After losing two matches in a row, Ba finally returned to the right path by beating Labasa by 2-1 in a very entertaining match at Fiji FA Academy. The Men in Black are currently in the third position with twelve points, four points behind current league leaders Rewa.
Labasa had a strong beginning in the contest as Siotame Kubu opened the scoreboard for Babasiga Lions. However Ba’s forward Sanaila Waqanicakau was the hero of the day by scoring two goals in the second half – “Scoring two goals was great. I am one of those who can not take a defeat easily,” said Waqanicakau – “I wanted to give something back to Ba fans and we have beaten Labasa after two back to back losses,” he added.
Sanaila Waqanicakau (left) scored twice against Labasa – Fiji FA Media
Ba’s next challenge will be against Suva at Fiji FA Academy on Saturday – “It is going to be a very tough match. Suva will come strong to keep their unbeaten run,” pointed Waqanicakau. This match will be the last Vodafone Premier League’s match before the beginning of 2020 Battle of the Giants in the next week.
Current league leaders Rewa made another victim this weekend when they beat Lautoka by 1-0 at Ratu Cakobau Park in the seventh round of 2020 Vodafone Premier League – the major football league from Fiji.
The winning goal was scored by Josaia Sela, one of the most promising players from Fiji. The 17-year-old forward had a very consistent performance against Lautoka and he scored a deserved goal to give three more points to the Delta Tigers. You can check some of his actions in the match against Lautoka by clicking here.
Josaia Sela
Josaia Sela is a name that Fijian football fans must get used to hear. He made his debut for Rewa at senior level in 2018 Inter-District Championship when he was just 15 years old and now he is proving himself as a reliable forward that Rewa’s head coach Marika Rodu can count on.
He was also the captain of Fiji U-16 squad in the 2018 OFC U-16 Championship and he led his side to reach the semi-finals of the tournament by scoring two goals in five matches.
Sela surely has the necessary to become a successful player in Fiji but his talent can take him to a higher level. Rewa’s management and staff have a jewel to be cut.
After having a good 2019-20 ISPS Handa Premiership season playing for Hawke’s Bay United, forward Ahinga Selemani is another footballer who left New Zealand to play the 2020-21 European season.
The 24-year-old forward joined Lincoln Red Imps from Gibraltar and he will probably be part of the squad that is going to play 2020-21 UEFA Europa League preliminary rounds.
Selemani celebrating a goal for Hawke’s Bay United
Selemani was one of the most important players of Hawke’s Bay United in the past ISPS Handa Premiership season by scoring ten goals in sixteen matches in the league.
Isabel United and Malaita Kingz clashed at DC Park in a friendly match. This game was part of the preparation of both teams for 2020 Telekom S-League that is currently scheduled to kick-off on August 8th.
It was a remarkable match for Isabel United because it was Benjamin Totori‘s unofficial debut for his new club and the legendary forward did not disappoint as he scored a brace to lead his team against Malaita Kingz.
Totori scored twice against Malaita Kingz – Isabel United Media
Young forward Bradley Irosaea scored Malaita’s goal. The Kingz also counted on National Futsal Team playmaker Charles Otainao and youngster Javin Wae. The final score was a 2-1 win for Isabel United.
After an interesting debut season in 2019-20 Telekom S-League, Isabel United show that they want more this year. Their next friendlies will be against Kossa on Wednesday and against Real Kakamora on Saturday.
The most important football league of New Caledonia continued this weekend with five very important clashes. The most important of them was Magenta vs Hienghène at Stade Numa-Daly to decide each side would take the 1st place in the standings.
On Saturday, the first match at Stade Numa-Daly before the fierce rivarly of Magenta and Hienghène took the pitch, was between AS Mont-Dore and Horizon Patho. After a goalless first half, four goals thrilled the final period of the game. Mont-Dore’s Yohan Boa scored a brace just at the start of the half – goals scored at the 49tha and 51st minute. Five minutes Horizon Patho’s Poléo Ngaihony scored with a short-range finish and Yohan Béaruné equalized the match at the 69th to give final numbers to the clash.
Following, Magenta took on Hienghène and scored early in the match after a penalty kick taken by Shene Wélépane. Hienghène cold not count on with the two historic players Bertrand Kaï and Roy Kayara in this clash and certainly their absence was vital for the final outcome of the match.
Still in the first half, Nathanael Hmaen scored the second for his side to an empty-net shot. It did not take long for Hienghène to recover as the experiencedJosephAthalé reduced the scoreline through a penalty kick after handball in the penalty box, but still in the first half Hmaen would once again score to retain the two-goal advatange for Magenta.
