Qanono Sport return to New Caledonia’s Super Ligue after winning Inter-Islands Championship

Qanono Sport have secured promotion to New Caledonia’s Super Ligue for the 2027 season after winning the Inter-Islands Championship, defeating ES Wacaélé 3-2 in a decisive encounter at Stade Bernard-Ukéiwé in Nouméa on Friday, 23 October.

The victory completed a successful campaign for the Lifou champions, who won both matches in the three-team competition to finish ahead of representatives from Maré and Ouvéa. Their achievement confirms their return to the country’s highest domestic division for the first time since being relegated at the end of the 2023 season.

The Inter-Islands Championship brought together Qanono Sport, representing Lifou, ES Wacaélé, champions of Maré, and Inter Bunatcha, winners of the Ouvéa championship. The three teams competed for a single place in the 2027 Super Ligue, which is expanding from ten to twelve clubs.

Qanono began their campaign on 17 October with a 2-0 victory against Inter Bunatcha. After a goalless first half, the Lifou side found the breakthrough after the interval to secure an important opening result.

Three days later, ES Wacaélé defeated Inter Bunatcha 3-1, setting up a decisive final encounter between the two unbeaten teams.

Both clubs had previous experience in New Caledonia’s top division, making the match an important opportunity to return to the country’s leading domestic competition.

The contest remained closely balanced, but Qanono eventually emerged with a 3-2 victory, completing a perfect record in the tournament and securing the Inter-Islands title.

With two victories, Qanono finished top of the standings with eight points under New Caledonia’s domestic points system, which awards four points for a victory and two for a draw. ES Wacaélé finished second with five points, while Inter Bunatcha collected two.

The promotion represents an important achievement for a club that endured a difficult final season in the Super Ligue in 2023.

Qanono finished bottom of the twelve-team competition that year, collecting 36 points from 22 matches, with three victories, five draws and fourteen defeats. The club scored 22 goals and conceded 49, finishing nine points behind AS Wetr.

Their return three years later provides an opportunity to establish themselves once again among New Caledonia’s leading clubs.

The achievement also follows a competitive domestic campaign in Lifou, where Qanono faced strong opposition from UJ Wedrumel and Trio Sport in the battle to qualify for the Inter-Islands Championship.

One of the players attracting attention during the final stages of the campaign has been Numa Pamani, a 20-year-old New Caledonian footballer who previously represented his country at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Pamani, who played alongside current SC Bastia midfielder Nolhann Alebate in New Caledonia’s youth national team, joined Qanono after previously representing SC Ne Drehu.

His performances during the Inter-Islands competition highlighted the importance of young players gaining opportunities within the domestic football structure, particularly as Qanono prepared for their return to the top division.

The competition was organised by the Loyalty Islands Provincial Football Committee, with support from the New Caledonian Football Federation, bringing together the champions of the three main Loyalty Islands.

Qanono’s promotion also reflects the changes taking place in New Caledonian football ahead of the 2027 season.

With the Super Ligue expanding to twelve clubs, the federation has created additional opportunities for teams from the country’s provincial competitions to join the national elite.

For Qanono Sport, the immediate objective will be to prepare a competitive squad capable of avoiding the difficulties experienced during their previous top-flight campaign.

Their triumph in Nouméa concludes a successful season for the Lifou club and ensures that the Loyalty Islands will have another representative in New Caledonia’s highest domestic championship in 2027.

Samoa end difficult U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with defeat to Kenya

Samoa’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup came to an end on Sunday, 25 October, with a 4-0 defeat against Kenya in Morocco, completing a challenging tournament for the Pacific nation as they continued their development on the international stage.

Competing in their second consecutive edition of the tournament, Samoa suffered three defeats in Group E, conceding 28 goals against the United States, China and Kenya without finding the net.

The results exposed the considerable gap between Oceania’s developing football nations and opponents with access to larger player pools and more established development structures. Nevertheless, the experience represented another opportunity for Samoa’s young players to compete at the highest level of international youth football.

Their final appearance at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé began with an early setback, as Kenya took the lead through Mwanakombo Bakari after just four minutes.

The Junior Starlets entered the encounter needing a convincing victory to maintain their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages, placing Samoa under pressure from the opening exchanges.

Despite conceding early, Juan Chang Urrea’s side managed to prevent Kenya from extending their advantage for much of the first half. Their resistance was eventually broken again in the 44th minute, when Brenda Awuor doubled the lead with a low strike from outside the penalty area.

Samoa reached halftime trailing 2-0, but Kenya continued to dominate possession and create opportunities after the interval.

Gaudancia Maloba scored the third goal in the 62nd minute before Bakari completed her brace just two minutes later, securing the four-goal margin Kenya required to advance to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Samoa struggled to create opportunities, registering only three attempts compared with Kenya’s 17. Breanna Kitiona and Taimane Devoux were among the players who attempted to threaten the Kenyan goal, but neither could provide a breakthrough.

