Oceania Football Center

PNG National Soccer League: Lae and Vitiaz unable to win as Tusbab Stallions return to top-four

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 and Jonathan 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 experienced Tau 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.

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’s Dave 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*

You can check the updated standings, top scorers and results of the 2019/20 season of the PNG National Soccer League by visiting our session of the competition.

Ba’s Mitieli Naiviro scores his first goal as senior player

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.

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.

Telekom S-League: Laugu surpasses Southern as Benjamin Totori shines in Isabel United win

The Saturday started with two very interesting games for Solomon Islands’ football fans at Lawson Tama Stadium. Laugu United was only able to secure their win against Southern United in the second half while Isabel United continues their recovery process in the league after surpassing Honiara City.

Laugu United was expected to win over the Stanley Waita-coached side Southern United, but they certainly needed to battle hard. The talented youngster Alford Kanahanimae scored his first goal of the season to open the scoreline for Southern United at the 15th of play. The leadership of Southern did not take long as three minutes later the Solomon Islands international Allen Peter scored to equalise the match.

The first half ended up locked in 1-1, but the quality of Gagame Feni was the difference in the second part of the match: at the 70th minute, the former Suva and Galaxy FC man scored for Laugu United to complete their comeback. Feni’s goal was to be the final goal of the match to confirm more three points for Laugu in the Telekom S-League table.

Gagame Feni scored the winner for Laugu United – *Laugu United Media*

The second match of the day saw the only unbeaten team of the season to lost this post as they could not hold Isabel United’s second half strength. Honiara City came from a fantastic win over Henderson Eels, but they did not have the same luck in this match against the very good side of Isabel United that is coached by the local football legend Gideon Omokirio.

As in the first match of the Saturday, the first half ended up tied but with no goals scored. Isabel did not field the experienced Benjamin Totori since the start of the clash, but in the second half Omokirio decided to add more fire power upfront introducing the Solomon Islands international.

Totori did not take to respond: Isabel United took the lead at the 57th minute of the game thanks to a goal from the former Wellington Phoenix man. The same Totori confirmed the win for Isabel United in a counter-attack at the 85th minute of play – his fourth goal of the season.

Totori was the responsible for Isabel United’s win over Honiara City – *TSL Media*

Isabel did not have a good start of the season, but they record their second win in the league start to recover from their bad start. Laugu is having some ups and downs in the season, but with this important win they expect to find some regularity to battle at the top of the table.

Tomorrow more two games will be played at Lawson Tama Stadium: the clash of titans Solomon Warriors against Henderson Eels while Real Kakamora will be taking on Marist FC.

Vodafone Premier League: Ba smashes Navua at Uprising Sports Centre

The first game of the weekend of football in Fiji took place in Navua at Uprising Sports Centre. The locals will stand at the bottom of the standings as Ba smashed them with three goals in the second half. The Men in Black continue now pursuing the top-tabled Rewa with this important away win.

The first half ended up locked in 0-0, but in the final 45 minutes Ba managed to improve their football and take their chances. Abbu Zahid scored the first for Ba at the 58th minute of play with a close range finish. At the 69th minute it was time for the youngster Mitieli Naiviro to score his first goal as senior player for Ba with a strong header.

Ba at Battle of Giants – *Fiji FA Media*

The experienced Seveci Rokotakala was sent off for a deliberate handball inside the Navua box saving a clear goal of Ba. A penalty was given and the midfielder Savenaca Nakalevu made no mistake to add another to Men in Black‘s account. The 3-0 away win is very important for Ba as they recover from their last weekened’s defeat against Suva.

The round will continue tomorrow in Fiji with three more very important matches for this final part of the season of Vodafone Premier League’s: Rewa will be playing Nadi, while Lautoka will travel to the capital to take on Suva. One of the most important matches of the season so far will see Labasa and Nasinu battling for an important win in the fight against relegation.

Wellington Phoenix: Gary Hooper joins Kerala Blasters from India

After spending one season playing for Wellington Phoenix, Gary Hooper is ready to depart for a new adventure. The 32-year-old striker from England has agreed to a one-year contract with Kerala Blasters from Indian Super League.

Hooper was an important player for Phoenix in 2019-20 Hyundai A-League as he scored eight goals in 21 matches. He also played one match with Wellington Phoenix Reserves at ISPS Handa Premiership – the major football league from New Zealand.

Hooper celebrating a goal for Wellington Phoenix – *Photosport*

The English striker is not the only former Wellington Phoenix player that will feature in the next Indian Super League as Fijian legend Roy Krishna and David Williams are going to play another season for ATK that are now called ATK-Mohun Bagan.

New Zealand: Ollie Whyte joins Turkish club

The current football transfer window is being very good for New Zealand as many young players are joining European clubs for 2020-21 season. While Liberato Cacace and Callum McCowatt left Wellington Phoenix to join Sint-Truiden from Belgium and FC Helsingor from Denmark respectively, Ollie Whyte has joined İstanbulspor A.Ş. from Turkey.

