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.

OFC Men’s Champions League 2026: Complete Guide to the Eight Teams in Fiji

The OFC Men’s Champions League returns in Fiji from August 9 to 22, bringing together eight clubs from across the Pacific for the region’s main continental competition for domestic champions.

Auckland City once again arrive as the benchmark. The New Zealand giants have won a record 13 titles, including the last four editions, and have not lost a match in the competition since the 2019 semi-finals. But the 2026 tournament comes in a different regional environment, with the inaugural OFC Pro League having reshaped several squads and given a number of players professional experience before returning to their domestic clubs.

There is also a major structural change around the competition. The winner of the OFC Men’s Champions League no longer qualifies directly for FIFA club competitions following the introduction of the OFC Pro League, although the tournament remains the continental championship for Oceania’s domestic clubs.

The format remains straightforward. Auckland City, Central Coast, AS Vénus and AS Tiga Sport make up Group A, while hosts Rewa, Galaxy FC, Lae City and Tupapa Maraerenga are in Group B. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals on August 19, with the final to be played on August 22 at Four R Stadium, Govind Park, in Ba.

GROUP A

Auckland City FC — New Zealand

Any discussion about the favourites has to begin with Auckland City.

The Navy Blues are preparing for their 21st campaign in the competition and have won 13 continental titles. Their latest came in 2025, when they defeated Hekari United 2-0 in the final in Honiara. Twelve players from that championship-winning side remain in the 2026 squad.

There has been an important change on the touchline, with Rudy Mozr taking charge at the beginning of the year. The Czech coach holds a UEFA Pro Licence and will lead Auckland into the Champions League for the first time.

His squad has also received an unusual mid-year boost. Christian Gray and Nathan Lobo return after playing professionally for South Island United, while Michael Den Heijer and Matt Ellis are back following spells with Auckland FC. Fergus Gillion and Matt Foord have also joined after spending time with Bula FC.

Gray is arguably the most important of those players. The centre-back played 16 of South Island United’s 18 Pro League matches and is heading into his sixth Champions League campaign. He also scored Auckland City’s equaliser against Boca Juniors at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Den Heijer brings considerable experience in midfield, while Ellis and Gillion improve Auckland’s attacking depth. More broadly, Auckland’s traditional advantage remains continuity: many of their players know exactly what a short OFC tournament requires.

Key players: Christian Gray, Michael Den Heijer, Nathan Lobo, Matt Ellis.

What to expect: Clear favourites once again, although a new coach and a difficult group make this a genuine test of whether their continental dominance can continue unchanged.

Central Coast FC — Solomon Islands

Central Coast arrive in Fiji with one of the most intriguing squads in the tournament.

The Solomon Islands champions are making their third Champions League appearance after reaching the semi-finals in 2022 and suffering a disappointing group-stage exit at home in 2025. Jacob Moli remains in charge, having coached the club since its creation in 2020.

Their squad has been strengthened significantly by players returning from Solomon Kings after the inaugural OFC Pro League season. OFC reported that nine members of Moli’s group had played professionally for Solomon Kings, while more than half of the squad have represented Solomon Islands internationally. Seventeen players have previous Champions League experience.

The biggest name is Raphael “Rafa” Lea’i.

Still only 22, Lea’i has already played abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Australia and has scored 14 goals in 26 senior internationals for Solomon Islands. His Pro League campaign was quieter than expected, producing one goal in 15 appearances, but he has already made an immediate impact since joining Central Coast.

Javin Wae adds international experience and authority in defence, while Bobby Leslie is another important addition from Solomon Kings. Marlon Tahioa remains part of the established Central Coast core and already has extensive experience in the competition.

The main question is preparation. The Solomon Islands S-League only recently restarted, meaning Moli has had limited competitive time to integrate the returning Pro League players. Central Coast may therefore possess considerable individual quality without yet having reached their collective peak.

Key players: Raphael Lea’i, Javin Wae, Bobby Leslie, Marlon Tahioa.

What to expect: One of the strongest Melanesian squads on paper and capable of challenging anyone in Group A if their new-look team settles quickly.

AS Vénus — Tahiti

AS Vénus return to the Champions League four years after reaching the final.

The Tahitian champions are making their sixth appearance and have reached the knockout stage three times. Their most recent campaign ended in a 3-0 defeat to Auckland City in the 2022 final.