There was, however, a memorable individual moment in the closing stages when goalkeeper Susahna Peacock saved a penalty from Lindey Atieno in the 74th minute.

The intervention gave the Samoan players something to celebrate despite the result and provided a positive moment at the conclusion of a demanding campaign.

Their journey in Morocco had begun with a particularly difficult encounter against the United States on 19 October.

Facing one of the strongest teams in women’s youth football, Samoa suffered a 17-0 defeat, the largest victory recorded in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup history.

American attacker Maddie DiMaria scored six goals, becoming the first player to achieve that feat in a single match at the tournament.

The result demonstrated the scale of the challenge facing Samoa, whose players struggled to contain the speed, technical quality and attacking combinations of the American side.

Three days later, the Samoans returned to action against China, hoping to deliver a more competitive performance.

Although they suffered another heavy defeat, losing 7-0, the team showed greater defensive resistance during stretches of the encounter, particularly after conceding an early penalty.

China led 4-0 at halftime before adding three more goals in the second period.

Following that match, Chang Urrea acknowledged both the difficulties his players faced and the value of competing against elite opponents.

“We knew it was never going to be an easy task against China PR – we knew it was going to be a tough one. But I do think that we did improve and we added another layer for us. We’re just going to continue to learn,” the coach told FIFA.

The final defeat against Kenya confirmed Samoa’s elimination, leaving the team bottom of Group E without points.

Despite the disappointing results, the campaign represented another milestone for a national programme that had never competed at a FIFA tournament before 2025.

Samoa made their historic debut at last year’s U-17 Women’s World Cup, also hosted by Morocco, when they scored twice against former champions France in a 4-2 opening defeat.

That performance demonstrated the potential of a developing programme, although subsequent defeats against Canada and Nigeria ended their first campaign at the group stage.

Their return to Morocco in 2026 followed another successful regional qualification campaign, during which Samoa defeated Solomon Islands 5-0 in the semifinals of the 2025 OFC U-16 Women’s Championship to secure their World Cup place.

The achievement was particularly significant because it confirmed Samoa’s ability to remain competitive at the highest level of Oceania’s youth competitions outside New Zealand.

However, their performances against the United States, China and Kenya highlighted how difficult it remains to translate regional success into competitive results against stronger opposition from other confederations.

While Samoa improved their scorelines across the three matches, the difference in goals conceded cannot by itself establish sustained progress, particularly given the varying quality and playing styles of their opponents.

The tournament also reinforced the importance of regular competitive opportunities, investment in youth development and stronger domestic pathways if Pacific nations are to narrow the gap at future international competitions.

For many of Samoa’s players, the experience of facing opponents from three different confederations will provide a reference point as they continue their football careers.

Before the tournament, Chang Urrea had spoken about his ambition to build on Samoa’s historic first World Cup appearance and eventually help the country collect its first points on the global stage.

That objective remains unfulfilled after the 2026 campaign, but successive qualifications have already established Samoa as an emerging force within Oceania’s women’s youth football.

The next challenge will be ensuring that the experience gained in Morocco translates into stronger preparation, improved player development and more competitive performances in future international tournaments.

For Samoa, the results in 2026 were undeniably difficult. The opportunity now is to build on two consecutive appearances at the highest level and continue strengthening the foundations of women’s football in the country.

New Zealand goalkeeper Jack de Groot joins Bula FC with ambitions of OFC Pro League glory

Bula FC have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2027 OFC Professional League season with the signing of New Zealand goalkeeper Jack de Groot, who arrives from Eastern Suburbs determined to help the Fijian club challenge for the championship.

The 22-year-old shot-stopper, who stands 1.91 metres tall, becomes the latest addition to Stéphane Auvray’s squad as the Bula Warriors continue preparing for their second campaign in Oceania’s professional competition.

De Groot brings experience from football in both England and New Zealand, having developed through the youth ranks of St Albans City before establishing himself in the New Zealand domestic game with Miramar Rangers and Eastern Suburbs.

The opportunity to join Bula FC represents an important milestone for the goalkeeper, who has spent much of his life working towards a professional football career.

“I’m very excited and honoured to be part of this group. Professional football is something I’ve worked towards for my whole life, and it feels so right it being on this side of the world,” de Groot said following the announcement.

Born in New Zealand, de Groot began playing football at the age of six with Harvesters Youth Teams in Hertfordshire, England. He later represented St Albans at regional level before joining St Albans City U-18, where he helped the team win the Eastern Junior Alliance competition.

His development also included opportunities to train and participate in pre-season fixtures with St Albans City’s senior team, which competed in England’s National League South.

At 17, de Groot returned to New Zealand and joined Miramar Rangers, spending four seasons with the Wellington-based club.