Whyte is a 20-year-old attacking midfielder who last played for Miramar Rangers in Ultra Football Central League – one of the major football leagues from New Zealand’s winter football season: “Ecstatic to have signed for İstanbulspor A.Ş. in Turkey. Really looking forward to playing for this great club,” stated Whyte on social media.

It is going to be his second experience in Europe as he spent 2018-2019 season in Portugal with Rio Ave U-19 team. İstanbulspor A.Ş. are currently playing TFF 1.Lig – the second tier of Turkish football. Oceania Football Center wish him good luck at his new club.

Clash of titans between Warriors and Eels marks Telekom S-League’s sixth matchweek

After losing for the first time in the season, Telekom S-League leaders Henderson Eels have a tough clash against current league champions Solomon Warriors on Sunday. Meanwhile, Honiara City can jump into the second position if they beat Isabel United.

The sixth matchweek of Telekom S-League – the major football league from Solomon Islands – brings lots of excitement among football fans in the country. After losing three matches in a row, Southern United are now in the tenth position in the league and they need to recover in the season. However, the team coached by Stanley Waita have a difficult challenge against Laugu United that count on great players like Allen Peter, Atkin Kaua, Gagame Feni and Mathias Iani.

Currently in the third position with nine points in five matches, Honiara City are living a huge moment in the season after beating Henderson Eels by 3-2 last week. They now have the opportunity to jump into the second position in the table if they win this Saturday. However, Isabel United also want to win as the team coached by Gideon Omokirio finally found on the right track by grabbing their first three points in the season after a 5-1 win over Southern United.

The most exciting match of the week is scheduled to kick-off at 2pm on Sunday when Henderson Eels and Solomon Warriors will be face to face at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. After losing for the first time in the season last week, Eels have to get down to business in order to beat their rivals. Joses Nawo and Raphael Lea’i are ready to lead their attack while head coach Eddie Marahare is focused on this huge clash.

On the other hand, Solomon Warriors seem to be a better team since William Omokirio became the head coach and now they have the opportunity to reach the top of the table for the first time in the season if they beat Henderson Eels. It is important to remember that Warriors’ Tigi Molea is still suspended for assaulting Eels’ right back Derrick Taebo in the last clash between both teams in the past Telekom S-League season. Two other players from Warriors are also going to miss this clash after being red carded last week: Emmanuel Poila and Molis Junior Gagame.

The clash between Solomon Warriors and Henderson Eels must be a very exciting one

After a bad start, Marist are having a good moment in the league as they won their last two matches with the help of veteran Abraham Iniga and forward Bobby Lesley. They now have an important clash against Real Kakamora and winning this match can put them in the third position in the table. On the other hand, Real Kakamora count on good players like forward Adrian Mara and goalkeeper Zantas Kabini who can make a big difference in this contest while defender Richard Raramo will not be available as he was red carded in the last matchweek.

The final clash of the week is set to be contested between Kossa FC and Malaita Kingz on Wednesday. After having a bye week, Kossa are back to the pitch and they should not accept anything but a win against Malaita: “We are recovering from a loss to Marist FC which honestly had a small effect on the team. However, this week’s training sessions been really positive. The team needs everyone’s efforts to meet each match’s objectives,” said Kossa’s assistant coach Martin Heti.

On the other hand, Kingz remain on bottom of the table with five losses in five matches. The team coached by Michael Alafa has to improve a lot in order to become a competitive side in the season. This match is a very good opportunity for Alafa and his players to show that they really can do something in the current Telekom S-League.

After a 0-0 draw against Laugu United on Wednesday, Central Coast FC will rest for a while as they are in a bye week. You can check the current Telekom S-League standings, results and top scorers by clicking here.

Vodafone Premier League: Rewa clashes Nadi as Labasa has do or die match against Nasinu

Only five more matches for each team and the season of the Vodafone Premier League is over – who is going to lift the trophy this year? Very important matches for the outcome of the national league are going to be played this weekend throughout the country.

The only match to be played this Saturday (12th Aug) will see the Men in Black taking on Navua. The team coached by Ronil Lal needs a win if they want to decrease the margin to leaders Rewa after a heartbreaking defeat last weekend against Suva in the Fijian capital. Ba will expect the experience of Samuela Drudru and Abbu Zahid can combine well against the bottom ranked Navua.

The Navuans, in the other hand, come from a very important win over Labasa. The team captained by Vineet Chand has a real chance to leave the last place of the standings for the first time in a while if they are able to stop Ba. Navua will count again with their home fans as they did to surpass Labasa, expecting the brilliant Thomas Dunn can continue in his good form.

On Sunday Suva will receive Lautoka at ANZ Stadium, being just two points away the first-placed side Rewa. The fantastic run of Sairusi Nalaubu – scoring five goals in the last two matches – will be a problem for Ravinesh Kumar’s Lautoka. The Blues are not in a good moment, but they had shown good signs to bounce back in the season despite suffering a 3-2 loss against Nadi in the last weekend. The likes of Malakai Rakula and Zibraaz Sahib can be instrumental for Lautoka as the experienced Shazil Ali returned to trainings this week after a long period after suffering a broken leg; the midfielder might not be available for this weekend match, but he is set to reinforce Lautoka’s squad for the rest of the league.