Their 2026 squad has been strongly influenced by Tahiti United’s participation in the OFC Pro League.

Eight players have returned to Vénus after spending the first part of the year with Tahiti United: Roonui Tehau, German Haewegene, Pothin Poma, Maurii Heitaa, Kalï Lenoir, Kevin Barbe, Mana Teniau and Manuarii Shan. Six members of the squad were involved in the 2022 Champions League run, while five have senior international experience with Tahiti.

The central figure is Roonui Tehau. The 28-year-old midfielder appeared in 16 of Tahiti United’s 17 Pro League matches and has 12 senior caps for Tahiti. He also scored twice during Vénus’ run to the 2022 final.

German Haewegene, Pothin Poma and Maurii Heitaa give the side additional experience through the spine of the team, and the return of so many Tahiti United players should make Vénus particularly comfortable in possession.

There has also been a change in management, with Vateanui Tehau stepping up as head coach after Samuel Garcia departed to lead Tahiti United.

Key players: Roonui Tehau, German Haewegene, Pothin Poma, Maurii Heitaa.

What to expect: Technically strong, experienced and strengthened by professional football. Vénus should be considered a genuine challenger for the semi-finals rather than simply another opponent behind Auckland.

AS Tiga Sport — New Caledonia

Tiga Sport should not be treated as an outsider simply because they attract less attention internationally.

The New Caledonian club reached the semi-finals in 2025 and return with considerable continuity from that campaign. Their recent results have already shown they can compete at this level, including a 4-2 win over Rewa during last year’s group stage.

Their principal creative reference remains Shene Welepane. The midfielder has been one of Tiga’s most important players for several years and brings extensive experience with New Caledonia as well as multiple Champions League campaigns. OFC has previously highlighted his ability to create rather than simply score, making him central to the team’s attacking structure.

Another important figure is Morgan Mathelon, part of the experienced New Caledonian core surrounding Welepane.

Unlike Auckland, Central Coast and Vénus, Tiga have not been reshaped by returning OFC Pro League players. Their advantage instead comes from familiarity and continuity within a group that already reached the final four last year.

That could be valuable in such a demanding section.

Key players: Shene Welepane, Morgan Mathelon and the experienced core retained from the 2025 semi-final campaign.

What to expect: The least discussed side in Group A, but possibly the most dangerous to underestimate. They already know they can reach the knockout stage.

GROUP B

Rewa FC — Fiji

Rewa enter the tournament carrying the hopes of the host nation and with memories of a strong recent continental run.

The Delta Tigers reached the semi-finals in 2024 before losing to AS Pirae after extra time. They returned in 2025 but failed to progress from their group, leaving this year’s home tournament as an opportunity to re-establish themselves among Oceania’s strongest domestic clubs.

The squad has undergone considerable change, and one of the most notable additions is Joseph Athale. The New Caledonia international joins after playing professionally for Tahiti United and brings experience from New Caledonia, France, Australia and Tahiti.

Setareki Hughes remains one of the team’s most experienced Fijian players and provides quality in midfield, while Gabrieli Matanisiga offers senior international experience in defence.

Goalkeeper James Do’oro is another important figure, while Epeli Valevou gives the hosts a powerful attacking option.

Playing in familiar conditions should help Rewa, particularly in a group that appears more open than Group A. They also have enough experienced players to avoid being overwhelmed by the pressure of playing at home.

Key players: Joseph Athale, Setareki Hughes, Gabrieli Matanisiga, James Do’oro, Epeli Valevou.

What to expect: A legitimate contender to win Group B, although they will face immediate pressure from a Galaxy side with considerable attacking strength.

Galaxy FC — Vanuatu

Galaxy may be one of the strongest teams in the tournament that has received relatively little attention outside Vanuatu.

The Port Vila club have built an impressive 2026 campaign around a combination of Brazilian quality, experienced Ni-Vanuatu players and reinforcements from Solomon Islands. Their domestic performances have been dominant, scoring 30 goals without conceding during their VFF title campaign.

The standout has been Brazilian forward Willian dos Santos Medina.

Willian scored 16 goals during the campaign and finished as the competition’s leading scorer, including hat-tricks in both the semi-final and final. His ability to finish chances gives Galaxy one of the clearest individual attacking threats in Group B.