During that period, he established himself as a promising goalkeeper, receiving several individual awards. He was nominated for Young Player of the Year at the Capital Football Awards and collected Under-20, Under-21 and Under-23 Player of the Year honours, alongside three Goalkeeper of the Year awards.

His performances eventually earned him a move to Eastern Suburbs in Auckland, where he played an important role during the 2026 Northern League campaign.

Eastern Suburbs finished second in the competition and qualified for the National League, with their defensive performances becoming one of the team’s strongest features.

The club’s ability to keep clean sheets was particularly satisfying for de Groot, who considers defensive organisation and communication essential parts of his game.

His arrival at Bula FC adds another goalkeeper comfortable participating in possession, an attribute that could suit Auvray’s approach to building attacks from the back.

“I would describe myself as a ball-playing goalkeeper who loves the ball at my feet and making big saves. I’m a very vocal goalkeeper and would see myself as a leader from the back,” he explained.

De Groot also revealed that detailed preparation is an important part of his routine, frequently studying opposition players and teams before matches.

“I spend a lot of time on my own watching opponents before we play, so in my head I feel like I’ve seen all scenarios before they’ve happened, which definitely calms my mind.”

Although he has spent most of his football career in England and New Zealand, the move will provide his first experience of living in the Pacific Islands.

The goalkeeper acknowledged that adapting to a new environment would present challenges, but welcomed the opportunity to experience Fijian culture and compete against different playing styles.

“I’ve never been to the islands, so definitely out of my comfort zone, but I’m really excited to experience the culture. I can imagine the football would be more physical, but it’s something I will not shy away from.”

His decision to join Bula FC was also influenced by the club’s performances during the inaugural OFC Professional League season.

The Fijian representatives finished third in the regular-season standings before progressing to the Top Four playoffs, establishing themselves among the competition’s leading teams.

De Groot followed their campaign and was encouraged by the atmosphere within the squad, particularly after speaking with players about their experiences at the club.

“After watching the first season, the group looked very tight, and after speaking with some players, they couldn’t say a bad word about Bula. It felt like the right opportunity to push on with my football and test myself with the best players on this side of the world.”

The New Zealander joins a squad that has already confirmed several players for the 2027 season, including Kaïlé Auvray, Thomas Dunn, Ryan Naresh and Semi Nabenu, while defender Michael Boffey has also arrived from Australian football.

Bula FC’s recruitment reflects their intention to build on their inaugural campaign by combining experienced Fiji internationals with players from across Oceania.

For de Groot, working alongside international footballers represents an opportunity to develop his abilities while contributing to the club’s ambitions.

“Being around experienced international players will be awesome to learn from and will definitely improve me as a player and as a person,” he said.

His personal objectives extend beyond establishing himself as Bula’s first-choice goalkeeper. The 22-year-old wants to help the team achieve the best defensive record in the competition and compete for the championship.

“I want to come in and win the whole competition. We have the group to do that, so why not!”

With preparations for the 2027 OFC Professional League underway, de Groot’s arrival provides Bula FC with another option in goal and gives the young New Zealander the professional opportunity he has been working towards throughout his football career.

Stage Set for Historic PVFA Ligue 2 Opening Cup Grand Final

Photo – Action between Epi United and Beverly Hills United from the group stage

The Port Vila Football Association (PVFA) Ligue 2 Opening Cup is set for an electrifying conclusion tomorrow, October 28, 2026, as newcomers Epi United FC prepare to battle seasoned contenders Beverly Hills United FC in the grand final at Port Vila Stadium.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM in what promises to be a historic clash for local football fans.

The Fairytale Debut of Epi United

Newly formed Epi United FC has taken the competition by storm in its debut season. Established to provide students and young people from the island of Epi residing in Port Vila a platform to showcase their football talents, the team has defied expectations to book a spot in the final.

Under the strict guidance of Coach Benjamin Noel. Their impressive campaign reached a high point in the semi-finals at Amical Field, where they convincingly defeated former Ligue 1 side Shalom FC 4-1 to secure their ticket to the championship match.

Beyond the pitch, the club’s initiative focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles and steering local youth away from negative influences. A championship victory on Wednesday would solidify an unforgettable fairytale start for the islanders.

Beverly Hills United Eyeing Glory

Standing in their way is a highly resilient Beverly Hills United FC side that has proven they can handle intense pressure. Beverly Hills booked their place in the grand final following a dramatic semi-final against Mala FC. After playing out a tense, goalless draw through regular and extra time, Beverly Hills held their nerve to edge out Mala FC 9-8 in a thrilling penalty shootout.

Prior to that nail-biting encounter, Beverly Hills demonstrated their tactical dominance with a commanding 2-0 victory over Sia Raga during the quarter-finals. Their experienced backline and composure under pressure will be their primary weapons against the youthful energy of Epi United.

A Clash of Styles

Wednesday’s final presents an intriguing contrast of football philosophies. Epi United brings an unpredictable, high-energy style driven by student synergy, while Beverly Hills boasts defensive organization and the grit required to win tight knockout fixtures.

