Despite beating Real Kakamora by 2-1 on this Saturday, Kossa FC still have a lot to work on if they want to finish the current Telekom S-League season in a good position. The team coached by Fred Osifelo showed some defensive fragility when attacked while forwards missed many clear opportunities to score this weekend.
It is already known that Barrie Limoki and Harrison Mala scored once each against Real Kakamora to put Kossa in the second position in the table with eleven points in six matches. However it could have been a much easier game if they have not lost so many opportunities to score.
Kossa’s starting eleven against Real Kakamora – Telekom S-League Media
Kossa managed to keep the ball possession in the match and they did not find many difficulties to reach the opponent’s box. However the forwards did not manage to score many goals – and it is their fault. While Real Kakamora’s goalkeeper Zantas Kabini made some good saves, James Naka, Barrie Limoki and Harrison Mala missed many chances over the match, including an open goal situation missed by Mala in the first half.
Despite these problems, Kossa still have a powerful team and they can fight for a spot in the next OFC Champions League if they improve on these points.
Currently in the third position with 36 points in seventeen matches, Vitiaz United are already qualified to 2019-20 PNG National Soccer League semi-finals. However the team coached by Nathan Vincent is not living a good moment in the season and this is worrying.
Despite counting on a powerful offensive system with Eliud Fugre, Jonathan Allen, Mathew David and Yagi Yasasa, Vitiaz United did not find the net in the past two games and it is being a problem for them. The unexpected losses against FC Bougainville and Gulf Komara made Vitiaz fall to the third position in the league.
Vitiaz United are not living a good moment in PNG National Soccer League – PNGFA Media
Having bad streaks is something common in football but Nathan Vincent and his players need to open their eyes as the regular season is going to finish next week – which means that Vitiaz United are going to play a knock-out match in a few weeks so keeping this poor level of performance in the semi-finals is not a good deal for Vitiaz.
Qualifying to the semi-finals is surely a milestone for Vitiaz United but they surely can do more as they did not lose to local powerhouses Hekari United and Lae City this season. Coaching staff and players can not relax and they need to get back on the right track as soon as possible. The upcoming clash against Lae City in the last matchweek of the regular season can be a turnaround for Vitiaz United – for good or for bad.
The 2020 Vodafone Premier League season is heading to its decisive moments as the eleventh matchweek will be contested on this Sunday in Fiji and current league leaders Rewa can be one step closer to the national league’s title depending on this weekend’s results.
After winning two league matches in a row, Rewa will count on the crowd support at Ratu Cakobau Parkk against Labasa. However the team coached by Marika Rodu must expect a tough clash once Labasa need to win in order to stay away from the relegation zone: “We are taking each game as a final because the points difference on the table is not that much so we will not take Labasa according to their current performance but we will see them as a threat to our chances of winning the national league,” revealed Rodu.
Labasa fans are not alone in this game, as Ba and Suva fans are also cheering for a Rewa defeat in this game. However cheering for a Rewa defeat is not enough: Ba and Suva do need to win this weekend. Current league champions Ba have a difficult clash against their rivals Lautoka at Fiji FA Academy and losing is not an option for them. The Men in Black will go all-out to grab all three points to stay alive in the title race.
Ba starting eleven in last week’s match against Navua – Fiji FA Media
Theoretically, Suva have an easier match this weekend as the Capital City Boys are going to face Navua at ANZ Stadium. However the team coached by Babs Khan can not underestimate their last league match against Navua was an 1-1 draw in February: “Navua is an unpredictable side who came in as underdogs and gave big teams some really hard time […] We are not taking them lightly,” stated Khan. It is important to remember that Navua will not count on veteran Seveci Rokotacala who was red carded last week which is a major blow for them. Anyway they need to work the extra mile to steal some points from Suva if they really want to stay in the major division of Fijian football.
After losing to Labasa by 2-0, Nasinu need to get back on track if they want to stay in the Premier League and now the team coached by Tagi Vonolagi has a very difficult challenge against Nadi at ANZ Stadium in Suva. Despite the loss to Rewa last week, Nadi are having a solid season and they are the favourites to win this clash, but they need to keep their eyes open otherwise they can be surprised by Nasinu.
You can check the current Vodafone Premier League standings, results and top scorers by clicking here. Oceania Football Center wish good luck to all eight teams.
The seventh matchweek of 2020 Telekom S-League kicked-off on this Saturday with two matches being contested at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara – the capital of the Solomon Islands. Henderson Eels and Kossa confirmed their favouritism and won their respective games.
Real Kakamora faced Kossa in the opening game of the day and Chris Hatarau scored an early goal to put Kakamora ahead in the fourth minute. Both teams were performing in a very good level: while Kossa were trying to equalize, Kakamora’s attack was confusing the opponent’s defenders as Adrian Mara, Benjamin Toata and Chris Hatarau were moving a lot to create chances.
Kossa had more possession in the game and the team coached by Fred Osifelo equalized in the beginning of the second half with a penalty kick scored by youngster Barrie Limoki. A few minutes later Limoki almost scored another goal but his shot hit the post. After losing a big chance in the first half, Harrison Mala found the net in the 83rd minute to give three points to Kossa.