Fellow Brazilian Roberson Felipe dos Santos Ribeiro remains another major influence. Roberson scored four times during the title campaign and was named best player of the final. He is already familiar with continental football, having scored twice for Galaxy in the 2020 OFC Champions League, including against defending champions Hienghène Sport.

Galaxy’s local quality is equally important.

Romain Luake scored five goals during their domestic run and was named the best player of the semi-final, while Bong Kalo remains one of Vanuatu’s most technically gifted and recognisable attacking midfielders. Kalo also has previous Champions League experience with the club.

There is also additional depth from Solomon Islands players, including goalkeeper Michael Laulae, defender Junior Aengari, Jayson Kofela and Clifton Sale. Laulae was named the best goalkeeper of Galaxy’s title campaign.

The combination makes Galaxy a particularly interesting side. They have genuine match-winners from abroad, but they are not dependent on their foreign players. The local core remains strong enough to carry significant responsibility.

Key players: Willian Medina, Roberson, Romain Luake, Bong Kalo.

What to expect: One of the most dangerous attacking teams in Group B and a genuine challenger to Rewa for first place.

Lae City FC — Papua New Guinea

Lae City return to the continental stage carrying a famous club name but a very different squad from the one that became a regular Champions League participant in the previous decade.

This is largely a new generation.

The old Lae City sides built around some of Papua New Guinea’s best-known internationals are no longer the correct reference point for this team. The 2026 squad is much younger, and only a small number of players have previously experienced the Champions League group stage.

The most important veteran is Ronald Warisan.

The 36-year-old goalkeeper has played in all six of Lae City’s previous Champions League campaigns and has extensive senior international experience with Papua New Guinea. His presence gives a young squad a rare source of continental knowledge.

Phillip Steven and Langarap Samol are among the few other players with previous experience at this level, while younger names such as Matthew Sopo and Bomcege Basananuc represent the next generation emerging through Papua New Guinea football.

The contrast is striking: Lae City have the history and identity of a major PNG club, but this group must effectively establish its own continental reputation.

Key players: Ronald Warisan, Phillip Steven, Langarap Samol, Matthew Sopo, Bomcege Basananuc.

What to expect: A young, unpredictable team whose first match against Tupapa could be crucial before tougher tests against Galaxy and Rewa.

Tupapa Maraerenga — Cook Islands

Tupapa arrive in Fiji with a different squad from the one that won the qualifying tournament six months ago. Six loanees featured in qualification, but only two remain, while Daniel Bunch and Jordan Boon, two of their standout performers, are absent from the 22-man squad.

The Cook Islands champions have instead added Tahitian duo Honoura Maraetefau and Tauhiki Bohl, as well as Samoan defender Key Viliamu from Vaipuna SC. Fourteen players have previous Champions League group-stage experience, including ten from last year’s campaign.

Maraetefau is the player to watch. The 24-year-old Tahiti international joins from AS Tefana and brings both senior international and continental experience.

Tupapa are led by player-coach Jarves Aperau.

Key players: Honoura Maraetefau, Tauhiki Bohl, Key Viliamu, Grover Harmon.

What to expect: Still outsiders, but more experienced than their status suggests and with a noticeably different profile from the team that came through qualifying.

Group A: the tournament’s toughest section

Group A looks particularly demanding.

Auckland City have won the last four continental titles. Vénus reached the final in 2022. Central Coast were semi-finalists that same year, while Tiga reached the last four in 2025.

Vénus and Tiga open the group on August 10 before Central Coast face Auckland City later the same day. Three days later Tiga meet Auckland and Central Coast face Vénus, before the section concludes in Ba on August 16.

Central Coast against Vénus could become particularly important. Both possess several players returning from professional football and may view one another as the most direct competition for a semi-final place if Auckland maintain their usual standard.

Tiga, however, complicate that assumption. Their 2025 run proved that they can compete with the region’s strongest clubs.

Group B: Rewa and Galaxy start with a major test

Group B begins one day earlier, on August 9.

Galaxy face Rewa at Churchill Park before Lae City meet Tupapa. Rewa then face Tupapa on August 12 while Lae City take on Galaxy. The final matches on August 15 see Tupapa face Galaxy before Rewa meet Lae City.

The opening Galaxy-Rewa game could shape the entire group.

Rewa have home advantage and an experienced core, but Galaxy arrive with Medina in exceptional goalscoring form, Roberson still influential and strong local players around them.