Football enthusiasts across the capital are urged to pack the Port Vila Stadium stands by 3:00 PM to witness which side will lift the coveted Ligue 2 Opening Cup trophy.

Green Shield strengthen S-League lead as Central Coast held by Malaita Kingz

Green Shield FC strengthened their position at the top of the 2026 Solomon Islands S-League with a convincing 5-2 victory over Honiara City, while defending champions Central Coast dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Malaita Kingz during an eventful 14th round at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara.

The weekend of 24–25 October also produced an important victory for Southern United, who defeated SOSA 3-2, while Ghupo overcame KOSSA 3-1 and Marist returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 triumph against Laugu United.

With the championship entering its decisive stages, Green Shield continued their impressive run of results, although Central Coast remain firmly in contention thanks to their unbeaten record and several matches in hand.

Green Shield’s victory over Honiara City was inspired by Rooney Riugaemai, who scored twice to take his league tally to ten goals for the season.

Coleman Makasi, Clivert Sam and Jayroll Patty also found the net for the leaders, who overcame a determined Honiara City side in an entertaining seven-goal encounter.

Honiara City responded through Jeffery Bule and Clinton Alasia, but their efforts were insufficient to prevent another defeat.

Green Shield opened the scoring in the sixth minute, only for Honiara City to equalise three minutes later from the penalty spot. The leaders regained control with two goals before halftime, although another Honiara City strike shortly before the interval kept the contest alive at 3-2.

The second half belonged to Green Shield, who added further goals in the 69th and 75th minutes to secure the three points.

The result extended an excellent week for the club, who had already defeated Ghupo 3-0 in a midweek fixture on 21 October.

Green Shield also recorded a 4-1 victory against Laugu United the previous weekend, collecting nine points from three matches during a particularly productive period of their campaign.

Their attacking performances have been supported by contributions from several players, with Riugaemai emerging as one of the competition’s most productive forwards.

Makasi has also played an important role, while Patty and Sam added their names to the scoresheet against Honiara City.

Green Shield moved to 32 points from 14 matches, opening a six-point advantage over Central Coast, although the defending champions have played four fewer games.

Central Coast’s opportunity to close the gap was frustrated by Malaita Kingz, who secured a valuable 1-1 draw in one of the weekend’s most important fixtures.

The defending champions made an encouraging start, taking the lead in the tenth minute through Junior Fodney.

However, Malaita Kingz responded almost immediately, with Adrian Abae equalising in the 16th minute to restore parity.

Despite opportunities for both sides, neither team managed to score again, and the contest ended with the points shared.

Central Coast also finished the encounter with ten players following a red card during second-half stoppage time.

The draw represented another setback in their efforts to regain control of the championship race, coming after they had also shared the points with Green Shield in a 1-1 encounter earlier in October.

Nevertheless, the defending champions remain unbeaten in the league, having recorded eight victories and two draws from their ten completed fixtures.

Their position remains particularly interesting because they have several outstanding matches to complete, leaving the championship race far from settled despite Green Shield’s growing advantage.

For Malaita Kingz, the draw provided another important point against one of the competition’s strongest teams.

The club finished the weekend with 24 points from 13 matches and remains among the sides attempting to challenge the leading two teams.

Abae’s goal also continued an impressive individual campaign, taking his tally to nine goals in the league.

Elsewhere, Marist produced one of their strongest performances of recent weeks with a 3-0 victory against Laugu United.

The former Oceania champions opened the scoring in the 18th minute before doubling their advantage in the 36th.

Laugu’s difficulties increased when they were reduced to ten players shortly before halftime, leaving them with a substantial challenge during the second period.

Marist eventually added a third goal in the 76th minute to complete an important victory after a disappointing sequence of results.

The triumph provided a welcome response following their 3-0 defeat against Central Coast in the previous round.

Sunday’s fixtures brought further changes to the competition’s mid-table battle.

Southern United maintained their pursuit of the leading clubs with a narrow 3-2 victory against SOSA, adding another three points to their campaign.

The result followed their emphatic 5-1 win over Ghupo in Round 13 and extended a productive period for a team that possesses one of the competition’s most dangerous attacks.

Southern United striker Spensor Vaevo has been a major contributor throughout the campaign, with the league’s published scoring records placing him at the top of the goalscoring standings.

Meanwhile, Ghupo returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over KOSSA, ending a difficult spell that had included heavy defeats against Southern United and Green Shield.

Ghupo had conceded eight goals across those two previous matches without collecting a point, making Sunday’s result an encouraging response.

The victory also helped them remain in contention with the teams occupying the middle positions of the table.

With five matches completed across the weekend, attention now turns towards the next round of fixtures and the outstanding games that could reshape the standings.

Green Shield’s growing points advantage provides a strong platform for their championship ambitions, but Central Coast’s unbeaten record and considerable number of games in hand ensure that the defending champions remain a major threat.

