Oceania Football Center

AS Magenta puts eight-past Vaivase-tai as Germain Haewegene shines bright

AS Magenta opened their OFC Men’s Champions League 2024 campaign with a solid 8-0 win against Samoa’s Vaivase-tai FC in Tahiti. The New Caledonian team, whose original first fixture against Ifira Black Bird FC was rescheduled, dominated from start to finish.

Forward Germain Haewegene, 27, played a pivotal role in AS Magenta’s success, scoring five of the eight goals. Haewegene’s first goal came early, tapping in from close range following a cross from Romarick Luepak. He quickly followed up with a second goal, capitalizing on a loose ball to lift it over the goalkeeper.

Haewegene completed his hat-trick in the 37th minute with a header that found the corner of the net. Just before half-time, he added a fourth with a low shot inside the near post. Florian Gope added another goal with a long-range effort, making it 5-0 at the break.

Haewegene earned himself the ‘Man of the Match’ award – *FTF Media*

Three minutes into the second half, Haewegene scored his fifth goal, finishing a through ball from Luepak. He then assisted Gilbert Kugogne, whose shot went through the goalkeeper’s hands. Substitute Louis Brunet completed the scoring, finding the far corner with a shot from the edge of the area.

AS Magenta will face AS Pirae next, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals. Vaivase-tai FC will look to end their group stage on a positive note against Ifira Black Bird FC. Germain Haewegene’s performance was key to AS Magenta’s convincing win, highlighting his importance to the team.

Ifira Black Bird’s arrival delayed in Tahiti for OFC Champions League; schedule changed once again

Ifira Black Bird FC’s journey to the OFC Men’s Champions League 2024 in Tahiti has been significantly disrupted, leading to a new reshuffle of the tournament schedule. The team from Port Vila, Vanuatu, faced multiple travel hurdles that have delayed their arrival and forced the tournament organizers to adjust match dates accordingly.

The initial delay arose from the collapse of Air Vanuatu last week, which left Ifira Black Bird FC stranded. The situation worsened when their connecting Air Calin flight from Nadi, Fiji, was cancelled due to blockades at Noumea Airport in New Caledonia, leading to its closure and grounding all flights. Situation in Noumea got politicaly serious, the capital of New Caledonia where Ifira players would need to land before travelling to Tahiti is facing a number of violent demostrations after the local government is considerting to change its migration policies.

With these travel disruptions, some matches of the tournament had to be postponed by 24 hours. The new schedule adjustments are as follows:

Match Day 2:
- AS Magenta vs. Vaivase-Tai FC will remain on Wednesday, 15 May 2024.
- AS Pirae vs. Ifira Black Bird FC has been rescheduled to Thursday, 16 May 2024.
Match Day 3:
- All matches will now be played on Saturday, 18 May 2024.
Match Day 1 Rescheduled Match:
- Ifira Black Bird FC vs. AS Magenta will be moved to Monday, 20 May 2024.

The semi-finals and final will proceed as originally scheduled on May 22 and May 24, respectively.

Harry Atisson, president of the Port Vila Football Association, expressed frustration over the travel setbacks but confirmed that OFC has arranged new flights and updated the schedule to ensure Ifira Black Bird FC’s participation in the tournament,he told Oceania Football Center. Despite the challenges, the team remains determined to compete, hoping to replicate and surpass their performance from the last edition, where they reached the semi-finals but were narrowly defeated by Auckland City in a penalty shootout.

As the tournament progresses, fans and organizers alike will be keeping a close eye on Ifira Black Bird FC, anticipating their arrival and looking forward to their contribution to the competition.

Rewa sends Solomon Warrirors home with an impressive comeback win in OFC Champions League

Fijian champions Rewa FC continued their strong start in the OFC Champions League 2024 with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Solomon Warriors on the second matchday of Group A, held at Stade Paea in Tahiti. This victory follows their impressive 2-2 draw with defending champions Auckland City in their opening match.

