Willian Medina on historic OFC Champions League run and his journey to Galaxy FC

Willian Medina has become one of the outstanding names of the 2026 OFC Champions League, with the Brazilian striker producing an extraordinary nine goals in three matches to help Galaxy FC reach the semi-finals in Fiji.

Three matches have brought three hat-tricks for the 33-year-old, an unprecedented sequence in the competition and a remarkable beginning to Medina’s first football experience outside Brazil.

Speaking exclusively to Oceania Football Center, Medina reflected on the achievement after scoring another three goals in Galaxy’s 7-1 victory over Tupapa Maraerenga in their final group-stage match.

“I am happy with this milestone. I have to thank my teammates, who helped me achieve it, and God, because without Him it would have been impossible for this historic achievement to happen,” Medina told OFCe.

His latest hat-trick followed trebles against Rewa FC and Lae City, taking him to nine goals as Galaxy completed the group stage with three victories from three matches.

However, Medina has repeatedly shifted attention away from his individual numbers and towards the players around him.

“I always try to thank and praise the group because, without them, it would not be possible to score goals. Football is a collective game and they are the ones helping me to score,” he said.

“I will always value the collective first and the individual afterwards.”

The Brazilian’s journey to Vanuatu began through another important member of Galaxy’s squad: captain Roberson dos Santos Ribeiro.

Roberson, who had already spent previous periods with Galaxy and is one of the club’s most experienced foreign players, contacted Medina about the possibility of moving to Port Vila.

“It happened through my friend Roberson. I had many offers at the time, but when he contacted me I decided to accept the challenge of living a different experience,” Medina explained.

“Roberson had already had some spells with Galaxy, and it was through him that I came to Vanuatu.”

For Medina, it was a particularly significant decision. After a long career across Brazilian football, including spells with clubs such as União São João, Rio Claro, Goiás, Inter de Limeira, Juventus-SP, Marcílio Dias and several others, Vanuatu became his first experience playing outside his home country.

His career in Brazil had already included individual success. Medina finished as the leading scorer of the 2016 Copa Paulista while representing Rio Claro and later shared the top-scorer honour in the 2023 Campeonato Catarinense Série B with Nação, helping the club win the competition.

His move to Galaxy therefore brought an experienced player to Vanuatu, but also presented Medina with an entirely new football and cultural environment.

“It has been a good experience. Getting to know a different culture and different players has been very interesting,” he said.

Having now spent several months in the country and experienced both Vanuatu football and OFC competition, Medina believes there is considerable potential in the region, although he also sees areas where development is still required.

“It is football that is constantly evolving. I think they need more support for football to develop — structurally and through investment in the knowledge of the people who are at the forefront,” Medina said.

He remains cautious about making definitive judgements on Oceania as a whole, having only recently begun experiencing football across the region.

“I am getting to know Oceanian football better now, so I cannot make a complete assessment yet. But it needs to remain in constant evolution, beginning with youth development and continuing all the way through to professional football. That is how I see it.”

Galaxy’s performances in Fiji have nevertheless demonstrated what one of Vanuatu’s strongest clubs can achieve at regional level.

The Port Vila side opened their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Fiji champions Rewa, with Medina scoring all three of his first goals in the competition. He followed that performance with another hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Lae City before striking three more times against Tupapa.

Those results sent Galaxy into the knockout stage with a perfect record and inevitably raised expectations of a possible first OFC Champions League title for the club.

Medina, however, is refusing to look too far ahead.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground and maintain the playing philosophy that has helped us achieve these victories so far, and go as far as God allows us,” he told OFCe.

“Of course, now that we have qualified for the semi-finals, the hope of achieving something bigger in the competition increases. We will continue working with humility to reach our objective.”

Medina’s impact represents one of the major stories of the tournament so far. The Brazilian arrived in Vanuatu looking for what he described as a different experience after spending his career in his homeland.

Only months later, he stands at the centre of Galaxy’s bid for continental success — with nine OFC Champions League goals, three consecutive hat-tricks and an unprecedented individual record already attached to his name.

For Medina, however, those numbers remain secondary to what Galaxy can still accomplish together.

The individual records have already been written. The collective objective is still ahead.

Auckland City complete dramatic comeback as Central Coast secure semi-final place

Auckland City FC and Central Coast FC confirmed their places in the semi-finals of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League after an eventful final round of Group A matches at Four R Stadium in Ba.