Southern United and Malaita Kingz will also have opportunities to influence the title race, particularly when they face direct rivals during the coming weeks.

For now, Green Shield have continued to apply pressure through consistent victories, while their closest challengers must find ways to turn their remaining fixtures into points.

The race for the 2026 S-League championship remains open, but the leaders have delivered another reminder of their determination to challenge for the title.

From Polish glory to Pacific ambitions: Robert Maaskant takes charge of Tuvalu

Tuvalu have appointed experienced Dutch manager Robert Maaskant as head coach of their national football team, with the former Wisła Kraków championship winner signing a 12-month contract as the Pacific nation prepares to return to international competition in 2027.

The Tuvalu Islands Football Association (TIFA) confirmed the appointment on Friday, 23 October, announcing that the 57-year-old will lead the national team during its upcoming international commitments, beginning with the planned Four Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, in January.

Maaskant brings considerable experience from European professional football, having managed several established clubs in the Netherlands, including NAC Breda, Willem II and FC Groningen. His most notable achievement came in Poland, where he guided Wisła Kraków to the Ekstraklasa championship in 2011.

Throughout his career, the Dutchman has worked in different coaching and technical management roles, experience that TIFA hopes will contribute to the development of its national team.

His appointment represents an ambitious move for Tuvalu, whose senior national team has not competed internationally since the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.

The country remains outside FIFA and holds associate membership of the Oceania Football Confederation, limiting its opportunities to participate in major international competitions, including FIFA World Cup qualification.

Despite those restrictions, the association has continued working to strengthen its football structures and create more opportunities for players to gain experience against international opposition.

Maaskant’s arrival is part of those efforts, with TIFA establishing a coaching staff that combines European experience with knowledge of Tuvaluan football.

Dutch coach Thijs Matla has been appointed as his assistant, while the association expects to announce an additional Dutch member of the technical staff at a later date.

Two Tuvaluan coaches, Nabil Alefaio and Pasene Siale, will also form part of the setup, providing local experience and helping establish stronger connections between the national team and the country’s football community.

The arrangement reflects TIFA’s intention to develop the national programme beyond individual tournaments, with local coaches working alongside experienced international staff.

Maaskant becomes the latest Dutch manager to take charge of Tuvalu, following Foppe de Haan in 2011 and Leen Looijen in 2013.

De Haan previously guided the national team at the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia, where Tuvalu recorded a memorable 4-0 victory over American Samoa.

The return of a high-profile Dutch coach comes as the association prepares for what could be an important year for international football in the country.

Maaskant’s first assignment is scheduled to be the Four Nations Cup in Auckland in January 2027, with matches provisionally planned for 23, 27 and 30 January.

Earlier this month, TIFA sent an official invitation to the Kiribati Islands Football Federation to participate in the proposed competition, identifying Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Cook Islands and Tonga among the prospective participants.

A Māori Aotearoa selection was also mentioned as a possibility, although the final lineup has not been confirmed.

The proposed tournament would offer Tuvalu an opportunity to return to international competition after more than three years without a senior national team fixture.

For a country with limited opportunities to face overseas opposition, the competition could provide valuable experience while allowing the new coaching staff to assess players and begin implementing its plans.

TIFA has also indicated that it is considering participation in two additional international tournaments during 2027, although those events have not yet been confirmed.

The association’s longer-term ambitions include strengthening domestic football, creating development opportunities for players and coaches, and progressing towards greater recognition within the international football system.

Tuvalu’s geographical isolation, small population and limited infrastructure have historically made it difficult to organise regular international fixtures, placing considerable importance on initiatives that can bring the national team together.

The appointment of a manager with experience in European professional football is therefore a significant development for a national programme seeking greater continuity and international exposure.

Maaskant will be officially presented during a press conference at the Atik Stadium in Roosendaal, Netherlands, on Wednesday, 4 November.

TIFA General Secretary and Technical Director Michiel van der Werf will attend the event alongside Tuvalu international Jason Alama, providing an opportunity for the association to outline further details of its plans.

With a new head coach, an expanded technical staff and preparations for international competition underway, Tuvalu are looking to establish a stronger foundation for their national team.

For Maaskant, the appointment represents an unusual challenge after a career spent largely in European club football. For Tuvalu, it offers an opportunity to benefit from his experience while taking another step towards more regular participation on the international stage.

No gloves needed: Central Coast goalkeeper Erick Wanega scores beach soccer hat-trick

Solomon Islands goalkeeper Erick Wanega is proving that his abilities extend well beyond protecting the net. The Central Coast FC shot-stopper, who also represents Solomon Kings in the OFC Professional League, scored a hat-trick as an outfield player for the national beach soccer team during their emphatic 10-5 victory over New Caledonia in the opening round of the 2026 OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup.