The match began with Solomon Warriors taking the lead early. In the 15th minute, captain Gagame Feni capitalized on a sharp midfield interception by Jaygray Sipakana, racing through and confidently slotting the ball past Rewa’s goalkeeper, Isikeli Sevanaia. Feni came close to doubling the lead with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target, keeping Rewa in the game.

Rewa responded decisively with two goals in quick succession just before halftime, turning the game on its head. Influential midfielder Setareki Hughes drove forward and found space inside the Warriors’ penalty area, cutting back onto his left foot and firing a low shot into the near corner to equalize.

Minutes later, a perfectly timed through ball found Samu Kautoga, who made no mistake in sending a low shot past the goalkeeper, giving Rewa a 2-1 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Rewa extended their lead further. Josaia Sela timed his run perfectly, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly side-footed home to make it 3-1, securing what seemed to be a comfortable lead.

However, Solomon Warriors fought back. Gagame Feni scored his second goal of the match with a well-placed header at the back post, making it 3-2 and setting up a nervy final fifteen minutes. Despite a late chance for Feni, who fired over the bar from inside the area, Rewa held on for the victory.

Warriors’ John Alick (red) and Rewa’s Tevita Waranaivalu battle for the ball – *OFC Media*

Rewa FC now sits with four points from their first two matches and looks forward to a crucial final group stage match against Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United later this week. A win would secure their spot in the semifinals. Solomon Warriors, meanwhile, are confirmed to exit early, with a final match against Auckland City remaining.

Rodick Singh’s side has shown resilience , particularly through standout performances from Setareki Hughes, Samu Kautoga, and Josaia Sela. Their journey so far underscores their potential to make a significant impact in the tournament.

As Rewa prepares for their decisive match against Hekari United, the team and their supporters are hopeful of continuing their impressive run and securing a place in the knockout stages of the OFC Champions League 2024.

Liam Giilion’s late goal seals Auckland City dramatic stoppage-time win over resiliet Hekari United in OFC Champions League

In a pulsating encounter at the OFC Men’s Champions League, Auckland City FC secured a crucial 1-0 win over Papua New Guinea’s champions, Hekari United, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time goal from Liam Gillion. The victory breathes new life into Auckland City’s campaign following their opening day draw against Rewa FC of Fiji.

Auckland City, the defending champions, dominated possession in the first half but struggled to break down a resolute Hekari United defense. Gerard Garriga had the best chances for the New Zealanders, narrowly missing the target on two occasions. Despite their control, Auckland City could not convert their dominance into goals in the opening 45 minutes.

Hekari United, coming off a strong second-half performance in their 2-0 win over Solomon Warriors last week, posed a constant threat on the counterattack. Ati Kepo, Hekari’s standout player, had the best opportunity in the first half but shot over the bar from a promising position.

The second half mirrored the first, with Auckland City continuing to press while Hekari United defended resolutely. The hot and humid conditions in Tahiti took a toll on both teams, slowing the pace of the game. Liam Gillion emerged as Auckland City’s primary attacking threat, testing Hekari goalkeeper Dave Tomare with a well-struck shot in the 56th minute and a free-kick that just missed the target.

As the match approached its conclusion, Auckland City’s desperation for a goal grew. Substitute Stipe Ukich’s shot narrowly missed, and Tomare made a crucial save to deny Garriga in the dying moments of regular time.

However, the breakthrough finally came in stoppage time. Garriga, latching onto a brilliant through ball, squared it across the face of goal for Gillion, who tapped in from close range to send Auckland City’s supporters into raptures.

Gillion celebrates his goal – *OFC Media*

Hekari United put up a valiant fight, with Tomare’s heroics in goal keeping them in the match until the very end. Despite their solid defensive performance and control of the ball for much of the second half, a lapse in concentration in injury time proved costly.