Suva will host Lautoka at ANZ Stadium – *Fiji FA Media*

Also on Saturday, but this time at Subrail Park, Fijian football fans will be watching closely the encounter of Labasa against Nasinu. The Babasiga Lions are living a terrible moment in the season especially after suffering a shocking defeat against Navua in the last weekend. Nasinu is just one point above Labasa in the run and will travel to Vanua Levu expecting to record a much needed win.

Labasa will count on the return of Antonio Tuivuna, Lekima Gonerau and Ilisoni Lolaivalu to the team after serving suspension – certainly the home fans will mark their presence at Subrail Park to help the Lions in this particular complicated moment. Nasinu will expect to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat last weekend against Rewa – counting on the likes of Jasnit Vikash and Nasoni Mereke to help them in this very important match.

Labasa will have a very important match against Nasinu – *Fiji FA Media*

The final match of the weekend will be played at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori as the leaders Rewa will meet Nadi – also a very important match in the weekend. Both sides come in good moments in the competition. The Delta Tigers are leading the standings with 20 points, but Nadi is only five away sitting 4th in the process.

The Fijian international Setareki Hughes is the key man for Rewa, while Rusiate Matarerega and Avinesh Suwamy combined 11 goals so far in the season for the Jetsetters. The match will be crucial for the outcome of the league – if Nadi can stun Rewa away from home, the Tigers might lose their top-spot and see Suva obtain the lead.

You can see the updated standings, results and top-scorers of the Vodafone Premier League season by visting our session of the league.

New Caledonia: Coupe de Calédonie continues this weekend

🇫🇷 Français

The most important football cup of New Caledonia is now in the Round of 16 – the competition will continue this weekend with do or die matches all over the country. Seven teams from the top-league Mobil Super Ligue continue in the run; only AS Wetr, Horizon Patho and the current runners-up of the competition AS Lössi are the top-tier teams already knocked-out. Despite not matching their expectations in the tournament, all three sides were beaten by other teams in the most important league of New Caledonia – AS Wetr was beaten by SC Ne Drehu, AS Lössi lost by 3-2 against Tiga Sport while JS Baco surpassed Horizon Patho in the penalty shootout.

Hienghène Sport surpassed AS Kiriktr in the last round of Coupe de Calédonie – *Alain Vartane*

If in the previous round we had three matches between teams of Mobil Super Ligue, in the Round of 16 only Hienghène Sport will clash against the current leaders of the national league Tiga Sport. The decisive match will be played at Hienghène’s domain in north of the territory.

All matches will be played this Saturday (12th Aug). In the competition we still have nine teams from Promotion d’Honneur – the second tier of football in New Caledonia. The leagues are divided in three regions: FC Gaïtcha, Dumbéa FC, ASC Boulouparis, CA Saint-Louis and Olympique de Nouméa are representing PH South; RC Poindimié, US Gélima and GS Oundjo are representing the PH North while only AS Qanono is the remaning team from PH of Islands in the run. See here all the matches for the upcoming round.

Fiji: Lekima Gonerau speaks about Labasa’s bad moment

Labasa heads for a crucial game this weekend against Nasinu, the Babasiga Lions are in a terrible moment and is tied in points at the bottom of the stadings of Fiji’s Vodafone Premier League with Navua – after losing a crucial game against the same side last weekend.

If Labasa wants to end this nightmare, getting all points from the match against Nasinu will be the perfect start. The team will have the return of Antonio Tuivuna, Ilisoni Lolaivalu and Lekima Gonerau, all returning from suspension. One of the most experienced players of the squad, Gonerau, talked to Oceania Football Center about the bad moment of Labasa.

“We are preparing well, as we know Nasinu will be coming out firing. We can see the changes with the boys in their approach during the training,” said the 30-year-old as Labasa prepares for this very important match – “with all the talks and with the preparation going, we will surely can change the situation we have right now,” added Gonerau.

Gonerau also tried to explain what happened to Labasa – after a very good season in 2019 – to be in this very bad situation at the moment in the Vodafone Premier League table: “From my view, the boys were not taking a serious approach on game day, lot of jokes and secondly since our manager left for New Zealand and now no other manager stepped up to take care of the boys especially in our away games, the boys do whatever they want to… No seriousness and lack of focus before the game gave us so bad results,” said the midfielder.

The experienced played also praised the hardwork of the head coach Ronil Lal to make Labasa improve: “He is doing a great job, but I think a lot of pressure too on him doing his job on the field and out of the field,” said Gonerau on his head coach – “Lal is trying everything to get the boys back in winning ways,” added the player.

Labasa has everything to play against Nasinu – another defeat for the Lions can make them drop for the last place in the run while if they can win this match against the Giant Killers, Labasa will retake the 6th place and get a relief after three defeats in a row in the national league.