The Delta Tigers fans can feel a little bit more closer to their first ever national league title as they surpassed Nadi at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori by 2-1. Rewa is now four points up in the table ahead of second-placed Suva and third-placed side Ba.
The game started well for the team coached by Marika Rodu – Tevita Waranaivalu opened the account for Rewa with a goal in the first half. Nadi was able to find an equaliser still in the first 45 minutes of the match through a goal scored by the veteran midfielder Ame Votoniu.
Rewa and Nadi clashed at Ratu Cakobau Park – Fiji FA Media
The first half ended in an 1-1 draw, but Rewa found their winner still in the early stages of the final part of the match thanks to a goal of the Fijian international Peniame Drova. Nadi, captained by the legend Avinesh Suwamy, tried their best to find another equaliser in the late stages of the game, but Rewa’s defensive system managed to keep the danger out of the target. As Suwamy was unable to score today and Suva’s striker Sairusi Nalaubu scored his side goal in the 1-1 draw against Lautoka, the Nadi’s midfielder lost the first place in the ‘Golden Boot’ race – Nalaubu now needs with seven goals while Suwamy has six.
Lautoka was able to hold Suva at ANZ Stadium, the Blues do not win for a while in the Vodafone Premier League, but the particular outcome of this match seems a good recovery start for the team coached by Ravinesh Kumar as they draw 1-1 with one of the best teams so far in the season.
All goals of the game came in the second half: at the 48th minute of play the forward Sairusi Nalaubu proved to continue his fantastic goalscoring form opening the account for the Capital City Boys with a close range finish. With this goal, Nalaubu is now the top scorer of the season in the Vodafone Premier League.
Nalaubu and Cavuilagi scored in the draw between Suva and Lautoka – Suva FA Media/Fiji FA Media
Lautoka equalised the clash at the 57th minute of the match through former Ba midfielder Sitiveni Cavuilagi; the new Lautoka signing is being very efficient for the Sugar City Boys as he scored one more goal for his new team – Cavuilagi combined well at the edge of the box and give no chance to Suva’s goalkeeper to level the scoreline.
Both sides were unable to score a winner being the 1-1 result the final outcome of the clash. The draw is not a good result for Suva as they allow Rewa a chance to increase their advantage at the top of the table, but the point earned is enough for Suva to retake the second-place in the table from Ba as they have a better goal difference.
Labasa fans can breath in relief; finally, after so long, their team can celebrate a win – and the fans were very important for this achivement as the Babasiga Lions surpassed Nasinu in their homeground, Subrail Park. The valuable three points earned in Vanua Levu today put Labasa with 10 now in the Vodafone Premier League table, three points away the bottom-ranked Navua.
The responsible for the win is the experienced midfielder Ilisoni Logaivau – the player started the party for Labasa in the first half with a goal in early stages of the game. Nasinu was dangerous especially through the flanks with Marlon Nonone, but the defensive system led by Akuila Mateisuva was able to keep away the danger.
Ilisoni Logaivau – Fijivillage
Logaivou sealed the win for Labasa in the final part of the clash as he added another to his tally to confirm the three points for the team coached by Ronil Lal. The Giant Killers were unable to pressure Labasa to pursue a goal in the late stages of the game – a result that also worry the fans of Nasinu as the team is now only one point ahead Navua in the eighth and last place in the rankings.
Despite the win, Labasa is certainly not having the season the fans expected, but the three points collected them today give the Lions a relief in the table and allow them to leave the stress out for their next four matches in this national league season.
Good stories usually have a happy ending and that is what happened to North Efate United in Vanuatu. After winning Mix First and Second Division’s Independence Cup and First Division’s Opening Cup, the team coached by Morrison Bule clinched PVFA First Division title to book a spot in 2020-21 PVFA Premier League – the major football league from Port Vila football league system.
North Efate United clinched the title before playing their last match as Seveners United lost to Shepherds United by 7-0 earlier this week which means that the orange team has already entered the field this weekend as league champion. Anyway they have beaten Pango Green Bird by 3-0 at Amicale Field to end the season with flourish.
