Noel Kaudre opened the scoring for Magenta on 26 minutes with a powerful header from a cross by Jules Wea.

AUCKLAND - The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) wishes to advise the global football family that the general secretariat will shut for the holiday season on Monday 22 December 2008 - Monday 5 January 2009.

OFC wishes everyone around the world a happy and peaceful holiday season and a safe and prosperous 2009.

PAPEETE - Tahiti won their first ever Oceania Football tournament today, after beating Fiji 2-0 in Match Day Three of the OFC U-20 Championship in Tahiti.

On an evening of high drama, in which three teams started the final round of matches with a shout of winning, tournament honours see-sawed back and forth between Tahiti and New Caledonia in matches which were played concurrently.

But Tahiti finally edged it thanks to a 2-0 win over a Fiji team which finished the match with nine payers. Meanwhile New Zealand fought back to level 2-2 against New Caledonia, which eventually allowed Tahiti the relative luxury of a two-point margin at the top of the table in the battle of the French-speaking nations.

Had New Caledonia managed one more goal, they would have been the ones going to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 in September, but it was not to be, and the day belonged to the determined Tahiti side and their Coach Lionel Charbonnier.

“Winning the championship is incredible, both for us and the people of Tahiti who can now be confident in the quality of our youth players,” Charbonnier said.

“We were ranked at 487 in the latest FIFA ranking and now we have qualified with the 20 best teams in the world for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, I am so proud of the team.”

Charbonnier said he was closely monitoring the score line from the game between New Caledonia and New Zealand – played at the same time - and admitted being worried at one stage.

“All the time we kept getting updates on the score from the other game, and we followed it closely because it was so important.

“I was afraid when New Caledonia went up 2-1 because I knew that New Caledonia had the talent and potential to beat New Zealand.”

Charbonnier said his sides preparation for Egypt had already begun by being involved in the Tahitian D1 Championnat – their national league.

“We will follow on with our participation in the championship of Tahiti. It’s the first time an age group team has played in the competition and we plan on playing to the end and getting good experience.

“We have a lot to learn from playing with these senior teams, and after the season we will make plans for a tour of Europe, where I know personally that we can have a good preparation.”

Tahiti got off to a dream start when Alvin Tehau put the hosts ahead in the tenth minute. Things got worse for Fiji when Nasoni Mereke was shown a straight red card in the 31st minute.

Hiva Kamoise gave Tahiti a margin of comfort with his strike seven minutes into the second half before Fiji were reduced to nine players when Monit Chand picked up his second bookable offense.

Meanwhile at Stade Paea New Caledonia looked set to progress through as winners of the tournament until the 73rd minute when New Zealand struck an equalizer.

Alan Hnautra put New Caledonia ahead in the 15th minute with a sublime individual goal. Hnautra used his pace to glide through the New Zealand defence to the by-line where he slapped the ball home from a very acute angle.

New Zealand replied in the 28th minute when Greg Draper equalized from the penalty spot, before New Caledonia took the lead again six minutes later.

Roy Kayara put his side back in front with a sublime free kick from 25 yards out which sparked great celebrations from the bench.

But New Zealand spoiled their party in the 73rd minute when Jonathan Raj connected with a header from a free kick and swung the championship pendulum back in favour of Tahiti.

After a third placed finish, New Zealand coach Stu Jacobs was under no illusions about the improvement of the two French territories.

“It’s a wake up call for this group and perhaps the organisation too,” Jacobs said.

“You look at Tahiti and New Caledonia and they are both very good technically and have tremendous pace.

“They are now very formidable sides who have been playing together for a long time.

“Tahiti have even invested in bringing Lionel Charbonnier out from France to coach, so they’re not sitting back and waiting for New Zealand.

“We can’t take anything for granted.”

“But it’s not just lack of time or preparation, you have to be on your game on the night as well, get your systems right and have the right players out on the pitch.”

OFC U-20 Championship Tahiti 2008
Match Day Three
Stade Paea
Papeete
Tahiti
Kick Off: 18H30 (Local Time)/ 15H30 (NZL T)

New Caledonia U-20 (2) 2 (12. Alan HNAUTRA 15’; 9. Roy KAYARA 34’;)
New Zealand U-20 (1) 2 (9. Greg DRAPER 28’; 14. Jonathan RAJ 73’ )

NCL: 2. Joris GORENDIAWE; 3. Edmond IPUNESSO; 4. Jonathan KAKOU; 5. Jean Claude JEWINE; 6. Cesar LOLOHEA; 7. Maxime CHEVRY; 8. Jean WAHNYAMALLA; 9. Roy KAYARA; 12. Alan HNAUTRA; 14. Jean Philippe SAIKO (10. Rony ATTI 80’); 20. Nicolas IWA (GK);