In the start of the second half, Joseph Athalé had a golden chance with a free-kick in the top of the box and he did not waste putting Hyehen back on the match. Fonzy Ranchain scored for AS Magenta later on the second half, the goal was disallowed and Nathanael Hmaen received his second yellow card in the match after complaining with the referee: Magenta was reduced to 10-men. Hienghène pushed forward, had chances to score in two opportunities with headers of the midfielder Cédric Sansot, but AS Magenta managed well with the pressure and won the most important match so far of the league.
AS Magenta recorded a very important win over Hienghène Sport – OFC Media
Also on Saturday, SC Ne Drehu visited Koné to take on JS Baco at Stade Yoshida; the orange and white side managed to continue their good run as they beat Baco by 2-1. Ne Drehu goals were scored by Mone Wamowé and Mayrone Xalite as Stéphane My scored for the locals – their first goal this season in the Mobil Super Ligue.
On Sunday, two matches finished the round on New Caledonian’s top tier: AS Lössi could not continue their good run as they were beaten by Tiga Sport. Lössi managed to score first through Jorick Hnazo, but in the second half Tiga scored three times thanks the efforts of Richard Sélé and a brace of Morgan Mathelon. AS Kunié hold the good side of AS Wetr to an entertaining 3-3 draw: Wetr goals were scored by Germain Haewegene, Raoul Wenissio and Joan Bako while Kunié goal scorers were Vincent Vakié, Daniel Douépéréa and Gianni Manmieu.
With the results, JS Baco is at the bottom of the table while AS Magenta continues at the top with an important win over Hienghène. SC Ne Drehu overtook the second position from Hienghène with their victory in Koné. You can see the update results and standings in our session of 2020 Mobil Super Ligue.
A very entertaining weekend of football took place in Fiji; Navua recorded a very much needed win – their first in the season – against Nasinu in the injury time, Ba surpassed Labasa on Saturdaya as a 17-year-old attacker gave Rewa the win against Lautoka.
On Saturday, both Ba and Labasa were all in for the three points in order to improve their rankings on Vodafone Premier League’s table. The first half ended with a 1-0 win for the visitors thanks to a goal of the striker Siotame Kubu – Labasa was close to continue their good run after beating Nadi in the previous weekend. Although in the second half the 2019 Fiji FA Player of the Year, AtonioTuivuna, was red carded in the 70th minute of play. Ba pressed upfront for an equalizer and it came through effort of Sanaila Waqanicakau in the 78th minute – three minutes later the same Waqanicakau added another to the scoresheet to put Ba upfront and seal the comeback of the Men in Black. The first two goals of the tall striker in the season gave a very important to win to Ba after being defeated bu Nasinu and Nadi.
Sanaila Waqanicakau (black) was the man of the match – Fiji FA Media
On Sunday three matches finished the weekend of football in the top-tier league in Fiji: Nadi received Suva at Prince Charles Park and expected to continue their good momentum after destroying Ba in the mid-week. The remained tied until the 87th minute of player when in a faster counter-attack started by the goalkeeper Beniaminio Mateinaqara, the striker Christopher Wasasala could place calmly the ball in the back of the net after an one-on-one situation with Nadi’s goalkeeper. Unfortunately for the locals, the Capital City Boys ended up with a very important win to continue pursuing the leaders Rewa.
The double-header in Nausori at Ratu Cakobau Park was full of emotions for the supporters of Rewa, Lautoka, Nasinu and Navua. The first match saw the first two placed sides in the standings Rewa and Lautoka play a very entertaining match. Lautoka started better the match controlling ball possesion, but Rewa was always dangerous in the counter-attacks. The Delta Tigers opened the scoreline thanks to the goal of the 17-year-old attacker Josaia Sela after a fantastic through ball from Patrick Joseph. The same Patrick Joseph had a penalty kick opportunity to double the lead of Rewa minutes later after a reckless challenge of Sekove Finau in the box: fortunaly for Finau and Lautoka, Joseph shot was defended by young goalkeeper Joela Biuvanua.
Rewa and Lautoka clash took place at Ratu Cakobau Park – Fiji FA Media
In the second half Lautoka pressed Rewa in order to score an equalizer; Dave Radrigai was the closest player to scored for Lautoka after a header well defened by the goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini. Unfortunately for the Blues, they could not create much danger to Rewa’s defense while the Delta Tigers were always a threat in the counter-attack. In the final moments of the game, Rewa had chances to double the scoreline, but the tiredness of the attackers commanded by Marika Rodu and the good performance of the goalkeeper Biuvanua did not allow them to score – Biuvanua that should have been sent off after using his hands out of the penalty box, incident that was not seen by the match referee. Rewa’s 1-0 win keep them at the top of the table now with 16 points collected.