Henderson Eels came to the pitch a few minutes later to face Marist FC. Despite all efforts, Marist were not able to stop Eels’ attack as Raphael Le’ai and Augustine Waita scored once each. At the final whistle, Eels defeated their opponents by 2-0 to remain on top of the table with eighteen points in seven matches. The bad news for Eels is that Rodney Suri was red carded in the second half and he is going to miss next week’s match against Malaita Kingz.
Le’ai scored for Eels against Marist – Telekom S-League Media
Le’ai is living a marvelous moment as the 17-year-old forward is the top scorer of the league with eleven goals in seven matches and it would not be a surprise if he wins Telekom S-League’s Golden Boot race for the second staright season.
Two more matches will be contested this Sunday while the final clash of the week is going to take place on Wednesday. You can check Telekom S-League current standings, results and top scorers by clicking here.
The eleventh matchweek of 2019-20 PVFA Premier League was very good for Ifira Black Bird and Galaxy FC that saw Tafea losing to Erakor Golden Star. On the other hand, Yatel are now on bottom of the table as Mauwia have beaten Tupuji Imere.
Current league leaders Ifira Black Bird faced Yatel in the opening match of the round and talented forward Tonly Kalotang scored Ifira’s goal in the 1-0 victory while Galaxy FC smashed Sia-Raga by 3-1 with goals scored by Henry Namatak, Kensi Tangis and Roberson to reach the second position in the league with 23 points. Tangis (11 goals) and Roberson (10 goals) are the top scorers of the league.
Tangis (left) and Roberson (right) are the top scorers of 2019-20 PVFA Premier League – Vanuatu Sport
The biggest surprises of the weekend happened in the last two clashes: Mauwia have beaten Tupuji Imere by 2-0 and they now tied in points with Yatel and Sia-Raga while Tafea lost to Erakor Golden Star with a goal scored by Dodon Wanemut.
Tafea are now in the third position with 21 points – three points behind Ifira Black Bird. Anyway, Tafea, Ifira and Galaxy are already qualified to Top Four with three matchweeks in advance. You can check the current league standings, results and top scorers by clicking here.
The 2020 Police Inter-District Championship was contested this week in Fiji and this tournament counted on many local players that are also police officers in the country including many National Team representants.
After a week of matches, the final clash was contested by Southern Division and Western Two on this Friday at Nasova Ground in Suva. Southern have beaten their opponents by 1-0 with a goal scored by Suva’s defender Filipe Baravilala to clinch the title.
Southern Division celebrating the title – Fiji FA Media
Most of these players are now back to their respective teams to play this weekend in Vodafone Premier League or Vodafone Senior League – the first and second divisions of Fijian football. Oceania Football Center congratulate all people involved in the Police Inter-District Tournament.
One of the most talented players from Solomon Islands, youngster Charles Mani is back to his homeland after a two-year scholarship at the Long Bay College in New Zealand. The 18-year-old forward arrived in the country on Monday in a repatriation flight.
In New Zealand he had the opportunity to play for Hibiscus Coast in Lotto NRFL Division 2 – one of the regional leagues from the country – and he scored one goal in seven matches. He revealed to Sun Sport that Hibiscus want him back next year while East Coast Bay FC from Lotto NRFL Division 1 also want to count on him in 2021.
Charles Mani
Mani is currently passing by a 14-day quarantine and then he is going to be available to resume training in his homeland. It is already known that some Telekom S-League clubs are interested on signing with him for the second round of the season so we must see him back to the pitch in a few weeks.
The most important football league of Papua New Guinea is close to the end of its regular season; Lae City is currently at the top of the table and will travel to Port Moresby to play against Star Mountain, while Hekari United will take on Morobe United also at PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
The third-placed side Vitiaz United will have an interesting match against Gulf Komara, while in Lae Tusbab Stallions will start the round of football against Morobe Wawens and Kutubu will take on FC Boungainville.
Tusbab Stallions FC – PNGFA Media
One of the most important matches of the weekend will see the Madang-based side Tusbab Stallions taking on Morobe Wawens at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium. After an impressive 2-1 win last Saturday against Gulf Komara, Stallions will be looking to solidify their fourth place in the rankings as the contest is fired up for the final spot in the semi-finals. The same Gulf Komara, Star Mountain and FC Boungainville are just behing them battling for a chance in the decisive clashes of the national league.
Another very important match in the battle for the last spot in the semi-finals will see the bottom-ranked FC Kutubu taking on FC Bougainville also in Lae. Boungainville comes in a high after a surprising win over Vitiaz United last weekend and wil hope to continue their good run against Kutubu. The Goroka-based side has no more chances to qualify for the semi-finals, but they will certainly want to represent in a good way their fans in this match against Bougainville.
Hekari United FC – PNGFA Media
Hekari United will hope to continue their good run as they take on the 9th team in the table Morobe United in Port Moresby. After hard fought win over Morobe Wawens last weekend, the team coached by Eric Komeng can not expect an easy match against Morobe United as they draw in the last weekend against the current top-tabled side Lae City FC.