Substitutes not used: 1. Jean Daniel CAEE (RGK); 11. Warren NAXUE; 13. Vincent VAKIE; 17. Yoahn AUSU; 15. Jihovany LOLOHEA; 16. Theodore HNANGANYAN; 18. Jean TYEA; 19. Yoann BAKO;

Coach: Didier CHAMBARON (FRA)

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

NZL: 2. Tim MYERS; 3. Ian HOGG (C) (4. Fin MILNE 27’); 5. Sam CAMPBELL; 6. Michael EAGER; 7. Costa BARBAROUSES; 9. Greg DRAPER (11. John NIYONSABA 68’); 14. Jonathan RAJ; 15. Michael PICKERING;17. Jake MATHEWS (10. Milos NIKOLIC 52’); 19. Nick KEOWN-ROBSON; 20. Jake GLEESON;

Substitutes not used: 1.Rhyss KEANE; 12. Cory CHETTLEBURGH; 13. Ash SOLLY; 16. Alex BARLOW; 18. Sam BLACKBURN;

Suspended: 8. Adam McGeorge

Coach: Stu JACOBS

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

Referee: Jacques Averii (TAH)
Assistant Referee 1: Mahit Chilia (VAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Phillipe Revel (TAH)
Fourth Official: Norbert Hauata (TAH)

OFC U-20 Championship Tahiti 2008
Match Day Three
Stade Mahina
Papeete
Tahiti
Kick Off: 18H30 (Local Time)/ 16H30 (FIJ T)

Tahiti U-20 (1) 2 (21. Alvin TEHAU 10’; 9. Hiva KAMOISE 54’)
Fiji U-20 (0) 0

TAH: 3. Stephane FAATIARAU; 4. Teheivarii LUDIVION; 5. Ariihau TERIITAU; 6. Heimano BOUREBARE; 7. Garry ROCHETTE; 9. Hiva KAMOISE; 11. Stanley ATANY; 19. Marama AMAU; 20. Lorenzo TEHAU; 21. Alvin TEHAU; 22. Teheipuarii HAUATA (GK);

Substitutes not used: 2. Tauirai TEIVA;  23. Ralph HEITAA; 8. Heiarii TAVANAE;12. Rangitea BENETT; 15. Rainui TZE YU; 17. Nahui TEIEFITU; 18. Tehau BENETT;

Injured; 13. Steeve CHONG HUE

Coach: Lionel CHARBONNIER

Yellow Cards: 5. Ariihau TERIITAU 15’; 21. Alvin TEHAU; 6. Heimano BOUREBARE 73’;

Red Cards: None

FIJ: 1. Wasim ALI; 2.Peniame DROVA; 6. Esava NAQELECA; 9. Taione KEREVANUA (4. Josefata NEIBULI 83’); 10. Nasoni MEREKE; 11. Monit CHAND; 13. James MCKAY; 15. Jese ILIMOTAMA; 16. Ranjesh PRASAD; 18. Joseva BASUDRA; 19. Maciu TUILAU (17. Samuela DRUDRU 70’);

Substitues not used: 3. Amani MAKOE; 7. Sumeet KRISHAN; 8. Ratu Vula BONAVEIDOGO; 12. Archie WATKINS; 14. Velagio DRAUNIMASI; 20. Filimone BOLETAWA;

Coach: Carlos BUZZETTI (FIJ)

Suspended: 5. ROMUERO

Yellow Cards: 11. Monit CHAND 45’, 77’; 1. Wasim ALI 52’;

Red Cards: 11. Monit CHAND 77’;

Referee: Laurent QUERE (NCL)
Assistant Referee 1: Mark RULE (NZL)
Assistant Referee 2: Ganhenerik HINT (NZL)
Fourth Offical: Matthew TONJER (NZL)

PAPEETE - Welcome to Stade Paea in Tahiti for the third and final match day of the OFC U-20 Championships.

In this match New Zealand will face New Caledonia, with both sides requiring a win to have a chance at winning the title.

New Zealand have made three changes to the squad that lost 2-1 to Tahiti on Match Day Two, with goalkeeper Jake Gleeson replacing Rhyss Keane, Nick Keown Robson stepping in for the suspended Adam McGeorge and Corey Chettleburg making way for Michael Eager.

For New Caledonia Cesar Lolohea replaces Rony Atti.

Oceaniafootball.com will bring you live updates from the match... stay tuned. 

0' - The match has kicked off with both sides desperate to turn the fixture into three points.

15' - GOAL. NEW CALEDONIA 1 NEW ZEALAND 0. Alan Hnautra scores to put New Caledonia ahead and leave them head of the group for the time being.