The final match of the day had even more emotions for the fans. After a first half of lack of creativity from both Nasinu and Navua, the second half had 5 goals – including two in the injury time. Nasoni Mereke opened the scoreline after a good assist from the Solomon Islander Marlon Nonone, but it did not take long for Simione Damuni to equalize for Navua after a mistake from Nasinu’s goalkeeper after a corner-kick. A brilliant individual effort from Nonone saw Nasinu upfront again as the player passed by two defenders and finished with the right foot in the low corner of Navua’s goal.
It seemed Nasinu would collect the three points and continue their good run after defeating Ba in the last weekened. The team started to concentrated only defense, but in the injury time a crucial mistake by defender Leone Damudamu gave the equalizer for Navua, an own goal scored after a foul in the right flank that was wrongly chested to his own nets. Minutes later, a lapse of concentration of Nasinu’s defense allowed another goal for Navua. A long ball was controled by the veteran Alfred Ali that found another veteran, Vineet Chand, in the middle of two Nasinu defenders to place it home to score the winner for the first victory of his side in the season.
Now, in the table of the 2020 Vodafone Premier League Rewa is four points clear at the top, while Navua is now only three points away from Nasinu in the other top of the table – fighting against relegation.
The grand final match of the PVFA Independence Cup in Vanuatu’s capital city Port Vila is decided: the powerful Galaxy FC will be taking on the traditional Ifira Black Bird.
Both teams already met in the competition – in the group stage – and the result was a 2-2 draw; match when Galaxy’s defender Diego Maximo was sent off early in the match. This time, when both teams met the decision will be which side will lift the PVFA Independence Cup as Ifira surpassed Yatel in one semi-final match and Galaxy beat Tafea in the other hand.
The good team of Yatel made it very hard for Ifira; a 0-0 result forced both sides to a penalty shootout contest. Some fans that watched the clash said it was probrably the biggest penalty shootout ever played in Vanuatu: Ifira Black Bird surpassed Yatel on 15-14 in the final outcome of the decisive series.
Ifira players celebrate the thrilling victory over Yatel – Vanuatu Sport
In the other semi-final, Tafea took on Galaxy; the team captained byJunior Felix could not overcome Galaxy’s firepower and sufferd their first defeat in the competition – Tafea won all matches in the group stage -, taking them out of the grand final. The goals of the Brazilian midfielder Roberson and Brandon Tari sealed the qualification of Galaxy for the final of the traditional tournament that celebrates the 40th year of Vanuatu’s independence.
The grand final match will be played on Vanuatu’s Independence Day – 30th July – at Port Vila Municipal Stadium to decide which side will lift the Independence Cup’s trophy. The current title holders of the competition is Tupuji Imere that beat Tafea in 2019’s edition of the competition – we are set to have a new champion!
Phoenix clinched the 2nd spot in the standings, but the team coached by Ufuk Talay was unable to beat Adelaide United. The point granted from the 1-1 draw was enough for Phoenix to surpass Melbourne City in the A-League ladder on goal difference, but it could had been much better if the Mexican star Ulises Davila scored in the late stages of the game a penalty kick.
As stated before the clash, the central defender Luke DeVere was rested by Talay’s choice – but also many other changes were made in the starting eleven: the New Zealand international Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi made his debut on the starting team as well the Australian midfielder Brandon Wilson. Another new starters for this clash was the young full-back Callan Elliot and the 18-year-old midfielder Sam Sutton. In attack, the usual Gary Hooper started alongside the speedster Jaushua Sotirio.
The first half of the clash did not provide much emotion for the fans; the best chance was a good header from Adelaide’s Norwegian striker Kristian Opseth that was well saved by Stefan Marinovic. For the Phoenix side, Liberato Cacace and Reno Piscopo proved once again to be danger for the oposition defense, but could not create real goalscoring chances.
The story of the game changed in the second half; Piscopo had a great chance to score after a great assist of Cacace, but it went wasted. The introduction of Davila in place of Hooper gave more creativity for Phoenix attack – Liam McGing also entered in place of Steven Taylor. Unfortunately for Phoenix, despite having more possesion of the ball, it was Adeilade who scored after a great cross from the right side, Opseth headed it home to score the first for his side at the 60th minute of play.
McCowatt was introduced in place of Sutton just after the goal, but it was Reno Piscopo with a fantastic assist that allowed Jaushua Sotirio to be an one-on-one situation to score his 4th goal so the season and the equalizer for the New Zealand side.