The day began with Auckland City defeating AS Vénus 4-3 in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far. The New Zealand champions only needed a draw to secure top spot in the group, but the Tahitian side pushed them to the limit before a stoppage-time winner completed Auckland’s comeback.

AS Vénus made an excellent start and opened the scoring after only six minutes. Captain Roonui Tehau released Moeava Kaiha behind the Auckland defence, and the forward kept his composure to finish past goalkeeper Matt Foord.

The Tahitians doubled their advantage in the 26th minute. Germain Haewegene made progress down the wing before finding Mathis Lacan inside the area, with the midfielder placing his effort into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Auckland City managed to reduce the deficit just before half-time. Michal Doudera cut inside and produced a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area in the fourth minute of stoppage time, giving the defending champions a way back into the contest.

Christian Gray completed the first comeback in the 54th minute, rising highest from a Tom Golding corner to head Auckland level.

AS Vénus were far from finished. Haewegene broke through Auckland’s defensive line in the 77th minute and calmly finished past Foord to restore the Tahitian side’s lead at 3-2.

Once again, Auckland responded.

Ryan Watson converted from a cross in the 84th minute to make it 3-3 before Matt Ellis delivered the decisive moment in the first minute of stoppage time. The forward got beyond the Vénus defence and fired past replacement goalkeeper Herehau Reichart to complete a remarkable 4-3 comeback.

The victory ensured Auckland City finished Group A with a perfect nine points and extended their long unbeaten run in the OFC Men’s Champions League.

The second match of the day was effectively a direct playoff between Central Coast FC and AS Tiga Sport for the remaining semi-final place.

Central Coast entered the match knowing a draw would be enough, while Tiga required victory. The Solomon Islands champions nevertheless started aggressively and took the lead after 15 minutes.

Captain Javin Wae stepped up for a free kick and curled a low effort into the bottom corner to give Central Coast a crucial advantage.

Rafa Lea’i and Bobby Leslie remained dangerous throughout the match, while Tiga struggled to turn their possession and attacking moments into clear opportunities against a disciplined Central Coast defence.

The New Caledonian side made several changes after half-time in an attempt to change the contest, but their need to push players forward also created additional space for Central Coast.

Lea’i nearly made it 2-0 after combining with Leslie, only for goalkeeper Thomas Schmidt to produce an excellent save.

The decisive second goal eventually arrived in the 72nd minute. Lea’i delivered a corner towards the back post and Marlon Tahioa rose above the defence to head the ball into the bottom corner.

Central Coast protected their advantage for the remainder of the match to secure a 2-0 victory and their first OFC Champions League semi-final appearance since 2022.

The final standings leave Auckland City top of Group A with nine points, followed by Central Coast on six. AS Tiga Sport finish with three points, while AS Vénus end their campaign without a point despite pushing Auckland City all the way in their final match.

The semi-finals are now confirmed for Wednesday at Four R Stadium in Ba. Auckland City will face Fiji representatives Rewa FC, while Central Coast will meet Group B winners Galaxy FC.

The second semi-final creates one of the tournament’s most intriguing match-ups, with Central Coast’s Solomon Islands contingent coming up against an unbeaten Galaxy side led by Willian Dos Santos Medina, who scored nine goals during the group stage.

Galaxy finish perfect group stage as Rewa complete comeback to reach OFC Champions League semi-finals

Galaxy FC completed a perfect Group B campaign at the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League with a dominant 7-1 victory over Tupapa Maraerenga, while hosts Rewa FC came from behind to defeat Lae City FC 2-1 and secure the second semi-final place.

Galaxy entered the final round already assured of progression, but there was no drop in intensity from the Vanuatu champions. After Tupapa frustrated them during the opening stages, Galaxy eventually broke through in the 25th minute when an own goal gave them the lead.

Joe Moses doubled the advantage shortly before half-time, driving a low effort past goalkeeper Tahiri Elikana in the 41st minute to send Galaxy into the break 2-0 ahead.

The match was effectively decided within the opening minutes of the second half. Willian Dos Santos Medina headed home from Selwyn Vatu’s cross in the 47th minute before Roberson Dos Santos Ribeiro added another just two minutes later.

Medina struck again in the 55th minute, racing onto a long pass from Armando Ravo and lifting his finish over Elikana.

The Brazilian then completed another remarkable hat-trick in the 70th minute. After seeing his initial effort saved, Medina reacted quickest to the rebound to score his ninth goal of the tournament.