Wanega was named Player of the Match after scoring three times at Aorai Tini Hau in Pirae, Tahiti, on Saturday, 24 October. His performance provided another example of an unusual career in which a successful goalkeeper in conventional football has become one of the Solomon Islands’ most reliable goalscorers on the sand.

The Bilikiki initially found themselves behind after Jean-Pierre Ayawa opened the scoring for New Caledonia in the fourth minute. Their response was immediate, with Wanega equalising from the restart before Adrian Mara, Roy Mafane and goalkeeper Roy Funusui helped establish a 4-1 advantage by the end of the opening period.

Wanega then took centre stage in the second period, scoring twice within 60 seconds in the 14th minute to complete the tournament’s first hat-trick. The Solomon Islands continued their attacking display, extending their lead to 9-3 before Mara completed his own hat-trick during the final period.

The result gave the Bilikiki a winning start to a competition in which they are attempting to reclaim the continental title for the first time since 2013. However, Wanega’s contribution carried particular significance because of the unusual combination of roles he performs across two versions of football.

In the Solomon Islands’ domestic S-League, Wanega is known primarily for his goalkeeping performances with Central Coast FC. He was a member of the side that won the 2025 championship and received the league’s Golden Glove award, recognising his performances between the posts.

His achievements in conventional football also earned him a place with Solomon Kings in the OFC Professional League, where he continued his career as a goalkeeper during the competition’s inaugural season.

On the sand, however, the situation is entirely different. Rather than defending the goal, Wanega operates as an outfield player, using his powerful shooting and attacking instincts to create opportunities and score.

The transformation is no coincidence. Speaking to In-depth Solomons during the 2024 OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup, Wanega explained that his shooting ability had encouraged him to move away from goalkeeping when playing beach soccer.

“I decided to make the transition because I have a strong foot for shooting on goal,” he said.

Originally from Canaan Village in East Kwaio, Wanega also explained that the smaller playing area and closer goals allowed him to take advantage of his ability to shoot from distance.

His decision has produced remarkable results.

During the 2024 continental championship in Honiara, Wanega scored five goals in a single match as the Solomon Islands defeated Papua New Guinea 17-4. He also found the net against Tahiti, finishing the tournament with eight goals as the Bilikiki reached the final.

The Solomon Islanders eventually suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against Tahiti in that decisive encounter, extending their wait for another regional championship.

Nevertheless, Wanega emerged from the competition as one of his country’s outstanding attacking performers, despite spending much of his club career preventing opponents from scoring.

His versatility was also recognised by Central Coast teammate and fellow goalkeeper Philip Mango, who spoke publicly in 2024 about Wanega’s longstanding ambition to represent his country in beach soccer as an outfield player.

Two years later, Wanega has returned to the international stage with the same effectiveness.

His three goals against New Caledonia take his tally across the 2024 and 2026 OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup editions to eleven, underlining his importance to a Solomon Islands side seeking to challenge Tahiti’s dominance.

The Bilikiki are coached by former international James Naka, one of Oceania’s most recognisable beach soccer figures and the competition’s all-time leading goalscorer with 34 goals.

Naka’s squad includes seven players who were involved in the 2024 final, providing a core of experience as the Solomon Islands attempt to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Their next assignment will be against hosts Tahiti, who made an equally emphatic start to the tournament with an 18-1 victory over Vanuatu.

The meeting offers the Solomon Islands an opportunity to test themselves against the team responsible for defeating them in each of the previous three continental finals.

Wanega’s ability to contribute in attack could once again prove important in that challenge.

For a player accustomed to being celebrated for clean sheets and saves in the S-League, the experience of scoring hat-tricks on the international stage represents a remarkable contrast.

Whether guarding the net for Central Coast and Solomon Kings or scoring goals for the Bilikiki, Erick Wanega has established himself as one of the Solomon Islands’ most versatile footballers.

Solomon Islands youngster Junior Nasihunu scores directly from corner in English football

Solomon Islands footballer Junior Joseph Nasihunu produced an unusual goalscoring moment in England on Saturday, 24 October, finding the net directly from a corner kick for Albion Sports AFC during their 3-1 defeat against Retford FC in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, the ninth tier of English football.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who previously represented the Solomon Islands in youth international futsal, came off the bench in the 76th minute and scored nine minutes later, registering his second league goal of the 2026/27 season.

Nasihunu’s effort came in the 85th minute, with Albion Sports confirming through their official Instagram account that the Solomon Islander had scored directly from a corner, an achievement commonly known as an Olympic goal.

Although his strike was not enough to prevent defeat, it provided another memorable moment in the young player’s developing career in English non-league football.

Retford had established a commanding advantage through Iren Wilson, who completed a hat-trick with goals in the 17th, 43rd and 54th minutes. Albion were trailing 3-0 when Nasihunu entered the match, replacing Hass Gorji, before reducing the deficit in the closing stages.