Sotirio scoring for the Nix – Phoenix Media
Phoenix regained the control of the game after equalizing; starting to pursue a possible winner. Davila was denied first by Paul Izzo than by the crossbar after a fantastic finish to score Nix‘s second – the Mexican also had lost another great chance before this opportunity. The 16-year-old Mohammed Touré was introduced for Adelaide later in the second half; the wonderkid had a great opportunity after dribbling Callan Elliot, but unfortunately for him his most notable highlight of the night was when he commited a silly foul on Reno Piscopo inside the box already in the final minutes of the clash. The Nix top scorer of the season, Ulises Davila, stepped up to take the penalty already in the 86th of the match: the Mexican had not lost any chance from the spot in the season until that moment. Fortunately for Adelaide, the goalkeeper Paul Izzo defended the sloppy finish of Davila and kept his team in the game.
Phoenix continued to press upfront in the final stages of the game, but it was already too late to grant a winning goal. The 1-1 draw of the Nix put them in the second place of the standings so far – tied on points with Melbourne City -, but also confirmed the Premiers Plate for Sydney FC as no other team will able to reach in the top of the table until the end of the regular season. The Premiers Plate is the trophy given to the top-tabbled team at the end of the regular season in Australian A-League; Sydney also secured a spot in the AFC Champions League by reaching this milestone.
Next challenge of Wellington Phoenix will be on Friday 31th July against Western Sydney Wanderers at Bankwest Stadium.
After beating Perth Glory by 2-1, the Wellington Phoenix will have another important challenge on this Saturday against Adelaide United. The Nix can reach the second position in the table if they beat their opponents at Bankwest Stadium.
Head coach Ufuk Talay has already revealed that he planned to play a first-choice 11 from the clash against Western Sydney Wanderers onwards and it is already known that central defender Luke DeVere is not going to play this weekend’s match to have some rest.
Wellignton Phoenix players celebrating a goal
Matti Steinmann and Tim Payne are suspended and they will not be available today which means that we are going to see a different team in the field. On the other hand, Mexican player Ulises Dávila could be back to the starting eleven after starting the last two matches against Sydney FC and Perth Glory on the bench.
Adelaide United has beaten Brisbane Roar on Sunday and they want to win again to get closer to Perth Glory while Phoenix want to win this game to overtake Melbourne City to reach the second position in the league table. The clash between The Nix and Adelaide United is set to kick-off at 5pm (local time) and it is going to be broadcasted by FOX Sports 507.
The 2020 edition of the Mobil Super Ligue restarted two weeks ago after the forced break due COVID-19. The completion of the 2nd round of the league was last weekend when Horizon Patho smashed JS Baco by 4-0 in Maré. You can see the full review of the other four matches of the round by clicking here.
This weekend, the rivalry of Hienghène Sport and AS Magenta will continue: Hienghène had its dream season in 2019 when they clinched the Coupe de Calédonie, the Mobil Super Ligue and also the historic title of OFC Champions League. In 2020, AS Magenta starts to revert this situation as Hyehen could not qualify for the knock-out stage of the OFC Champions League and the Nouméa-based club topped the Group C alongside Solomon Islands champions Solomon Warriors and Tahiti’s AS Tiare Tahiti.
Hienghène and AS Magenta are completely tied up in after two rounds of matches in the national league – both sides will met this weekend at Stade Numa-Daly to decide which side will remain as the first-placed team in the league.
AS Magenta and Hienghène Sport will clash this weekend in Nouméa – MSL Media
Also in Nouméa, AS Mont-Dore will expect to recover in the season when they take on Horizon Patho. After suffering two defeats – one by forfeit against Hienghène Sport – the team captained by Cédric Décoiré will expect to surpass Horizon Patho that thrashed JS Baco by 4-0 in the last weekend in their return to football after the COVID-19 break.
Also on Saturday, JS Baco will host SC Ne Drehu at Stade Yoshida in Koné. After being hammered by Horizon Patho away from home, Baco will expect to get their first win at home against a good side of SC Ne Drehu that is still to lose this season.
On Sunday two more matches will finish the round at Stade Numa-Daly: AS Wetr will take on AS Kunié as the newcomers in the league expect to get their fist victory at the top-tier league before suffering two-six goal conceding defeats. AS Wetr comes from a 2-2 draw against Ne Drehu and will expect the likes of Germain Haewegene can guide them back to the winning ways. The second match of the day in Nouméa will see Jean-Philippe Saïko and AS Lössi to take on good team of Tiga Sport.
Oceania Football Center 