North Efate United promoted to PVFA Premier League – Vanuatu Sports News
The team coached by Morrison Bule finished the 2019-20 PVFA First Division with ten wins in fourteen matches. You can check the league standings by clicking here.
Another round is over in 2020 New Caledonia Cup as eight matches were contested in New Caledonia on this Saturday to decide which teams would advance to the next round of this tournament in the French territory.
Hienghène Sport have beaten current Mobil Super Ligue leaders Tiga Sport by 3-0 while AS Magenta smashed CA Saint-Louis by 3-1. AS Kunié, AS Mont-Dore and SC Ne Drehu are the three other teams from Mobil Super Ligue that advanced to the quarter-finals. The three other teams that are still alive in the cup are AS Qanono, Olympique and RC Poindimié.
Hienghène Sport advanced to quarter-finals – Hienghène Sport Media
It was reported by local federation that quarter-finals’ draw will be released on this Monday. You can check all Round of 16 results by clicking here.
After nine months, the 2019-20 PVFA Premier League is back as four matches were contested at Port Vila Stadium this weekend and there were no surprises as the top three teams won their respective matches while bottom-placed teams remain on bottom.
John Thomas scored Tafea’s goal in the 1-0 win over Mauwia on Friday but this victory was not enough to remain on top as Ifira Black Bird smashed Sia-Raga by 5-0 with two goals scored by Sylvain Tenene to reach the first position in the league.
Ifira Black Bird are now on top of the table – Vanuatu Sports News
Brazilian star Roberson scored a hat-trick in Galaxy’s 4-0 win over Erakor Golden Star – the other goal was scored by Bong Kalo. Despite remaining in the fourth position with twelve points, Erakor now see Tupuji Imere very close to them with eleven points as Tupuji have beaten Yatel by 3-1 with goals scored by James Chilia, Kensly Taserei and Rodney Serveux.
The next matchweek is scheduled to kick-off on next Friday. You can check the current PVFA Premier League standings, results and top scorers by clicking here.
One of the most talented players from New Zealand, youngster Sarpreet Singh is going to have more game time this season as he joined FC Nürnberg on loan from Bayern München. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder must be a regular starter in 2.Bundesliga – the second tier of German football.
Singh made his official debut for FC Nürnberg on this Saturday against RB Leipzig in the First Round of DFB-Pokal – the German Cup. He was in the starting eleven and he played 63 minutes until being replaced by Robin Hack.
Sarpreet Singh made his official debut for FC Nürnberg
RB Leipzig were the favourites to win and they confirmed the expectations by beating FC Nürnberg by 3-0 which means that Singh and his teammates are out of 2020-21 German Cup.
Multiple sources confirmed Morobe United was awaded a 3-0 forfeit match win over Star Mountain; PNGFA understands Star Mountan abandoned the match resulting so in a forfeit in favour of the local side Morobe United. It was also informed Star Mountain’s head coach Selan Elizah was suspended from taking part in any NSL competition. Elizah has 14 days to appeal against the decision.
According to sources in Star Mountain FC, the club will take legal action against PNGFA & NSL Board decision expecting a different outcome from the match. With the result confirmed by the entity, the PNG National Soccer League standings are now fully updated – see here.
The 16th round of PNG National Soccer League was full of surprises! After a long period we now have a change in the top-three teams as Lae City and Vitiaz United could not win this weekend. Hekari United needed to battle hard to surpass Morobe Wawens and move back to the second place.
Vitiaz United had everything to win FC Bougainville in the first match of the day in Port Moresby; but they forget to play good enough to confirm their favouritism. Despite having the biggest portion of ball possesion, it was FCB who took the lead still in the first half thanks to a close range finish from the young Bernard Purari. The recent signing of Boungainville scored a goal that put a lot of pressure in the team captained by Eliud Fugre.
Vitiaz attacked Boungainville for almost the entire second half, but the duo composed by Mathew David andJonathan Allen could not combine as usual upfront. Boungainville managed to hold the pressure and keep Vitiaz off-target to confirm the upset and valuable three points in the battle for the fourth spot in the semi-finals.