The result left Albion Sports empty-handed, but Nasihunu’s contribution offered another indication of his attacking qualities.

The Bradford-based club competes in the ninth tier of the English football pyramid, providing the Solomon Islander with regular exposure to senior football in a competitive environment.

Nasihunu had already opened his goalscoring account for Albion Sports earlier in the campaign, finding the net in the 86th minute of a convincing 7-1 away victory over Keighley Town on 5 September.

His development in England follows a football journey that began in Honiara, where he spent several years with Royals Football Academy before moving overseas.

According to his publicly available playing profile, Nasihunu was involved with Royals between 2017 and 2023, developing his skills as an attacking midfielder before continuing his education and football career in Bradford.

His international football background stretches back to January 2020, when he represented the Solomon Islands U-14 national futsal team, known as Junior Kurukuru, at the FFA National Futsal Championships in Canberra, Australia.

Nasihunu was among the standout performers during the competition, scoring a hat-trick in a 9-0 victory over Football South Australia Blue.

The Solomon Islands youngsters enjoyed an impressive group-stage campaign, winning all four matches against Australian state representative teams to advance to the quarterfinals.

That tournament provided an early opportunity for Nasihunu to compete internationally and gain experience against players from outside the Pacific.

His transition from futsal to outdoor football has since taken him through several levels of the English game.

Before joining Albion Sports, Nasihunu represented Eccleshill United during the 2025/26 Northern Counties East League Premier Division season, making 26 league appearances, including 18 as a substitute, and scoring twice.

He also delivered an important contribution in the FA Vase, scoring an 85th-minute winner as Eccleshill defeated Guisborough Town 1-0 in August 2025.

His move to Albion Sports has allowed him to continue competing at the same level, where he is gaining further experience against established non-league clubs.

For a footballer who developed in the Solomon Islands and represented his country at youth futsal level, the opportunity to continue playing in England represents another chapter in an overseas career that has received relatively little attention.

Nasihunu is among a small group of Solomon Islands footballers pursuing opportunities within England’s extensive non-league structure, demonstrating that overseas pathways for Pacific players are not limited to professional competitions.

While Albion Sports will be disappointed with their defeat to Retford, Nasihunu’s spectacular corner-kick goal has provided a moment worth celebrating and another achievement in his continuing development away from home.

Auckland United’s FIFA Women’s Champions Cup campaign ends with defeat to North Korean champions Naegohyang

Auckland United’s hopes of progressing in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup came to an end on Sunday after the Oceania champions suffered a 2-0 defeat to North Korean side Naegohyang Women’s FC at the Shangcheng Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou, China.

Two goals from captain Kim Kyong-yong secured victory for the reigning AFC Women’s Champions League winners, who controlled much of the match and prevented the New Zealand club from creating many clear scoring opportunities.

Naegohyang made an aggressive start and took the lead in the 19th minute. An attacking move down the right produced a cross into the penalty area, where Kim directed a low effort towards goal. The shot took a deflection before beating Auckland United goalkeeper Charlotte Eagle.

The Asian champions continued to threaten throughout the first half, with Ri Myong-gum having a headed goal disallowed for offside. Kim also thought she had doubled the advantage before the break, but a VAR review ruled out her header after confirming an offside infringement.

Auckland United, coached by Alexander Barlow, worked hard to contain their opponents and improved after half-time. Their best opportunity came when Rena Okutsu struck a free kick narrowly wide, but the New Zealanders struggled to create sustained pressure against Naegohyang’s defence.

Despite several unsuccessful attempts to extend their lead, the North Korean champions eventually secured the result in the 88th minute. Kim found the net again, although her effort was initially ruled out for offside. Following a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned and Naegohyang were awarded their second goal.

The defeat marks Auckland United’s second consecutive elimination in the opening round of the competition. In their first appearance last year, the club narrowly lost 1-0 to Chinese representatives Wuhan Jiangda.

United returned to the international stage after winning their third successive OFC Women’s Champions League title in July, defeating Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United 3-1 in the final in Solomon Islands.

Despite another early exit, Auckland United remain one of Oceania’s leading women’s clubs, having claimed three consecutive continental titles. Their participation also provided another opportunity to measure themselves against stronger international opposition, particularly a Naegohyang side featuring several North Korean internationals.

Naegohyang will now face the African champions in December, with a place in the four-team final stage in Miami in January 2027 at stake.

For Auckland United, attention returns to domestic competition, where they currently lead New Zealand’s Women’s National League with four victories from their opening four matches.

Wellington Phoenix make history with perfect A-League start after defeating Central Coast Mariners

Wellington Phoenix have made the best start to an A-League Men season in their history, recording consecutive opening-round victories for the first time after defeating Central Coast Mariners 2-0 at Hnry Stadium on Sunday, 25 October.

Second-half goals from Mexican striker Rafael Durán and New Zealand attacker Corban Piper secured another three points for Chris Greenacre’s side, moving the Phoenix to the top of the early standings with six points from two matches.