It was his third hat-trick in as many matches, following trebles against Rewa and Lae City earlier in the group stage.

Tupapa continued to compete and eventually found a deserved consolation through Tremaine Rimene-Albrett in the 88th minute. The Cook Islands forward curled an excellent free kick into the corner to score his third goal of the tournament.

Galaxy still had time to add a seventh, with Michel Soksok finishing from Joe Moses’ pass in stoppage time to complete the 7-1 victory.

The result saw Galaxy finish Group B with nine points from nine, scoring 14 goals across their three matches and confirming their position as group winners.

The second match carried significantly greater consequences, with Rewa and Lae City meeting in a direct battle for the remaining semi-final place.

Lae City entered the contest knowing a draw would be enough due to their superior goal difference, while Rewa needed a victory.

Despite Rewa starting on the front foot, it was Lae City who took the lead after 15 minutes. Solomon Kamake drove forward on the counterattack and the loose ball eventually fell to Raphael Rudolph, who fired a low effort through the defence and into the net.

Rewa responded strongly and found the equaliser in first-half stoppage time. Captain Kavaia Rawaqa received the ball from Delon Shankar, shifted onto his left foot and produced an excellent long-range strike that went in off the post.

With qualification still hanging in the balance, Rewa completed the turnaround seven minutes after the restart.

A move involving Tevita Waranaivalu and Joseph Athale created danger inside the Lae City area before the ball eventually fell to Merrill Nand, whose low shot found its way through a crowded penalty area and past Ronald Warisan to make it 2-1.

Lae City pushed forward in search of the equaliser that would have sent them through and came agonisingly close deep into stoppage time. Substitute Smith Yonny cut inside from the left and struck a powerful effort that crashed against the underside of the crossbar and bounced away.

Rewa survived the late pressure to claim the victory and secure their place in the last four.

Galaxy finish Group B on nine points, followed by Rewa on six. Lae City end their campaign with three points, while Tupapa Maraerenga leave the competition without a point despite scoring in all three of their matches.

Galaxy will now face the runner-up from Group A in Wednesday’s semi-final, while Rewa will meet the Group A winners at Four R Stadium in Ba.

Auckland City move closer to semi-finals as Central Coast bounce back in Group A

Auckland City FC and Central Coast FC were the winners on the latest match day of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League, with the New Zealand champions edging AS Tiga Sport 1-0 before the Solomon Islands side produced a convincing 3-0 victory over AS Vénus in Lautoka.

The earlier match was a tight and often cagey contest, with clear chances limited for long periods. Auckland City controlled more of the ball, but AS Tiga Sport remained competitive and made the defending champions work for every opening.

Matt Ellis came close early in the second half when his effort struck the inside of the post, while Tiga also threatened through Shene Welepane.

The match changed when Florian Gope was shown a second yellow card, leaving the New Caledonian champions with ten men as Auckland increased the pressure.

The decisive moment finally arrived in the 85th minute. Nathan Lobo’s corner was flicked on by Nathan Rostron and captain Mario Ilich was waiting at the back post to head home from close range and secure a 1-0 victory.

The result continued Auckland City’s perfect start to the tournament, following their late 2-1 comeback victory over Central Coast in the opening round.

Later in the day, Central Coast responded emphatically to that defeat by overpowering AS Vénus 3-0.

The Solomon Islands champions started strongly and opened the scoring after only eight minutes. Raphael Lea’i delivered a corner into the area, captain Javin Wae headed the ball down and Barrie Limoki reacted quickest to finish.

Lea’i then went from provider to scorer in the 19th minute. Prince Tahunipue played the Solomon Islands international through on goal and Lea’i calmly beat goalkeeper Tetahio Teriinohopuaiterai to double Central Coast’s advantage.

Only five minutes later, another Lea’i corner caused problems for the Tahitian defence. Wae again won the aerial battle and Bobby Leslie converted from close range to make it 3-0.

Central Coast were unable to add further goals in the second half, but remained comfortably in control and restricted AS Vénus to few meaningful opportunities.

The victory gave Central Coast their first three points of the competition and, importantly, strengthened their goal difference ahead of the final round.

Auckland City now lead Group A with six points from two matches, while Central Coast and AS Tiga Sport have three points each. AS Vénus remain without a point.

