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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


2010 O-LEAGUE - MATCH DAY 1

Full match reports:

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

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

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

Yellow cards: Nil

Red cards: Nil

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

Yellow cards: Rex FAURA 55, Philippe MORETA 79

Red cards: Vetea TEPA 74

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

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

Crowd: 4,000+

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

Yellow cards: Silas NAMATAK 20

Red cards: Nil

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

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

Red cards: Nil

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

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

Crowd: 16,000

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

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

Red cards: Nil

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

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

Red cards: Nil

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

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

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

HALF TIME UPDATE:

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

FULL TIME:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of Fiji Times

The Lautoka football side created history on Sunday afternoon at Churchill Park as they reclaimed the National League title after a 21 year dry spell.

The 'Shop and Save Blues,' who last won the National League title in 1988, overcame Navua 1-0 to clinch the National League title with an unbeaten record. Lautoka have also clinched the league with one match in hand, against Nadi next weekend.

Midfielder Keni Doidoi scored the lone goal of the evenly contested affair from the penalty spot after Lautoka won a penalty in the 12th minute of the first spell.

Navua toiled hard to equalise the match but excellent goalkeeping by Alifereti Baleloa and good defence by Apisai Smith and Samuela Vula kept the Lautoka’s lead intact until the final whistle.

Lautoka president Shalendra Prasad was on cloud nine after the win and dedicated the win to all the well wishers and supporters of the Blues.

“The boys played well I am very happy with their performance this afternoon. The win means a lot for Lautoka football since we have recaptured the National League title after 21 long and hard years.”

“The credit for the win also goes to former coach Dennis Singh and manager Karuna Pillay who played a vital role in the team’s success this season.”

“The win has boosted the morale of the team ahead of the Inter District Championship (IDC), the focus shifts towards retention of the title again this season,” Prasad told Lautoka supporters post-match.

Navua boss Anil Sharma rued the missed opportunities of his team and congratulated Lautoka on its win.

“We had a lot of goal scoring opportunities but unfortunately we weren’t able to capitalise on our chances.”

“The team has to work extremely hard for the IDC and I have full confidence and faith in the players and officials” Sharma added.

Courtesy of Fijilive

Traditional powerhouse Ba showed why they are the true kings of Fiji football at the weekend when they retained the Inkk Battle of the Giants (BOG) tournament for the fourth year in a row.

In a thrilling final at Churchill Park on Sunday, the Men in Black defeated Lautoka 1-0 thanks to a strike from Osea Vakatalesau inside the first 10 minutes.

After nice combination play from Maciu Dunadamu, Ronald Laurence and Kiniviliame Naika, the 23-year-old Vakatalesau latched onto a Shalen Lal throw and finished in style with an angled shot over Australian-based goalkeeper Ali Cem Akbal.

The striker said a phone call from his parents inspired the performance.

“Both my father and mother called me up to give their blessings to me and the team before the final,” said Vakatalesau.

“The call inspired me to give my best shot as my parents told me that there was a lot of expectation from me and that I had to make my family and district proud. My mom actually got emotional and I also could not hold my emotions and told her that I will give my best for Ba.”

The win takes Ba to eight BOG titles in the last 10 years and 14 overall since the competition began in 1978. But unlike its dominant form in previous years, Ba has had an inconsistent season first losing its O-League berth then bowing out of the Fiji FACT in disappointing fashion. Yesterday’s win marks a turnaround in form and could be the start of a dominant run for Ba.

The 2009 BOG was as tight as ever with both semi-finals – Ba vs. Navua and Lautoka vs. Suva – ending in 1-0 score lines. 


Story courtesy of fijilive.com

Photo: Courtesy of Fiji Sun

The Solomon Islands Futsal team have touched down in Honiara to a rapturous reception after winning the OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 late last week.

Memories of the championship are fading fast, but oceaniafootball.com brings you a photo gallery of images that will provide fans with a permanent momento of the event.

The Solomon Kurukuru defended their Oceania title in convincing fashion scoring 32 goals and conceding only seven in their four matches. They also cleaned up the overall awards with honours going to the following standout performers:

Futsal Golden Ball (Best player)
Jack Wetney (SOL)

Futsal Golden Boot (Top goal scorer)
Micah Lea’alafa (SOL)

Futsal Golden Glove (Best goalkeeper) 
Paul Huia (SOL)

Futsal Fair Play
Solomon Islands

Photo Gallery

(Photos courtesy of Philip Lui, Avikash Chand, Jone kalouniviti, Tim Wilson)

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
 

The Solomon Islands have continued their hot goal scoring form at the OFC Futsal Championship with a 5-3 win over host nation Fiji on Match Day 2.