27' - Substitution for New Zealand. Skipper Ian Hogg is replaced by Fin Milne.

28' - GOAL. NEW CALEDONIA 1 New ZEALAND 1. Greg Draper equalises for New Zealand.

32' - GOAL. NEW CALEDONIA 2 NEW ZEALAND 1. Roy Kayara puts New Caledonia back in front.

HALF TIME - As things are poised at the break, New Caledonia are set to win the tournament.

52' - Substitution for New Zealand. Jake Mathews is replaced by Milos Nikolic.

68' - Substitution for New Zealand. John Niyonsaba comes on for Greg Draper.  

73' -  GOAL. NEW CALEDONIA 2 NEW ZEALAND 2. Jonathan Raj draws New Zealand level.

80' - Substitution. New Caledonia's Jean Philippe Saiko is replaced by Rony Atti.

FULL TIME - NEW CALEDONIA 2 New ZEALAND 2. A result which prevents either team winning the tournament.

OFC U-20 Championship Tahiti 2008
Match Day Three
Stade Paea
Papeete
Tahiti
Kick Off: 18H30 (Local Time)/ 15H30 (NZL T)

New Caledonia U-20
New Zealand U-20

NCL: 2. Joris GORENDIAWE; 3. Edmond IPUNESSO; 4. Jonathan KAKOU; 5. Jean Claude JEWINE; 6. Cesar LOLOHEA; 7. Maxime CHEVRY; 8. Jean WAHNYAMALLA; 9. Roy KAYARA; 12. Alan HNAUTRA; 14. Jean Philippe SAIKO; 20. Nicolas IWA (GK);

Substitutes not used: 1. Jean Daniel CAEE (RGK); 10. Rony ATTI; 11. Warren NAXUE; 13. Vincent VAKIE; 17. Yoahn AUSU; 15. Jihovany LOLOHEA; 16. Theodore HNANGANYAN; 18. Jean TYEA; 19. Yoann BAKO;

Coach: Didier CHAMBARON (FRA)

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

NZL: 2. Tim MYERS; 3. Ian HOGG (C); 5. Sam CAMPBELL; 6. Michael EAGER; 7. Costa BARBAROUSES; 9. Greg DRAPER; 14. Jonathan RAJ; 15. Michael PICKERING;17. Jake MATHEWS; 19. Nick KEOWN-ROBSON; 20. Jake GLEESON (GK);

Substitutes not used: 1.Rhyss KEANE; 4. Fin MILNE;10. Milos NIKOLIC; 11. John NIYONSABA; 12. Cory CHETTLEBURGH; 13. Ash SOLLY; 16. Alex BARLOW; 18. Sam BLACKBURN;

Suspended: 8. Adam McGeorge

Coach: Stu JACOBS

Yellow Cards:

Red Cards:

Referee: Jacques Averii (TAH)
Assistant Referee 1: Mahit Chilia (VAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Phillipe Revel (TAH)
Fourth Official: Norbert Hauata (TAH)

OFC U-20 Championship Tahiti 2008: Standings

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) wishes to advise that a decision has been made to enforce simultaneous kick offs for the fixtures scheduled on Match Day Three of the OFC U-20 Championship in Tahiti.

The decision comes with the principles of fair play and the sporting integrity of the competition in mind and was made following the results of Match Day Two, with the action on the final day of the tournament destined to determine the winner.

The games between New Caledonia and New Zealand, and Tahiti and Fiji will now both kick off at 18H30 local time (17H30 NZL T/16H30 FIJ T/15H30 NCL T).

The match between New Caledonia and New Zealand will be played at Stade Paea, while the game between Tahiti and Fiji will be at Stade Mahina.

Should two teams be level on points at the end of tomorrows fixtures, the winner will be determined by the side with the greater goal difference, and if still not separated the number of goals scored in the tournament.

Tahiti and New Caledonia head into the final day of play in pole position with four points each from two games

Tahiti will be expected to beat winless Fiji, while New Caledonia currently have a superior goal difference, but will face a tough New Zealand side in their final match.

www.oceaniafootball.com will bring you live text updates from both matches.

OFC U-20 Championship
Match Day 1 – Saturday 13 December 2008

Time                            Fixture                                 Venue                   Result
16H00 (Local time)      New Zealand vs Fiji             Stade Paea           3-0
18H30 (Local time)      Tahiti vs New Caledonia      Stade Paea           0-0

Match Day 2 – Monday 15 December 2008

Time                           Fixture                               Venue                   Results
16H00 (local time)       New Caledonia vs Fiji          Stade Mahina        3-0
18H30 (Local time)      New Zealand vs Tahiti         Stade Mahina        1-2

Match Day 3 – Wednesday 17 December 2008

Time                          Fixture                                 Venue                    Results
18H30 (Local time)    New Caledonia vs NZL         Stade Paea
18H30 (Local time)    Fiji vs Tahiti                          Stade Mahina

OFC U-20 Championship Tahiti 2008 Standings

Match Day Two of the OFC U-20 Championship - Tahiti 2008 saw six goals, two red cards and a whole lot of rain.

