In a match full of drama, Vanuatu international and national team captain Brian Kaltak has etched his name in Oceania football history by leading the back of Central Coast Mariners in the victory in the AFC Cup. In a match filled with nail-biting tension, Mariners secured the win with a late strike from Alou Kuol, breaking the deadlock at the 84th minute against Al Ahed in Muscat, Oman.
The victory marks a historic moment for both Kaltak and Central Coast Mariners, as they clinch their first-ever international trophy, only the second for an Australian club in the AFC. Kaltak’s leadership on the field proved instrumental in guiding his team to this remarkable achievement.
What makes this triumph even more extraordinary is Kaltak’s personal milestone – he becomes the first South Pacific islander to win an international club tournament outside of Oceania. This accomplishment not only highlights Kaltak’s individual prowess but also shines a spotlight on the growing influence of players from the region in international football.
But Kaltak’s success doesn’t end there. The 30-year-old football sensation recently celebrated another victory as Mariners clinched the Premier’s Plate in the A-League, defeating Adelaide United in a thrilling final regular-season match – with two trophies in hand within the span of a week.
As the celebrations subside, Kaltak and Mariners now shift their focus to the upcoming A-League playoffs, where they aim to defend their title following their triumph in the previous season. With Kaltak at the helm, Mariners are poised to continue their winning streak and cement their status as a force to be reckoned with in Australian football and now in the continent as they prepare for the AFC Champions League Elite in 2024/2025 season.
Oceania Football Center 