With this victory, Auckland City bounces back from their initial 2-2 draw against Rewa, keeping their hopes alive for a semi-final berth. Hekari United, despite the loss, remain in contention and will look to secure a spot in the next round in their final group match against Rewa. Auckland City will face Solomon Warriors in what promises to be a decisive match for both teams.

The final group matchday is set to be an exciting conclusion to the group stage, with all teams still in with a chance to progress. Auckland City’s resilience and Gillion’s late heroics have set the stage for a thrilling finish to the group phase of the OFC Men’s Champions League.

Solomon Warriors to change strategy against Rewa in OFC Champions League clash

The Solomon Warriors are set to alter their game plan in tomorrow’s OFC Men’s Champions League match against Rewa in Tahiti. This strategic shift comes after contrasting outcomes in their recent matches: Rewa’s 2-2 draw with defending champions Auckland City, and the Warriors’ 0-2 loss to Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United.

Solomon Warriors players in training session – *SW Media*

Solomon Warriors coach Frank Ne’e highlighted the distinct playing styles of their opponents, noting that while Rewa presents a challenging game, their approach differs from Hekari’s aggressive, high-energy play. “I think Rewa is the same like Hekari but Hekari is more aggressive and they play running football so we’ll need to change our playing style depending on Rewa’s game,” said Ne’e.

In a boost for Rewa, the Delta Tigers will see the return of key players Samuela Kautoga and Iosefo Verevou, who are available for selection after serving suspensions for yellow card accumulations during the National Play-offs against Lautoka in February.

AS Magenta’s Germain Haewegene on full swing heading for OFC Champions League campaign

🇫🇷 Français

The New Caledonian champions AS Magenta comes poised with a prolific goalscorer commanding their troops: the 27-year-old player Germain Haewegene, member of the New Caledonia national team, is one of the biggest prospects to watch in the current OFC Champions League. The star-striker is set to make his debut at OFC Champions League this Wednesday as they play Ifira Black Bird – the Ni-Vanuatu side had travel issues and ended up having their first match rescheduled.

The former AS Wetr striker is in a hot form in Super Ligue back in the French territory; in nine matches Haewegene scored impressive 13 goals – surpassing already his mark in the previous season when he scored 12 goals in the entire season. “We are all ready for this competition. Our first goals is to come as group winners“, said the striker – when asked if ASM could return to the grand final of the tournament as it happened back in 2019, Haewegene was emphatic: “we are a new generation and yes, we’ve got the squad for it!”, added the player.

Haewegene in action for AS Magenta – *FCF Media*

“I’m going to contribute and help my team as much as I can in this competition and score as many goals as possible“, said the player when asked about his impressive current goalscoring record. “This is my first OFC Champions League appearance, so I don’t know my opponents that well, so I’m telling myself that I have to go all out for the games and give my best for the team“, said the player regarding AS Magenta opponets in the group stage – “the matches will be tough because these are the local champions of each country, which means that the level will be there. If we’re in this competition, it means we’ve earned it, so it’s up to us to put the right ingredients and the right frame of mind in place.“, added Haewegene in interview to Oceania Football Center.

Magenta is grouped alongside Ifira Black Bird (Vanuatu), Vaivaise-tai (Samoa) and the local representatives AS Pirae (Tahiti). “We know that our supporters and the whole of New Caledonia are behind us for this competition. We’ll be giving it our all“, said the striker as he expects the support back from his supports and countrymen ahead of this massive challenge for the current national champions of New Caledonia.

Hosts AS Pirae dominates Samoa’s Vaivaise-tai to secure strong start in O-League’s group B

Tahiti’s AS Pirae stormed into the OFC Men’s Champions League with a resounding 6-0 triumph over Samoa’s Vaivase-tai FC in their Group B opener, held at Stade Pater in Papeete.

Under the guidance of Vatea Terai, AS Pirae showcased their intentions early on, eager to improve upon last year’s semifinal finish. However, it was Vaivase-tai who threatened first, with an early goal disallowed due to an offside call against Alman Kwan in the 5th minute.