That sets up a decisive final group-stage encounter between Central Coast and AS Tiga Sport, with the winner in a strong position to join Auckland City in the semi-finals. Auckland will complete their group campaign against AS Vénus.

Still Playing at 43, Henry Fa’arodo Continues to Shape Solomon Islands Football

At 43, Henry Fa’arodo remains an active figure on the pitch in Solomon Islands football, more than two decades after establishing himself as one of the country’s most prominent players.

The former Solomon Islands captain has been playing for SOSA FC since the beginning of the 2026 SIFF Super League season, continuing his career in the country’s top domestic competition. At the same time, however, Fa’arodo has taken on an increasingly important role away from his own playing career, helping prepare the generation expected to carry Solomon Islands football forward.

Fa’arodo is currently the head coach of the SIFF National Academy and was also in charge of the Solomon Islands side at the 2026 OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Papua New Guinea.

That campaign produced another significant achievement in his long association with the national game. Solomon Islands defeated hosts Papua New Guinea on penalties in the third-place playoff to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

The result means Solomon Islands will return to the U-17 World Cup for only the second time, following their previous appearance in 2019. For Fa’arodo, it represented a new kind of international success after spending much of his career representing the country himself.

His involvement in developing young players has been growing for several years. Fa’arodo returned home to take charge of the SIFF National Academy in 2024 after previously working in youth development in New Zealand.

Speaking following his appointment, the former midfielder made clear what he hoped to achieve in the role.

“It’s a great opportunity to give back to the next generation of players, building their pathway in football,” Fa’arodo told SIFF Media at the time.

Two years later, some of those ambitions are already beginning to translate into international results.

Yet Fa’arodo has not completely moved from player to coach.

His appearances for SOSA in the current Super League season mean players beginning their careers in Solomon Islands football can still find themselves sharing the field with someone who was already representing the national team before many of them were born.

Fa’arodo made his senior international debut during the 2002 OFC Nations Cup and went on to become one of the defining Solomon Islands players of his generation. SIFF has described him as the country’s most-capped former international.

His career also took him well beyond the Solomon Islands.

In 2005, Fa’arodo joined Perth Glory and became the first Pacific Islander to play professionally in Australia’s newly established A-League, an important milestone at a time when professional opportunities for players from the Pacific were considerably more limited.

He would also spend considerable periods of his career in Australia and New Zealand while remaining a regular presence for Solomon Islands internationally.

Another of his greatest achievements came with Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United. Fa’arodo was part of the team that stunned the region by winning the 2010 OFC Champions League, becoming the first club from outside Australia and New Zealand to win Oceania’s premier club competition.

The triumph took Hekari to the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, where Fa’arodo and several other Pacific Island players were given the opportunity to compete on the global club stage.

More than 15 years after that historic campaign, Fa’arodo remains involved in top-level domestic football.

What has changed is the responsibility surrounding him.

The player who once represented a generation of Solomon Islanders seeking opportunities abroad is now directly involved in preparing another generation for their own international challenges. His U16 side’s qualification for Qatar 2027 has given some of the country’s most promising young players the opportunity to experience a FIFA tournament at an early stage of their careers.

At the same time, Fa’arodo continues to lace up his boots for SOSA.

Few careers in Oceania football have managed to connect so many different eras of the game. From the Solomon Islands national team and professional football in Australia, to an OFC Champions League title and the FIFA Club World Cup, Fa’arodo has experienced pathways that the players now under his guidance will hope to follow.

At 43, he is still following one of those pathways himself — as a player in the SIFF Super League — while helping create the next ones.

Ba end seven-year wait with record 22nd Fiji Premier League title

Ba FC are champions of Fiji once again, with the Men in Black sealing the 2026 Extra Premier League title in emphatic fashion after a 6-0 victory over Tailevu Naitasiri at 4R Stadium, Govind Park on Sunday.

The result brought an end to a seven-year wait for Ba, whose previous national league triumph came in 2019, and extended their own record to 22 league championships – comfortably the most successful record in the history of Fiji’s national competition.

Solomon Islands international John Orobulu played a major role in the title-clinching victory, scoring a hat-trick as Ba eventually overwhelmed Tailevu Naitasiri.

The visitors managed to resist during much of the opening half before Orobulu broke the deadlock and sent Ba into halftime with a 1-0 advantage. From there, the match quickly moved away from Tailevu Naitasiri.