New Caledonia defeated Fiji 3-0 in the opening match, before Tahiti triumphed 2-1 over New Zealand later in the day.

Oceaniafootball.com brings you pictures of the all the action from Stade Mahina in Tahiti.

FIJI Vs NEW CALEDONIA

Fiji Coach Carlos Buzzetti

New Caledonia Coach Didier Chambaron

The New Caledonian substitutes bench

Teams line up for the national anthems

Jese Ilomatama watches on as Fiji clear the ball

GOAL: New Caledonia's opening goal whistles past the Fijian keeper

New Caledonia celebrate

New Caledonia keeper Nicolas Iwa watches Fiji take the restart

The match was a physical game, with lots of passion.

Monit Chand from Fiji avoids a New Caledonian challenge

The New Zealand party watches on

Tahiti vs New Zealand

Lencie Fred, Revel Phillipe and Oito Pari warm up for the match

The New Zealand starting eleven

Tahiti during the national anthem

Lorenzo Tehau heads the ball forward for Tahiti

New Zealand defender Ian Hogg makes a move upfield

Red Card: New Zealand cant believe it as Adam McGeorge is shown a straight red card.

New Zealands Michael Eager battles with Tahiti's Lorenzo Tehau

New Zealand keeper Rhyss Keane attempts to clear a goalmouth scramble

Stanley Atany narrowly misses goalkeeper Rhyss Keane

Sam Campbell shepards the ball away from Alvin Tehau

Winners: The Tahiti squad salutes the crowd

Emotions ran high as Tahiti celebrated their win

A great day for Tahiti football

Photos: Franck Chevillard

PAPEETE – New Caledonia and Tahiti have pushed themselves into pole position to take out the OFC U-20 Championship Tahiti 2008 after both scoring exciting wins on Match Day Two of the tournament.

New Caledonia sunk three first half goals past Fiji en route to a comfortable 3-0 win while Tahiti left it till the 89th minute to clinch a vital three points over New Zealand in a passionate encounter.

New Caledonia and Tahiti now lead the four team tournament and will head into the final match day on Wednesday (local time) knowing that a win could potentially send them to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt next year.

Tahiti will face the winless Fijian side, while New Caledonia are up against New Zealand, who could also still qualify should they beat New Caledonia and Fiji upset Tahiti.

Tahiti had to fight back from a goal down against the Kiwi’s who took an early lead through Wellington Phoenix striker Costa Barbarouses in the 23rd minute.

But Tahiti battled to stay in the game which was preceded by a 15 minute downpour of rain which made the field slick and the air very muggy.

With New Zealand looking quite composed in the early stages, Tahiti began to take the game to the visitors as the match developed and looked dangerous on the counter attack, stretching the Kiwi’s out wide with their pace on the wings.

One minute before half time the complexion of the match changed as New Zealand midfielder Adam McGeorge was shown a straight red for a dangerous challenge.

Tahiti came out buzzing in the second half, sensing a real opportunity and made their one man advantage count in the 66th minute when Garry Rochette scored the goal of the tournament. His 30 yard rocket flew no higher than six yards from the ground throughout its journey into the New Zealand net.

Tahiti always looked dangerous from set pieces and they finally got reward from one in the 89th minute when Ariihau Teriitau bundled the ball home after receiving a knockdown from a corner.

For Tahiti Coach Lionel Charbonnier the win was the result of a solid preparation campaign and an incredible team spirit.

“The team played very well and did exactly what I asked of them,” Charbonnier said.

“But our mission is to win the tournament and that is not yet complete so our celebrations are a little muted.

“I thought we defended extremely well, and showed great concentration at the back.

“We didn’t play to our potential against New Caledonia and I felt that was a bad draw for us, but I was confident heading into the game against New Zealand because we always play well against the good teams.

“During our championship here in Tahiti we meet big teams like AS Manu Ura and Pirae, and we always rise to the big occasion so I was confident we could do it again.”

Charbonnier dedicated the win to ‘the teams biggest fan”, the 23 year old sister of squad member Stephane Faatiarau who passed away two days before the start of the tournament.

“When the winning goal went in it was a very happy moment for me and the team. We have had a week full of difficult moments and adversity, with the loss of our team’s biggest fan and also our leading goal scorer Steeve Chong Hue who broke his shoulder, so it was tough for the team, but we are so happy to triumph through this adversity.”