Also in Port Moresby, Star Mountain will have a harsh challenge against Lae City; the team will be looking to continue their run as they come from a 4-3 win FC Kutubu in Lae last weekend. Star Mountain has all to play if they want to qualify for the semi-finals – they are currently now three points away the fourth placed Tusbab Stallions. Lae City is close to confirm their minor premiership title, depending on the results of the day they can confirm their glory this Saturday, but they know they will need to beat Star Mountain.
Lae City FC – PNGFA Media
To complete the round Vitiaz United will hope to bounce back from their heartbraking 1-0 defeat against FC Boungainville last Saturday in a very important match ahead against Gulf Komara. The team captained by Eliud Fugre wants a spot in the next OFC Champions League, for this they will need to end the regular season inside the the top-two tabled sides. A win is crucial for them as it is for Gulf Komara -if they are unable to beat the current third-placed team, they may see Tusbab Stallions increase their point difference ahead in the top-four.
The seventh matchweek of Telekom S-League – the major football league from the Solomon Islands – is set to kick-off this Saturday at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. It is going to be a very important week for Honiara City and Laugu United that are going to face off for third place while league leaders Henderson Eels want to win again – and all these three teams have something in common: they are all cheering for a Solomon Warriors’ defeat against Isabel United.
After smashing Malaita Kingz by 6-2 on Wednesday with four goals scored by Lore Fonaota, Kossa’s staff and players are motivated to win another match this weekend against Real Kakamora: “It is a good feeling to win a game but again it also adds to the expectation of playing well again in our next match,” said Kossa’s head coach Fred Osifelo. On the other hand, Kakamora also won in the last week and once again they will rely on talented forward Adrian Mara to grab three more points. It is going to be an interesting clash as both teams have eight points in the current season.
The second match of the week will be contested by league leaders Henderson Eels and Marist FC and local fans are expecting another win for Eels. However, the team coached by Eddie Marahare had to pay some attention on Abraham Iniga and Bobby Lesley that may offer some danger to Eels’ defense. On the other hand, Marist’s head coach Patrick Miniti needs to find a way to stop a powerful attack led by youngster Raphael Le’ai who has already scored ten goals in the current Telekom S-League season.
After losing to Eels in the last week, Solomon Warriors now have to work the extra mile to get closer to their rivals and Sunday’s match against Isabel United is more than important for them. Warriors’ head coach William Omokirio counts on a very good squad but he needs to have in mind that their opponents have won their last two matches and they have legendary Benjamin Totori in the attack. Losing this match would not be a disaster because Isabel have a good squad, but it would be a terrible result specially if Eels beat Marist.
The most interesting match of the week must be the clash between Laugu United and Honiara City. While Laugu are living a good moment led by powerful winger Gagame Feni, Honiara City need to get back on the right track after losing for the first time in the season last week. Both teams will come to the pitch right after Solomon Warriors’ game which means that they might have the chance to finish the week in the second position if Warriors lose to Isabel United.
Laugu United (left) and Honiara City (right) will clash on this Sunday – Telekom S-League Media
The last clash of this matchweek will be contested by two newcomers: Central Coast FC and Southern United. While Southern are living a very bad moment as they lost five of their six matches in the season, Central Coast are back to the pitch after having a bye week. It is going to be a very interesting contest because the best (Central Coast) and the worst (Southern) defense of the league will be clashing on Wednesday. Let’s see how Central Coast’s young forwards will behave against Southern’s poor defense.
Malaita Kingz are not going to play as they are having a bye week. It is a very good opportunity for Michael Alafa to work on his team to become a competitive side in the league as they are in the last position with six losses in six matches.
Hekari United had retaken the second position at PNG National Soccer League table after a 2-1 win over Morobe Wawens last weekend; Vitiaz United got beaten by FC Boungainville helping the Red Army to be back as second in the table. One of the biggest responsibles of the good form of Hekari is their new goalkeeper Dave Tomare; the back up option for the PNG Kapuls member Ishmael Pole is proving is capabilities during the absence of Pole that was suspended for two matches after receiving a straight red card against Lae City.
Pole had returned to Hekari squad after serving his suspension, but head coach Eric Komeng decided to continue fielding Tomare as his first option keeper for the last two matches of Hekari – proving the good performances of Tomare were not only satisfying the fans and media, but as well the coaching staff of the Port Moresby-based team.
Dave Tomare
As Hekari heads to another very important match this weekend, with the return of the fans of the stadiums in Papua New Guinea, the coaching staff of Hekari has to decide whether Pole will return to the team or Tomare will be given sequence. Tomare played five of the six matches after the resumption of the national league – he conceded just two goals and is his team is still to lose having him in the posts -, Pole only featured in the 1-0 defeat of Hekari against Lae City when he was red carded. The only thing that can be assured at the moment is that the 23-year-old Dave Tomare is being highly praised and proving to be an asset for the Reds.
Oceania Football Center 