Lae City’s youth makes them difficult to predict, while Tupapa already have competitive OFC experience from qualifying.

Who can stop Auckland City?

Auckland City remain the obvious favourites.

Their 13 titles, four consecutive championships and extraordinary continuity make them the safest prediction. Even after the creation of the OFC Pro League, Auckland have been able to bring several experienced players back into their Champions League squad.

The gap behind them is less straightforward.

Central Coast have significant Solomon Islands international quality and several players returning from Solomon Kings. Vénus possess eight Tahiti United returnees and a technically strong core. Tiga bring continuity from a semi-final campaign.

In Group B, Rewa benefit from playing at home, but Galaxy should be considered at least as serious a threat after their dominant domestic run and the form of Willian Medina, Roberson, Romain Luake and Bong Kalo.

There are also two very different outsiders. Lae City represent a young Papua New Guinea generation trying to establish itself, while Tupapa have already earned their place through qualifying.

The defining question therefore remains familiar — whether anyone can finally bring Auckland City’s run to an end.

But the composition of the challengers is different in 2026.

Professional experience has returned to several domestic clubs through the OFC Pro League, Galaxy have assembled a particularly strong mix of foreign and local talent, Tiga arrive with recent knockout-stage experience, and Rewa have the advantage of competing on home soil.

From August 9, Fiji will show whether any of those factors are enough to change the order at the top of Oceania club football.

Raphael Lea’i makes immediate Central Coast impact ahead of OFC Champions League challenge

Raphael Lea’i has made an immediate impact on his return to domestic football in the Solomon Islands, scoring his first two goals for Central Coast FC in only his second appearance for the club ahead of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League.

The Solomon Islands international struck twice as Central Coast defeated Malaita Kingz 5-2 in the S-League last Saturday, helping the defending champions record their second consecutive victory at the beginning of the new domestic campaign.

Lea’i’s brace was particularly timely for Central Coast. The 22-year-old had made his debut in the club’s 1-0 opening-round victory over Marist FC before opening his scoring account one week later, providing an early indication of the attacking influence he could have during the regional tournament in Fiji.

His second goal against Malaita Kingz arrived five minutes after half-time and gave Central Coast a 3-1 advantage. Junior Fordney was also among the scorers as Jacob Moli’s side produced a convincing final competitive performance before travelling to Fiji.

Lea’i is one of nine players added to the Central Coast squad after representing Solomon Kings in the inaugural OFC Pro League season. Javin Wae, Junior David and Bobby Leslie are also among the reinforcements bringing professional-level experience into the three-time S-League champions.

Central Coast coach Jacob Moli has already highlighted the influence of the returning Solomon Kings players, whose presence has increased the standard of the club’s training sessions. Their arrival has strengthened a squad containing several Solomon Islands internationals and 17 players with previous OFC Men’s Champions League experience.

For Lea’i, the early goals also provide an encouraging response after a difficult individual campaign with Solomon Kings. The forward scored once in 15 OFC Pro League appearances, but his record for the Solomon Islands national team—14 goals in 26 matches—continues to underline his ability in front of goal.

He has also previously shown that quality in the region’s leading club competition. Lea’i scored twice in three appearances during his first Champions League campaign as a teenager in 2020. Six years later, he returns to the tournament as a more experienced player after spells in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia and the OFC Pro League.

Central Coast will need that experience after being placed in a demanding group alongside Auckland City, AS Vénus and AS Tiga Sport. Their campaign begins on Monday against 13-time Oceania champions Auckland City at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

The Solomon Islands champions will then meet Tahitian side AS Vénus at the same venue on Thursday before completing the group stage against New Caledonia’s AS Tiga Sport in Ba on Sunday. The top two teams will progress to the semi-finals.

Central Coast reached the last four of the Champions League in 2022, when Auckland City ended their campaign with a 2-0 victory. They returned to the tournament as hosts in 2025 but were eliminated during the group stage.

Limited preparation remains a concern for Moli’s side, with the new S-League season only beginning shortly before the continental competition. However, consecutive domestic victories and Lea’i’s immediate contribution have offered encouraging signs before Central Coast face the strongest test of their new campaign.

After scoring his first Central Coast goals in only his second match, Lea’i now enters the OFC Men’s Champions League with an opportunity to turn his promising start into a significant continental campaign.