New Zealand Coach Stu Jacobs admitted Egypt 2009 now seemed a long way away but still vowed New Zealand would do their part of the equation against New Caledonia and pile the pressure on Tahiti.

“We just have to go and beat New Caledonia,” Jacobs said.

“On form you’d say Fiji’s chances of beating Tahiti aren’t good but that’s what you cling to when that’s your route through to a World Cup.”

In the days opening match New Caledonia scored a resounding 3-0 win over Fiji with a positive, slick performance.

They got off to the perfect start in the third minute when Alan Hnautra put his side ahead, capitalizing on a defensive error to slide the ball past the Fijian goalkeeper.

New Caledonia made it difficult for Fiji to settle into the match and compounded their misery in the 22nd minute when Jean Wahnyamalia tucked away a penalty to double the lead.

Wahnyamalia capped off a fine individual performance with a solo goal in the 34th minute, outpacing the Fijian defence before slotting the ball in the bottom corner.

Fiji were reduced to ten men in the second half when Romuero picked up his second bookable offence earned him his marching orders.

Fiji Coach Carlos Buzzetti had to ring a number of changes to his squad after a sickness had brought some key performers down with the flu, and the loss coupled with their earlier loss to New Zealand means their hopes of qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt are over.

New Caledonia now face an epic final round encounter with New Zealand on Wednesay (local time) needing a win to advance to the finals.

OFC U-20 Championship Tahiti 2008
Match Day Two
Stade Mahina
Papeete
Tahiti
Kick Off: 16H00 (Local Time)/ 14H00/13H00 (FIJ/NCL)

New Caledonia U-20 (3) 3 (12. Alan HNAUTRA 3', 8. Jean WAHNYAMALLA 22', 34')
Fiji U-20 (0) 0

NCL: 2. Joris GORENDIAWE; 3. Edmond IPUNESSO; 4. Jonathan KAKOU (13. Vincent VAKIE 46'); 5. Jean Claude JEWINE; 7. Maxime CHEVRY; 8. Jean WAHNYAMALLA; 9. Roy KAYARA; 10. Rony ATTI (17. Yoahn AUSU 74') ; 12. Alan HNAUTRA; 14. Jean Philippe SAIKO; 20. Nicolas IWA (GK);

Substitutes not used: 1. Jean Daniel CAEE (RGK); 6. Cesar LOLOHEA; 11. Warren NAXUE; 15. Jihovany LOLOHEA; 16. Theodore HNANGANYAN; 18. Jean TYEA; 19. Yoann BAKO;

Coach: Didier CHAMBARON (FRA)

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

FIJ: 2.Peniame DROVA; 5. ROMUERO; 6. Esava NAQELECA; 7. Sumeet KRISHAN (9. Taione KEREVANUA 35'); 11. Monit CHAND; 14. Velagio DRAUNIMASI; 15. Jese ILIMOTAMA; 16. Ranjesh PRASAD (8. Ratu Vula BONAVEIDOGO 72'); 17. Samuela DRUDRU (4. Josefata NEIBULI 70'); 19. Maciu TUILAU; 20. Filimone BOLETAWA;

Substitues not used: 1. Wasim ALI; 3. Amani MAKOE; 10. Nasoni MEREKE; 12. Archie WATKINS; 13. James MCKAY; 18. Joseva BASUDRA;

Coach: Carlos BUZZETTI (FIJ)

Yellow Cards: 5. ROMUERO 55', 69';

Red Cards: 5. ROMUERO 69'

Referee: Lencie FRED (VAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Revel PHILLIPE (TAH)
Assistant Referee 2: Oito PARI (TAH)
Fourth Official: Jacques AVERII (TAH)

OFC U-20 Championship Tahiti 2008
Match Day Two
Stade Mahina
Papeete
Tahiti
Kick Off: 18H30 (Local Time)/ 17H30 (NZL T)

Tahiti U-20 (0) 2 ( 7. Garry ROCHETTE 66’; 5. Ariihau TERIITAU 89’;)
New Zealand U-20 (1) 1(7. Costa BARBAROUSES 23’;)

TAH: 3. Stephane FAATIARAU; 4. Teheivarii LUDIVION; 5. Ariihau TERIITAU; 6. Heimano BOUREBARE; 7. Garry ROCHETTE; 9. Hiva KAMOISE; 11. Stanley ATANY; 19. Marama AMAU; 20. Lorenzo TEHAU; 21. Alvin TEHAU; 22. Teheipuarii HAUATA (GK);

Substitutes not used: 2. Tauirai TEIVA;  23. Ralph HEITAA; 8. Heiarii TAVANAE;12. Rangitea BENETT; 15. Rainui TZE YU; 17. Nahui TEIEFITU; 18. Tehau BENETT; 23. Jason Mathieu;