Praneel Naidu converted from the penalty spot early in the second half before Orobulu added another two goals to complete his hat-trick. Vilitati Kautoga and Mohammed Shazil Ali also found the net as the home crowd was able to celebrate the championship with a convincing victory.

The three points took Ba to 39 points and mathematically placed the title beyond the reach of their closest challengers with one round still remaining.

Ba will therefore enter their final fixture against defending champions Rewa with the championship already secured. After 17 matches, the new champions have recorded 12 victories, three draws and only two defeats, scoring 53 goals while conceding just 14.

The title is particularly significant considering how competitive the race had been earlier in the season.

Labasa and Rewa both spent periods threatening Ba’s challenge, while the Men in Black themselves suffered defeats against both clubs during the first part of the campaign. In May, with Ba sitting second in the standings, the association made a coaching change and appointed Ravinesh Kumar as head coach, with former coach Shalen Lal remaining as part of the staff as assistant.

Ba also strengthened considerably during the mid-season transfer period.

Among the arrivals were three experienced Pacific internationals: Solomon Islands duo Orobulu and David Supa and Vanuatu midfielder John Alick. Orobulu and Alick had spent the opening part of 2026 with PNG Hekari in the inaugural OFC Professional League.

Mohammed Shazil Ali and Patrick Joseph were also added from Lautoka and Rewa respectively, while Nabil Begg and Ryan Naresh returned following spells with Bula FC.

The additions gave Ba further depth for the decisive part of the campaign, and Orobulu in particular has made an immediate impact. His hat-trick in the game that secured the league title was another major contribution after the Solomon Islands striker had already played an important role in Ba’s successful Fiji FACT campaign.

That tournament provided the first major indication that 2026 could become a special season for the club.

Ba defeated Labasa 1-0 after extra time in the Fiji FACT semifinal before overcoming Navua 3-1 on penalties following a goalless final in June. It was Ba’s first Fiji FACT championship since 2010, ending another lengthy wait for a major domestic trophy.

The league crown now completes a domestic double and confirms Ba’s return to the top of Fijian football.

The significance also extends beyond the domestic season. By winning the Extra Premier League, Ba have secured Fiji’s place allocated to the national champions in next season’s OFC Champions League, giving the club an opportunity to return to the continental stage.

For a club that won six consecutive Fijian league titles between 2001 and 2006 and has historically set the standard in the country, seven years without a league championship represented an unusually long absence.

That wait is now over.

From their first national league championship in 1977 to title number 22 in 2026, Ba remain the benchmark by which domestic success in Fiji is measured – and after several years watching other clubs take control of the competition, the Men in Black are champions again.

Galaxy book semi-final place as Rewa keep hopes alive in Group B

Galaxy FC became the first team to secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League after beating Lae City FC 3-1 on Wednesday, while hosts Rewa FC revived their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Tupapa Maraerenga.

The opening match of the day at Four R Stadium in Ba saw Rewa enter under pressure after their 4-1 defeat to Galaxy in the first round. Tupapa Maraerenga were also looking for their first points after losing by the same scoreline to Lae City.

Rewa controlled much of the first half and eventually broke the deadlock through Ramzan Khan in the 40th minute. The midfielder had already gone close with a long-range effort that was tipped onto the crossbar, before producing another strike from distance that beat goalkeeper Tahiri Elikana and sent the Fijian side into the break ahead.

Tupapa responded immediately after the restart. Tremaine Rimene-Albrett was released by Honoura Maraetefau and finished past Epeli Loaniceva in the 47th minute to make it 1-1.

Rewa, however, regained the lead only a minute later. Don Keana attacked down the right and found Joseph Athale inside the area, with the New Caledonian reacting quickest after initially losing control to score from close range.

Setareki Hughes extended Rewa’s advantage in the 67th minute with a well-placed effort into the far corner, before Josaia Sela made it 4-1 five minutes from time after reacting to the rebound from his own saved header.

Maraetefau scored a second for Tupapa deep into stoppage time, capitalising on a mistake from goalkeeper Loaniceva, but it was not enough to prevent Rewa from collecting an important 4-2 victory.

The result moved Rewa level with Lae City on three points and kept the hosts firmly involved in the battle for the second semi-final place.

Later in the evening, Galaxy FC produced another strong performance to defeat Lae City 3-1 and guarantee their progression to the knockout stage with one group match still to play.