The victory followed Wellington’s 2-1 triumph over Melbourne Victory in their season opener, when substitute Riley Bidois scored the winning goal with his first touch after entering the field.

Having endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign that included a mid-season coaching change and considerable squad turnover, the Phoenix have begun their 20th season in the competition with renewed confidence.

The achievement is particularly significant because Wellington had never previously won both of their opening two league matches in a single A-League Men season, despite competing in the championship since 2007.

However, their second victory was not without challenges, particularly during an opening half in which Central Coast created opportunities to take the lead.

The Mariners came close to opening the scoring in the 19th minute when young attacker Oliver Lavale broke through Wellington’s defence and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Henry Gray.

With the ball heading towards an empty net, experienced All Whites defender Bill Tuiloma produced a crucial recovery, racing back to clear the danger off the goal line.

The intervention kept Wellington level and proved one of the most important defensive moments of the afternoon.

Shortly afterwards, the Phoenix believed they had taken the lead through Piper.

The attacker combined with Durán before finishing from close range, but a VAR review ruled that the Mexican striker had been marginally offside during the build-up.

The disallowed goal added to the frustration for the home side, who continued searching for opportunities without finding a breakthrough before halftime.

Greenacre later acknowledged that he had been dissatisfied with his team’s opening-half performance.

“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t pleased with the performance in the first half,” the Phoenix coach said after the match.

The response after the interval was considerably more convincing.

In the 55th minute, Wellington broke the deadlock through Durán, who headed home from close range after Matthew Sheridan delivered a cross into the penalty area.

The opportunity followed sustained Phoenix pressure, with Central Coast goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne initially saving a header from Bryce Duke before Wellington recovered possession and worked the ball back towards goal.

Durán’s finish marked his first goal for the Phoenix since joining the club ahead of the new campaign.

Only two minutes later, the Mexican striker was involved again as Wellington doubled their advantage.

Duke released Durán into space, but his attempt was stopped by Redmayne. Japanese midfielder Kazuki Nagasawa reacted quickly to the loose ball and squared for Piper, who finished from close range to make it 2-0.

The rapid succession of goals gave Wellington control of the encounter and placed Central Coast under considerable pressure.

Piper’s contribution continued an encouraging opening to the season for the New Zealand attacker.

After scoring against Melbourne Victory in the first round, he found the net again against the Mariners, taking his tally to two goals from the opening two matches.

His pace and direct running have become important features of Wellington’s attacking play, particularly as Greenacre continues integrating several new players into the squad.

The Phoenix coach praised the youngster’s impact after the victory.

“He gets the fans off their seats, he’s a real problem, he causes mayhem,” Greenacre said.

Wellington continued creating opportunities after establishing their advantage, with James McGarry threatening from a difficult angle and Piper nearly adding another goal later in the contest.

Tuiloma also struck the crossbar while attempting to reach a free kick, although there was a possibility that the defender had been offside.

Greenacre introduced Bidois in the 70th minute, replacing goalscorer Durán as the Phoenix looked to maintain their attacking intensity.

The substitute almost contributed another decisive moment when he released Piper through on goal, only for Redmayne to prevent Wellington from extending their lead.

Despite those missed opportunities, the home side remained in control throughout the closing stages, securing their first clean sheet of the season.

The performance offered further encouragement following an extensive rebuilding process during the off-season.

Wellington had entered the campaign after losing several important players, including leading goalscorer Ifeanyi Eze, experienced defender Tim Payne and attacking midfielder Sarpreet Singh.

Their departures created significant questions about whether Greenacre could construct a competitive squad capable of improving on the club’s eighth-place finish in 2025/26.

The arrivals of Durán, Duke, Max Anderson, James McGarry and several others have provided the coach with different options, while established players such as captain Alex Rufer and Nagasawa remain important figures.

Against Central Coast, the contributions of Durán, Piper and Sheridan demonstrated how the team’s attacking combinations are beginning to develop.

Sheridan, in particular, has delivered important crosses in consecutive matches, while Durán’s movement and ability to connect with his teammates have added another dimension to Wellington’s forward play.

At the opposite end, Tuiloma’s goal-line clearance highlighted the defensive experience available within Greenacre’s squad.

Two matches remain too small a sample to draw conclusions about Wellington’s prospects over an entire season, but their performances have already provided reasons for optimism.

The Phoenix have scored four goals and conceded only once across their opening fixtures, with victories against two established Australian opponents.

They now face an important test away from home, travelling to meet defending premiers Newcastle Jets in their next league match.

For Greenacre and his players, the immediate objective will be to maintain their momentum and demonstrate that the improvements visible during their opening home fixtures can be reproduced on the road.

Regardless of what follows, Wellington’s opening fortnight has already secured a place in the club’s history, with the Phoenix beginning an A-League Men season with two consecutive victories for the first time.