Injured; 13. Steeve CHONG HUE

Coach: Lionel CHARBONNIER

Yellow Cards: 21. Alvin TEHAU;

Red Cards: None

NZL: 1.Rhyss KEANE; 2. Tim MYERS; 3. Ian HOGG (C); 5. Sam CAMPBELL; 6. Michael EAGER; 7. Costa BARBAROUSES; 8. Adam MCGEORGE; 9. Greg DRAPER (19. Nick KEOWN-ROBSON 62’); 12. Cory CHETTLEBURGH (15. Michael PICKERING 46’) 14. Jonathan RAJ; 17. Jake MATHEWS;

Substitutes not used: 4. Fin MILNE;;10. Milos NIKOLIC; 11. John NIYONSABA; 13. Ash SOLLY; 16. Alex BARLOW; 18. Sam BLACKBURN; 20. Jake GLEESON;

Coach: Stu JACOBS

Yellow Cards: 1. Rhyss KEANE 40’

Red Cards: 8. Adam McGEORGE 44’;

Referee: Varman Rakesh (FIJ)
Assistant Referee 1: Michael Joseph (VAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Mahit Chilia (VAN)
Fourth Offical: Laurent Quere (NCL)

OFC U-20 Championship Tahiti 2008 Standings:

New Caledonia have scored a resounding 3-0 win over Fiji in the opening game of Match Day Two at the OFC U-20 Championships in Tahiti.

It was a positive, slick performance from the New Caledonia side who dominated the match from the third minute when Alan Hnautra put his side ahead, capitilizing on a defensive error to slide the ball past the Fijian goalkeeper.

New Caledonia made it difficult for Fiji to settle into the match and compounded their misery in the 22nd minute when Jean Wahnyamalia tucked away a penalty to double the lead.

Wahnyamalia capped off a fine individual performance with a solo goal in the 34th minute, outpacing the Fijian defence before slotting the ball in the bottom corner.

Fiji were reduced to ten men in the second half when Romuero picked up his second bookable offence earned him his marching orders.

Fiji Coach Carlos Buzzetti had to ring a number of changes in his squad after a sickness had brought some key performers down with the flu, and the loss coupled with their earlier loss to New Zeland means their hopes of qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt are over.

New Caledonia now face an epic final round encounter with New Zealand in two days time, needing a win to advance to the finals.

LIVE UPDATES:

3' - GOAL 1-0 NEW CALEDONIA - New Caledonia have gotten off to the perfect start as Alan Hnautra puts them ahead in the third minute.

7' - The game has settled down a little after a frantic start, with Fiji beginning to get back into the game

22' - GOAL 2-0 NEW CALEDONIA - New Caledonia double their advantage through Jean Wahnyamalla after 22 minutes. New Caledonia have proved clinical in the attacking third.

34' - GOAL 3-0 NEW CALEDONIA - Wahnyamalia gets his second of the afternoon as New Caledonia surge out to a 3-0 lead. New Caledonia look to have this one under control.

35' - Substitution for Fiji - Coach Carlos Buzzetti looks to fix the run of goals by replacing Summeet Krishan with Taione Kerevanua

HALFTIME - New Caledonia look in control of this one as they bounced out to an early three goal lead. Fiji Coach Carlos Buzzetti will have some stern words to share with his team at halftime.

46' - Substitution for New Caledonia - Jonathan Kakou is replaced by Vincent Vakie

55' - Yellow Card for Fijian - Romuero

67' - Substitution for New Caledonia  - Jean Saiko replaced by Cesar Lolohea

69' - RED CARD - Things go from bad to worse for Fiji as Romuero picks up his second yellow card and is subsequently sent from the field. Fiji down to ten men.

70' - Substitution for Fiji - Samuela Drudru is replaced by Josefata Neibuli as Buzzetti looks to reshuffle the deck.

72' - Substitution for Fiji - Ranjesh Prasad is replaced by Ratu Vula

74' - Substitution for New Caledonia - Rony Atti replaced by Yoahn Ausu

90' - FINAL SCORE: New Caledonia 3 - Fiji 0

OFC U-20 Championship Tahiti 2008
Match Day Two
Stade Mahina
Papeete
Tahiti
Kick Off: 16H00 (Local Time)/ 14H00/13H00 (FIJ/NCL)

New Caledonia U-20 (3) (12. Alan HNAUTRA 3', 8. Jean WAHNYAMALLA 22', 34')
Fiji U-20 (0)