Fiji put in a brave effort to hold the Oceania Futsal champions to a 1-1 at halftime.

Against the run of play it was Fijian captain Kamal Hassan who opened the scoring for his team in the eighth minute after winning an aerial challenge in the Solomon’s goal circle and reacting quickest to slide the ball past the keeper.

The Solomon Islands drew level on 14 minutes as Jenan Kapu swiveled and shot in one movement just outside the Fijian circle.

Fiji suffered an injury setback less than a minute later when livewire Joseph Mishra fell heavily and was stretched away from the playing area.

As was the case in their opening match against New Caledonia, the Kurukuru managed to lift their intensity substantially in the second half and it paid off just two minutes into the new period as Micah Lea'alafa put his team ahead for the first time.

Lea'alafa and his teammates weren't ready to stop there, he added a third goal on 29 minutes while captain Elliot Ragomo added a third after 30 minutes and Jack Wetney rounded out the Solomon's scoring on the half hour.

Fiji were able to add an additional two goals to their total through Mohammed Shalmeen and Kamal Hassan who grabbed his second of the match.

Fiji:  1. Emori RAGATA (GK); 3. Sandeep NAIR; 8. Aisea Dauivalu CODRO; 9. Kamal HASSAN ; 10. Uraia Raimulo LOKI

SUBS: 1. Simone Moce TAMANISAU (GK); 2. Mira SAHIB; 4. Dinesh Chand MUDALIAR; 5. Shivam NATHAN; Mohammed SHALMEEN; 7. Joseph MISHRA; 11. Christopher Junior KUMAR 
   
Goals: Kamal HASSAN 8', 39'; Mohammed SHALMEEN 38'

Coach: Imtiaz KHAN (FIJI) 

Solomon Islands: 1. Alick LIOKA (GK); 3. Elliot RAGOMO; 7. James EGETA; 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA; 10. Stanley PUAIRANA

SUBS: 22. Paul HUIA (GK); 2. Philip HOUTARAU; 4. Jenan KAPU; 6. Moffat SIKWA'AE; 8. Francis LAFAI; 11, Ron GINIO; 12. Jack Wetney

Goals: Jenan KAPU 14'; Micah LEA'ALAFA 22', 29'; Elliot RAGOMO 30'; Jack WETNEY 35'

Coach: Dickson KADAU (SOL) 

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

SUVA - Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in conjunction with Fijian Television Broadcaster Mai TV is pleased to advise football fans of broadcast details for the OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 which kicks off at the Vodafone Arena in Suva this evening.

OFC and Mai TV are working together to provide exclusive television coverage of all the matches at this year's championship and a highlights package that will be distributed to broadcasters in each of the participating nations.

Mai TV will screen delayed coverage of Match Day One (Mon 6 July), Match Day Two (Tues 7 July), Match Day Three (Wed 8 July) and the Finals day (Fri 10 July) during Fijian prime time from 7:00pm to 8:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

A highlights package 'wrapping up' the championship’s most exciting moments will be distributed post-tournament to all the participating OFC Member Associations for on-forwarding to local broadcasters. Mai TV will also make this highlights package available online at www.tv.com.fj. 

The OFC Futsal Championship gets underway this evening with hosts Fiji playing Vanuatu (6:00pm Fiji Time) while New Caledonia take on defending champions Solomon Islands (8:00pm Fiji Time). In the same match-ups at last year’s championship, Vanuatu beat Fiji 5-2 while Solomon Islands beat New Caledonia 8-5.

Since the championship’s inception, Australia have won the title on four occasions in 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2004 but after the Soceroos left OFC in 2006, Solomon Islands stepped up to claim the OFC Futsal crown in 2008.

The event has previously been held every four years as part of the qualification process for the FIFA Futsal World Cup tournaments. Fiji 2009 marks the first year of the new annual format which shows OFC’s commitment to developing futsal by providing regular competition for Oceania’s top teams.

Stay tuned to www.oceaniafootball.com for regular championship updates including the latest scores, news and photos.

For live match updates visit www.fijilive.com


OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 - Television Schedule:

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

Imtiaz Khan, coach of Fiji’s national Futsal team, believes the pressure is off his side going into the OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 which gets underway at Vodafone Arena in Suva tomorrow evening.

By Khan’s own admission, the Fiji squad is very young and arguably less experienced than their more fancied opposition – namely New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu – and they had a disappointing 2008 campaign finishing fifth out of seven Oceania nations. 

The hosts will therefore go into this year’s championship with the underdog tag but Khan believes this could work in their favour.

“2009 is the start of a four-year cycle for us as we work towards qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2012,” said Khan.