In Lae FC Kutubu gave a lot of work for Star Mountain; Joseph Waiwai opened the scoreline for the Port Moresby-based team in the first half, but the good performer Oberth Simon equalised for Kutubu with a solo effort play still in the initial part of the game. Star Mountain came strong in the starting minutes of the second half as the experiencedTau Winnie was on target to score the second for his side; Tamas Roman added another just minutes later for Star Mountain.
Kutubu did not give up: Iso Muekako reduced the lead and already in the late stages of the game Bradley Gorom equalised once again for Kutubu. Star Mountain pressed high, put more numbers forward in the final minutes and their hard work paid off; William Yumb scored the winner for his side. Kutubu still tried to get another equaliser, but they did not have enough time to do so.
Star Mountain FC – STM Media
Hekari United did not count once again on Raymond Gunemba this weekend; certainly a huge miss for the Red Army as no strikers were on target today for Hekari. The first goal of the day came after a defensive blunder of Wawens’ defense allowing Rodger Saking to an easy finish after a cross coming from a free-kick.
In the second half it was time for another full-back to score: Junior David. The young Solomon Islander scored through a fantastic long-range shot giving no chances for Wawens’ goalkeeper Jason Bendi. This was the second goal for Hekari in the contest. Wawens did not take long to respond; a close finish was saved by Hekari’sDave Tomare, but in the rebound Richard Waffi made no mistake to pull one back for his team.
Hekari managed to control the game, but Wawens had their spells in counter-attacks but could not turn them into real goalscoring chances. Hekari could had scored more goals in the final part of the game, but their forwards were really not on target this weekend.
Nigel Dabinyaba, David Muta and Michael Foster after the match – FC Hekari United Media
We had one more upset in the second match of the day in Lae. The current first-placed side Lae City could not get more than a draw in a match they should had won against Morobe United. Both sides were locked in the first half and all two goals of the encounter happened in the final 45 minutes.
The always good Stahl Gubag put Lae City upfront in the early stages of the second half, but what seemed the start of another win for the team coached by Bob Morris ended up in a very frustrating outcome: the substitute Tosh Ibax equalised for Morobe United in the final stages of the game giving no chance of reaction for the current national champions. Despite the draw, Lae City is fortunate Vitiaz United lost in the round as they continue at the top of the table.
The final game of the day took place in Port Moresby as Gulf Komara hosted the Madang-based side Tusbab Stallions. After seven games in a row without a win, the team coached by Rachel Wadunah played good football to finally get back to winning ways. The game started very well for Stallinos as the fast striker Graham Berigami dribbled Komara’s goalkeeper and with a fine touch put the ball in the back of the net. It did not take long for Stallions as a lapse of concentration allowed Renagi Ila to receive the ball unmarked to fire a very good shot past goalkeeper Jesse Mandari to level the match just minutes after conceding.
In the second half the match turned very physical, Komara lacked creativity to create opportunities – being frustrated by the good defensive performance of Tusbab Stallions. The brilliant Jason Wadunah was there for Stallions: the 17-year-old midfielder fired a fantastic long-range shot to put his side upfront.
Komara had the ball, introduced the striker Rupa Emil upfront, but they were not in a good day; lack of creativity and a good composure from Stallions’ defensive line frustrated the Gulf Komara’s forwards, helping Stallions to defend their lead until the final whistle. The 2-1 win of Stallions give them back the fourth place in the run with two more matches to be played to decide which side will qualify for the PNG National Soccer League finals.
Stallions seems determined to finish in the top four – TSFC Media
This Saturday was special for a new face in the season for the Men in Black; the youngster Mitieli Naiviro scored his first goal Ba as a senior player in the 3-0 win of his side against Navua away from home counting for Vodafone Premier League.
Naiviro is impresssing so far in the season turning himself into a regular starter of the team coached by Ronil Kumar. Naiviro scored his first goal through a powerful header – the second for Ba in their important victory against Navua. The 18-year-old player is enjoying a very good moment as Ba is now second in the table after this win.
Mitieli Naiviro – Fiji FA Media
Naiviro was also called up for a training period with Fiji national team recently – an achievement that proves his good form for Ba in the season. The talented player rubbed shoulders with the best players of the country in an one-week training period guided by national team head coach Flemming Serritslev.
Oceania Football Center 