NCL: 2. Joris GORENDIAWE; 3. Edmond IPUNESSO; 4. Jonathan KAKOU (13. Vincent VAKIE 46'); 5. Jean Claude JEWINE; 7. Maxime CHEVRY; 8. Jean WAHNYAMALLA; 9. Roy KAYARA; 10. Rony ATTI (17. Yoahn AUSU 74') ; 12. Alan HNAUTRA; 14. Jean Philippe SAIKO; 20. Nicolas IWA (GK);

Substitutes not used: 1. Jean Daniel CAEE (RGK); 6. Cesar LOLOHEA; 11. Warren NAXUE; 15. Jihovany LOLOHEA; 16. Theodore HNANGANYAN; 18. Jean TYEA; 19. Yoann BAKO;

Coach: Didier CHAMBARON (FRA)

Yellow Cards:

Red Cards:

FIJ: 2.Peniame DROVA; 5. ROMUERO; 6. Esava NAQELECA; 7. Sumeet KRISHAN (9. Taione KEREVANUA 35'); 11. Monit CHAND; 14. Velagio DRAUNIMASI; 15. Jese ILIMOTAMA; 16. Ranjesh PRASAD (8. Ratu Vula BONAVEIDOGO 72'); 17. Samuela DRUDRU (4. Josefata NEIBULI 70'); 19. Maciu TUILAU; 20. Filimone BOLETAWA;

Substitues not used: 1. Wasim ALI; 3. Amani MAKOE; 10. Nasoni MEREKE; 12. Archie WATKINS; 13. James MCKAY; 18. Joseva BASUDRA;

Coach: Carlos BUZZETTI (FIJ)

Yellow Cards: 5. ROMUERO 55', 69';

Red Cards: 5. ROMUERO 69'

Referee: Lencie FRED (VAN)

Assistant Referee 1: Revel PHILLIPE (TAH)

Assistant Referee 2: Oito PARI (TAH)

Fourth Official: Jacques AVERII (TAH)

Two former Old Firm goalkeeping foes will rekindle an old rivalry in the tropical setting of Tahiti on Match Day Two of the OFC U-20 Championship as hosts and favourites clash in a match that could determine which team qualifies for Egypt 2009.

If New Zealand can defeat Tahiti they will all but secure qualification for the FIFA U-20 Men's World Cup - Egypt 2009 and retain the title won by Stu Jacobs in Auckland in 2007. A draw will strengthen New Zealand's position at the top of the table and mean a big win over Fiji combined with an upset result in the final match between New Caledonia and New Zealand will be required for Tahiti to progress to the finals.

Two men at the centre of the action on Match Day Two are no strangers to this type of pressure.

Former Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper Jonathan Gould is New Zealand’s goalkeepers coach while former Rangers and France goalkeeper Lionel Charbonnier will sit in the opposite dug out as head coach and technical director for Tahiti U-20.

Both men represented their respective countries at the FIFA World Cup France ’98 though neither goalkeeper started for their country. Gould sat behind Neil Sullivan and Jim Leighton while Charbonnier’s path was blocked by Bernard Lama and Fabien Barthez.

Gould’s career could not have been more itinerant: as a teenager he found himself in New Zealand playing for Napier City Rovers as an outfielder before returning to the UK determined to win himself a professional contract. Gould achieved his aim but only after following the advice of his father Bobby Gould and becoming a goalkeeper.

“I had a job at a bank for three months and it just didn’t work out for me. It made me more determined than ever to become a professional,” Gould said.

 Jonathan’s success was remarkable given the transformation from outfielder to custodian but his rise through the ranks was hardly stellar. Spells with Clevedon Town, West Bromwich Albion, Coventry City, Halifax Town and Bradford City saw Gould unable to hold down the number one jersey for any extended length of time.

 Then opportunity struck. A goalkeeping crisis at Celtic during the 1997-98 season saw Gould plucked from Bradford City and thrust into the cauldron of the Glasgow derby at a time when arch rivals Rangers were making a charge for a record-breaking tenth Scottish Premier League title in a row.

“Everything was about stopping Rangers achieving ten-in-a-row at that time. Fans would come up to us and ask, ‘Please, just stop them this once, stop them getting ten-in-a-row and breaking our record’,” Gould told the BBC in a documentary about the Old Firm rivalry several years later.

Celtic did stop Rangers breaking the jointly held nine-in-a-row record on the last day of the 1997-98 season with Henrik Larrson and Harald Brattbakk goals enough to dispose of St.Johnstone and hand the Wim Jansen-coached team the title. Gould would go on to make 110 appearances for Celtic and although born in England, qualified to play for Scotland through the grandparent rule and won two caps.

 Celtic’s joy was short-lived. The arrival of Dutch coach Dick Advocaat combined with an open chequebook transfer policy saw in excess of 50 million pounds worth of talent imported to the Ibrox-based club. The list of players included Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Arthur Numan, Gabriel Amato, Danny Wallace, Andrei Kanchelskis and Lionel Charbonnier.