“For this week’s championship, we’ve picked a group of young players who have a lot of potential but not as much experience as the likes of Solomon Islands who have already been to a FIFA Futsal World Cup. That means my boys can play without the weight of expectation hanging over them and hopefully cause some upsets in the process.”

Fiji striker Kamal Hassan, who won the Golden Boot Award at the OFC Futsal Championship in 2008, is expected to star for the hosts.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Football Association (FFA) has extended a warm welcome to all of the teams and officials who have arrived in Fiji over the past week. FFA President Dr. M.S Sahu Khan says they are expecting large crowds at Vodafone Arena.

“All teams will have strong crowd support, not only from those who support excellent Futsal, but from their own communities in and around the capital city,” said President Khan.

It is the second time Fiji has hosted the OFC Futsal Championship – an event previously held every four years but now run on an annual basis. President Khan believes the change of format is a step in the right direction.

“FFA fully supports this commitment by OFC to developing Futsal. And rightfully so, as Futsal has proved to be a popular means of conditioning players and providing a technical platform for the full outdoor football.”

The OFC Futsal Championship kicks off at 6:00pm on Monday (Fiji Time) with the opening match between Fiji and Vanuatu.

For live updates during the championship visit www.fijilive.com

OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 - Match Schedule

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

The referees charged with officiating this week’s OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 are sure to be on the ball after taking part in the FIFA Sub Regional Futsal Referee Instructor Course which continues this weekend.

Led by Referee Development Officer Massimo Raveino and Referee Instructor Neil Poloso, the course runs until Tuesday 7 July and is being held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva where the OFC Futsal Championship kicks off on Monday.

But as the excitement builds towards the championship, it is also a time of sadness and reflection as the funeral for Fiji referee Leone Rakoroi is held in Nadi today. Rakoroi, one of the Oceania's most respected referees, died last Sunday after being involved in a car accident. He will be well remembered by the entire Oceania football family.

At the referee course in Suva this weekend, around 20 match officials from nine Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) member associations are taking part.

Raveino says the course involves technical classroom-style sessions as well as practical sessions and aims to provide instructors with the necessary tools and training to enable them to run similar courses in their own countries.

OFC places high importance on developing world-class match officials in Futsal, Beach Soccer and football.

In 2008, referee development received a huge boost thanks to a brand new FIFA-funded Refereeing Assistance Programme (RAP) which is now led by Raveino who has stressed how important it is for the programme to succeed.

“FIFA want results in OFC over the next few years and we need to provide them,” said the former referee from Tahiti.

Raveino is supported by Neil Poloso from the Solomon Islands who says the objective is to improve the performance, consistency and uniformity of elite referees and assistant referees in each member association.

“We are also trying to establish and fortify referee development programmes and this week’s course goes a long way to achieve that.”

As part of the high standards set by FIFA, all match officials involved in the OFC Futsal Championship have undergone a stringent Futsal Referees Fitness Test. Only those who pass the FIFA test are eligible to officiate this week's matches.

The championship, involving Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, kicks off on Monday and will conclude with the final and 3rd/4th place playoff on Friday.



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

Fiji marksman Osea Vakatalesau has been ruled out of the OFC Futsal Championship Fiji 2009 through injury and has been replaced by 18-year-old Christopher Kumar.

The championship, involving Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu gets underway on Monday next week at the Vodafone Arena in Suva and culminates in a final and 3rd/4th place playoff on Friday.

DAV College student Kumar who mends the striker’s position, got the call up from Fiji Futsal management after Vakatalesau injured his knee while playing for Ba in last weekend’s National League fixture.

Vakatalesau, who also scored in the game, was one of the big names in the Fijian Futsal squad and was expected to pair up with last year's OFC golden boot winner Kamal Hassan in next week's championship.

Fiji FUTSAL executive Jainendra Sukhu said Vakatalesau’s injury was untimely but is confident the team will still do well without him.

“Osea was one of the key players in the squad with a lot of international exposure but the injury has ruled him out as his knee is badly hurt and he needs time to recover.”

“We have included Christopher Kumar from DAV College Ba as a cover for him and have other good strikers in the squad also to fill in for Vakatalesau.”

“Christopher was very impressive in the western Futsal tournament and was thus selected by coach Imtiaz Khan in the 25 member team and he also made the 15 member squad but was dropped from the final 12.”

“He has a lot of potential but needs exposure and by featuring in a regional tournament like this, he will gain a lot of experience and confidence” Sukhu said.

Kumar recently featured for the victorious West 2 U-18 team at the Fiji FACT where he awed fans with his dazzling skills and blistering pace.