Lae City took the lead against the run of play in the 13th minute. Langarap Samol delivered a free kick into the area and Charles Hayes rose highest to head past goalkeeper Michael Laulae.

Galaxy gradually grew into the contest and Willian Dos Santos Medina once again became the decisive figure. The Brazilian forward equalised in the 40th minute after beating the defensive line and lifting the ball over Ronald Warisan.

The match remained level until the closing stages, with Lae City missing a major opportunity when Solomon Kamake rounded the goalkeeper but could only find the side netting.

Galaxy punished that miss in the 69th minute. Medina raced onto a pass from compatriot Roberson Dos Santos Ribeiro and finished past Warisan to put the Vanuatu champions ahead.

Only one minute later, the same Brazilian combination struck again. Ribeiro flicked the ball into Medina’s path, and the forward controlled before cutting inside and calmly finding the far corner to complete his second hat-trick in as many matches.

Medina now has six goals from Galaxy’s opening two matches, having also scored three times in the 4-1 win over Rewa on the first day of the tournament.

With two victories from two matches, Galaxy sit on six points and have already secured a place in the semi-finals. Lae City and Rewa both remain on three points, while Tupapa Maraerenga are still without a point.

The final Group B matches will take place on Saturday, August 15, when Galaxy face Tupapa Maraerenga before Rewa and Lae City meet in what is expected to be a decisive clash for the remaining semi-final place.

Late drama defines Monday action as AS Tiga Sport and Auckland City open with wins

The second day of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League brought two tightly contested matches at Churchill Park in Lautoka, with AS Tiga Sport and Auckland City FC both needing late goals to begin their Group A campaigns with victories.

New Caledonia champions AS Tiga Sport opened the day with a narrow 1-0 win over Tahiti’s AS Vénus, in a match that appeared destined to finish goalless until the final minutes.

Tiga thought they had taken an early lead in the 17th minute when Yannick Ipunesso found the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Vénus also had their moments, with Keahinui Brown testing goalkeeper Thomas Schmidt and Manuarii Shan seeing a free kick pushed away before half-time.

The Tahitian side improved after the break and created several opportunities, while Tiga Sport came closest through Shane Welepane, whose powerful free kick was pushed onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Tetahio Teriinohopuaiterai.

The decisive moment finally arrived in the 89th minute. Jythrim Upa found space on the right and delivered a cross into the penalty area, where substitute Jean-Yves Saiko produced a diving header to give Tiga Sport all three points.

The later match produced even more drama as defending champions Auckland City came from behind to defeat Solomon Islands representatives Central Coast FC 2-1.

Central Coast gave the tournament favourites serious problems throughout the match. Raphael Lea’i was particularly dangerous, missing a good opportunity in the first half before later having a goal ruled out for offside shortly after the restart.

The Solomon Islands side eventually received its reward in the 58th minute. Lea’i broke behind the Auckland defence and played the ball into the path of Bobby Leslie, who struck a low first-time effort into the bottom corner to put Central Coast ahead.

For much of the second half, an upset appeared possible. Central Coast had produced an energetic attacking performance and forced Auckland City into the unusual position of chasing the game late.

The New Zealand champions, however, changed the match within two minutes.

Gerard Garriga equalised in the 78th minute after Central Coast goalkeeper Erick Wanega parried Pavel Osmancik’s effort into his path. Then, in the 80th minute, Michal Doudera crossed from the left and substitute Ryan De Vries volleyed home from close range to complete the turnaround.

The 2-1 victory extended Auckland City’s unbeaten run in the OFC Men’s Champions League to 28 matches, but Central Coast’s performance showed that the defending champions may face a difficult battle to retain their continental crown.

After Monday’s opening Group A matches, Auckland City and AS Tiga Sport both sit on three points, while Central Coast and AS Vénus remain without points.

Group A returns on Thursday, August 13, when AS Tiga Sport face Auckland City before Central Coast take on AS Vénus in what already shapes as an important match for both sides’ semi-final hopes.

Galaxy and Lae City make strong starts as OFC Champions League opens in Fiji

The 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League got underway in Lautoka with two convincing victories in Group B, as Lae City FC and Galaxy FC both started their campaigns with 4-1 wins at Churchill Park.

Papua New Guinea champions Lae City opened the competition against Cook Islands representatives Tupapa Maraerenga and took control of the match early. Teenager Solomon Kamake broke the deadlock in the 17th minute after Nalau Moses helped a long ball into his path, allowing the young forward to finish across goalkeeper Tahiri Elikana.