 The eccentric Charbonnier was an instant hit with Rangers fans and his off-field exploits included owning a stable of race horses and a deep interest in art which included painting, displaying and selling some of his work in local Glaswegian art galleries – a radical departure from the norm for a professional footballer.

As a FIFA World Cup winner and long-time servant of French club Auxerre (including one heroic performance for the club in a UEFA Champions League win over Rangers several years earlier) Rangers fans sang “La Marseillaise” every time he touched the ball.

“Rangers fans were special for me,” Charbonnier said, “the fans sang ‘La Marseillaise’ when I played and this is something fans in France don’t do. Even in other countries such a gesture is reserved for players of the calibre of Eric Cantona.”

By the time Gould and Charbonnier met head-to-head in an Old Firm derby much had changed. Rangers dominated their Old Firm rivals and it was the Frenchman who enjoyed a treble winning debut season as the Ibrox club clinched the Scottish League Cup, Scottish Cup and Scottish Premier League title.

Charbonnier recalls his favourite moments for the Scottish club but insists fans remember him for different reasons.

“My favourite matches for Rangers were in Europe. We went to Turkey in the Champions League and won in Besiktas. Another match I remember well was our match with Parma when we won 2-1 on aggregate. Fans don’t remember these games.

 Rangers fans remember me for two saves I made against Henrik Larrson. He broke through our defence twice in one-on-one situations and the first I saved with my legs. The second I hooked over the bar with my arm. Beating Celtic meant more to the fans,” Charbonnier said.

 Charbonnier’s international career – like Gould’s – earned only modest recognition with just one cap for France supplemented by the small matter of a FIFA World Cup winners medal.

Now the two reunite in the South Pacific at the OFC U-20 Championship.

 Gould’s return to New Zealand with Hawkes Bay United and New Zealand Football is a classic case of a player ready and willing to put something back into the game in a region that provided a platform for a flourishing professional career.

For Charbonnier the pathway to Oceania was less obvious although the ties between Federation Tahitienne de Football (FTF) where former Nantes professional and current FIFA Vice-President Reynald Temarii lives are stronger than ever.

Charbonnier and FTF thrust Tahiti U-20 into the Championnat D1 with a series of big victories over Tamarii Faaa (5-2), AS JT (5-1) and champions AS Manu Ura (3-1). In recent weeks the Tahiti U-20 form has dipped with defeat against lowly TAC (0-1), a draw with newly promoted Excelsior (2-2) and an unconvincing win over JT (1-0).

Despite New Zealand’s role as favourites, the former Auxerre star says closing the gap between Tahiti and New Zealand is achievable.

“I believe the gap between Oceania and the rest of the world is very big and closing that gap will be difficult. But can the gap close between Oceania and New Zealand? Of course, I think this is realistic.

We should be optimistic about our chances of making this goal happen if we behave more professionally in how we do things,” Charbonnier told a press conference in Noumea in May.
New Zealand U-20 has played one preparation match for this tournament with a defeat against high-flying Waikato FC (0-1) at Auckland Grammar in Epsom.

In Match Day Two's other showdown New Caledonia face Fiji in a similar do-or-die encounter. Fiji's hopes of qualification look slim after its 3-0 loss to New Zealand. Only two consecutive wins over New Caledonia and Tahiti by big margins will be good enough to help Fiji qualify and even then results in other matches will have to swing their way before Carlos Buzzetti's team can dream of Egypt.

New Caledonia's opening day draw with Tahiti means victory will be essential to force the qualification issue to the last day. Another draw will mean Didier Chambaron's charges will have to beat New Zealand at Stade Puurai to get to Egypt.

OFC U-20 CHAMPIONSHIP

TAHITI U-20 vs. NEW ZEALAND U-20

STADE MAHINA

TAHITI

Monday 15 December 2008/Tuesday 16 December 2008 (NZT)

Kick-Off: 18h30 (local time)/17h30 (NZT)

www.oceaniafootball.com will bring text updates of the match as the action unfolds

OFC U-20 CHAMPIONSHIP

NEW CALEDONIA U-20 vs. FIJI U-20

STADE MAHINA

Monday 15 December 2008 (local)/Tuesday 16 December 2008 (FIJI/NCL)

Kick-Off: 16h00 (local time)/14h00/13h00 (FIJI/NCL)

Lionel Charbonnier in his Rangers days - image courtesy www.jamd.com

Jonathan Gould during the 1998-99 season starring for Celtic - image courtesy of www.jamd.com

For more information please contact:

Steve Holloway

OFC Media and Communications Officer

Mobile: +64 (0)21-884-018

Email: steve@oceaniafootball.com