Story courtesy of www.fijilive.com

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President Reynald Temarii has expressed his shock and sadness at the passing of Leone Rakoroi, one of the most highly regarded referees within Oceania.

Rakoroi died early Sunday morning after being involved in a car accident while returning home from celebrations to mark victory by Navua in the Fiji FACT club competition.

President Temarii says it was with a sad heart that he learned of the tragedy.  

"On behalf of OFC and Oceania’s football family, we wish to extend our condolences and support to Leone Rakoroi’s family, friends and loved ones,” he said.

"We sincerely hope that all those who knew Leone will find some amount of peace and solace in this time of sadness."

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas praised Rakoroi for a long career as one of the most popular and respected referees in Oceania football history.

“As a former FIFA Referee, Leone officiated in many key tournaments including the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Finland in 2003,” said Nicholas. “His loss will be felt heavily throughout Oceania where he has done so much for the game.”

Rakoroi, who was in his mid-40s, resided in Votualevu on the outskirts of Nadi and is survived by his wife and four children. 


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

Solomon Island import James Naka has helped Fiji club Navua to its first ever back-to-back victory in the Vodafone Fiji FACT knock-out competition.

In a thrilling finish to five days of football, the Solomon Islands beach soccer captain headed home for Navua in the dying minutes of the final to beat Lautoka 2-1 at TFL National Stadium in Suva yesterday.

Naka said he believed all along his team would beat Lautoka.

“I had confidence in my teammates and had told them before the final that we could do it.”

“Navua has a lot of national reps so it was a great feeling to play with them and be part of their winning team” said Naka, who captained the Bilikiki Boys to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Brazil.

Meanwhile Navua vice captain Simione Tamanisau said they dedicated their win to president Anil Sharma who celebrated his wedding anniversary over the weekend.

“This win is for Anil and his family and I am sure the Sharma family will be happy with this gift of ours.”

“We are one big family in Navua and the entire sporting family will come together to celebrate this win” said the Naisaomua native from Tailevu.

Lautoka football coach Dennis Singh attributed their loss at the hands of a strong Navua side to fatigue saying that his team did not cope well with three games in less than 20 hours.

“We played a really hard game but it was fatigue that lost us the game,” said the Blues coach.

Lautoka won through to the final by beating Rewa 4-3 in the semi-final while Navua beat Suva 2-1 in their semi final.

Story courtesy of www.fijilive.com

National Soccer League defending champions Ba have narrowed the gap on the points table against leaders Lautoka after beating Rewa 2-0 in the lone fixture of the weekend at Govind Park in Ba.

The Men In Black showed their class and experience against the Delta Tigers who despite putting on a brave performance were not able to break the Ba defence and get on the score sheet.

Veteran striker Josaia Bukalidi who is fighting hard to retain his position in Coach Yogendra Dutt’s starting line up scored the only goal of the first spell to give the hosts the advantage at the break.

Maciu Dunadamu doubled the advantage in the second spell to give Ba another impressive victory and keep the pressure on Lautoka who are riding high after topping round one and qualifying for the 2010 O-League.

With a number of talented players in his squad, Dutt faces a daunting task in naming his final squad for the Fiji FACT cup competition which kicks off in Suva on 11 June.

Meanwhile Ba received good news that prolific striker Osea Vakatalesau will be free to feature in the opening match of the Fiji FACT against Nasinu. The Wailotua native had copped a red card against Tavua last weekend but served his suspension by missing the encounter against Rewa this weekend.

Ba has been grouped in Pool 2 for the upcoming Fiji FACT with defending champions Navua, IDC winners Lautoka, last season’s finalist Labasa and Nasinu.

Story courtesy of www.fijilive.com

Fiji's Lautoka have gained two more valuable points in the National Soccer League to extend its lead by five points after winning its protest over Tavua.

The Blues drew 1-1 with Tavua in the opening rounds of the league but lodged a protest with Fiji Football Association claiming their opposition fielded unregistered players.

In its sitting this week, the Fiji Football Association Disciplinary Committee ruled in favor of Lautoka.

Lautoka have already qualified for the 2010 O-League after topping the first round but have now extended their points to 28 points after 10 matches.

Second placed Ba has registered impressive wins in its last three encounters a now have 23 points.

Navua have slipped to third after their disappointing draw against Nadroga last weekend.

Ba, who are set to take on Rewa in the lone National League fixture this weekend, have the chance of narrowing the gap further tomorrow.

They will have to win against the Delta Tigers who have been inconsistent so far in the season.

The Ba-Rewa match kicks off on Sunday.

Meanwhile the National League commences proper after the Vodafone Fiji FACT will be played at Suva’s TFL National Stadium from June 11 to 15, 2009.

Story courtesy of www.fijilive.com