AS Pirae quickly turned the tables, capitalizing on their opportunities. Haumau Tanetoa’s skillful play down the flank set up Sandro Tau for the opening goal, putting the hosts ahead. Despite sporadic counterattacks from Vaivase-tai, AS Pirae maintained control, with Patrick Tepa extending their lead just before halftime.

Vaivai-se and Pirae playes battle for the ball – *OFC Media*

The second half saw AS Pirae further assert their dominance. Ariiura Labaste and the Belgian Désiré Ngiamba added to the scoreline with impressive strikes, leaving Vaivase-tai struggling to contain the onslaught. Labaste secured his brace from the penalty spot after Windsor Tevita-Tanielu fouled Tau in the box, while Yohann Tihoni sealed the victory with a well-placed shot from the penalty spot.

The comprehensive win gives AS Pirae an early advantage in Group B, especially with the postponement of the Ifira Black Bird and AS Magenta match. With their sights set on another semifinal berth, AS Pirae has laid down a marker for their rivals in the tournament.

Josaia Sela shows his credentials with strong performance against Auckland City

Rewa managed to hold Auckland City to a 2-2 draw in the opening match of the OFC Champions League 2024 held in Tahiti. The Delta Tigers managed to be up by one goal for only two minutes in the second half after two strikes from the 21-year-old striker Josaia Sela.

Sela – that suffered a serious injury in 2020 when he was in only 17-years-old fracturing his tibia in a Battle of Giants match against Ba in an accidental clash against his current teammate Isikeli Sevanaia – bounced back in his career after being around 18 months away from football and is proving to be one of the most intriguing prospects of Fijian football currently.

Josaia Sela celebrates one of his goals – *OFC Media*

The striker is still to make his debut for the Bula Boys and only appeared for the youth national teams of his country. In his team debut match in the current edition of the OFC Champions League, Sela managed to be a constant threat for the powerhouse Auckland City upfront and took his chances in two quick goals scored from long-range. Watch all goals of the encounter by clicking here.

Despite not ending up on what would be a famous victory for Rewa, Sela earned himself the ‘Man of the Match’ award of Oceania Football Confederation and now looks ahead for their upcoming clash against Solomon Islands’ champions Solomon Warriors in the midweek. Sela has still a lot to go through in his football career but can already state he is warrior for overcoming a very serious injury at so young age and returning to competitive football with a great statement against the most important football team of the region.

Rewa’s talented 17-year-old Delon Shankar makes OFC Champions League debut

The 2-2 Rewa draw against powerhouse Auckland City saw the debut of the very talented Delon Shankar in the most important club football competition of the region.

The Fijian youth international that just recently completed 17 years of age on March was deployed as right midfielder by the head coach Rodick Singh and played most of the game being only subbed-off at the middle of the second half.

Delon Shankar (red) in the match against Auckland City FC – *OFC Media*

Shankar is one of the most promising talents of Fijian football currently. The player represented Fiji in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship held in Suva and his superb performances made him to be called up for the senior squad of the Delta Tigers.

Shankar, that can play in all positions in the right and also as central defender, possesses very good height and physical presence in the game despite his young age. The 17-year-old is being used consistently by the coach Singh in the Fijian football season and is having his biggest challenge on this year’s OFC Champions League.

Hekari’s Ati Kepo scores brilliant goal against Solomon Warriors in OFC Champions League

Papua New Guinea international Ati Kepo was instrumental for his side Hekari United in a hard fought 2-0 win over Solomon Islands’ representatives Solomon Warriors in both sides debut in the 2024 edition of the OFC Champions League.

In the 70th minute of action the 28-year-old player made a brilliant run and slashed an improbable shot from a tight angle that found the top-corner of goalkeeper Mae’arasia to put his side upfront in very contested match. Later Rex Naime added another to the scoresheet to confirm Hekari’s win.