Lae City doubled their advantage shortly before half-time. Moses again played an important role, delivering a set-piece that was turned into his own net by Tupapa defender Shane Tuteru.

Seven minutes after the restart, Moses added his name to the scoresheet. Good combination play between Gorden Mark and Sileon Hatagao opened the Cook Islands defence, with Moses finishing the move to make it 3-0.

Tupapa continued to compete and were rewarded in the 72nd minute when substitute Moses Taokia found Tremaine Rimene-Albrett, who reduced the deficit. It was Tupapa Maraerenga’s first goal in the OFC Men’s Champions League group stage since 2019.

Lae City, however, had the final say. Ruel Api scored in stoppage time after a David Tita corner was only partially cleared, completing a 4-1 victory and giving the Papua New Guinean side an ideal start to the tournament.

The second match of the day produced the same scoreline but perhaps an even bigger statement, with Vanuatu champions Galaxy FC defeating host side Rewa FC 4-1.

Galaxy needed only four minutes to take the lead. Andrew Malakai tried his luck from distance and his effort took a deflection before looping over the goalkeeper.

Rewa responded and enjoyed significant possession, but Galaxy remained organised defensively and looked dangerous on the counterattack. That approach produced a second goal just before half-time, when Malakai released Brazilian forward Willian Dos Santos Medina behind the defence. Medina rounded goalkeeper James Do’oro before finishing from a difficult angle.

The Brazilian struck again seven minutes into the second half after Roberson Dos Santos Ribeiro won an aerial challenge with Do’oro, leaving Medina with the opportunity to finish into an open goal.

Rewa found a response six minutes later. Don Keana’s corner was met by Gabiriele Matanisiga, whose header reduced the deficit to 3-1 and briefly gave the home side hope of a comeback.

Galaxy remained in control, however, and Medina completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 86th minute, sealing a memorable 4-1 victory for the Vanuatu champions.

The opening results leave Galaxy and Lae City together on three points, both with a +3 goal difference, while Rewa and Tupapa Maraerenga remain without points.

Group B returns on August 12 at Four R Stadium in Ba, with Rewa facing Tupapa Maraerenga before Lae City and Galaxy meet in a direct clash between the two opening-day winners.

Meanwhile, Group A begins on August 10, with AS Vénus facing AS Tiga Sport before Solomon Islands champions Central Coast FC take on defending champions Auckland City.

Solomon Islands great Micah Lea’alafa and Vanuatu internationals celebrate title with Pontian Eagles in South Australia

Solomon Islands football great Micah Lea’alafa has added another achievement to his decorated career after helping Pontian Eagles secure the 2026 HPG Homes State League 2 North premiership in South Australia.

The Adelaide-based club were officially crowned winners of the northern conference following an impressive campaign in the third tier of Football South Australia’s state competition. Pontian concluded the regular season with a 3-0 victory over Elizabeth Grove at their home ground in Paralowie.

Lea’alafa was part of a strong South Pacific presence in the title-winning squad. Vanuatu internationals Jonathan Spokeyjack and Timothy Boulet also represented Pontian Eagles during the campaign, giving the club three experienced players with considerable international and OFC competition experience.

The Solomon Islands attacker also made his contribution on the field, finding the net during league victories over Barossa United and Gawler Eagles. His performances showed that the experienced forward remains capable of making an impact despite spending the last few seasons away from the greater spotlight of Pacific football.

Lea’alafa has been based in South Australia since joining NPL side FK Beograd in 2023. He later represented Northern Demons and Vipers FC before becoming part of the Pontian Eagles squad for the 2026 season.

His career remains one of the most distinguished among Solomon Islands players. Lea’alafa won consecutive OFC Champions League titles with Auckland City and was named the competition’s best player in 2016 after playing a decisive role in the New Zealand club’s continental triumph. He also competed at the FIFA Club World Cup and later earned a professional opportunity with Maritzburg United in South Africa’s top division.

Spokeyjack and Boulet have also been regular members of the Vanuatu national team. Spokeyjack played an important role in Vanuatu’s historic run to the 2024 OFC Nations Cup final, while Boulet has represented clubs including Ifira Black Bird and Auckland City in major regional competitions.

Pontian Eagles will now turn their attention to the State League 2 finals, with the northern premiership already secured and further success still available in the club’s pursuit of promotion.