Papua New Guinea’s prime minister James Marape announced on this Monday that it was ordered a swift lockdown of the country’s capital Port Moresby as the country recorded its first confirmed COVID-19 death.
In the face of the country’s first confirmed COVID-19 death, a 35-year-old man, Marape announced a swath of restrictions to help curb the spread of the virus. The capital Port Moresby will close to non-essential business for 14 days from Tuesday, schools will be shuttered and a nighttime curfew imposed.
2019-20 National Soccer League’s resumption can be delayed
According to reliable sources, all ten National Soccer League clubs are yet to receive a formal message from Papua New Guinea Footbal Association (PNGFA) and National Soccer League Board whether the competition resumed or be cancelled.
Oceania Football Center team is keeping up with all updates in order to bring the most accurate information to our followers.
Le célèbre entraîneur français Thierry Sardo n’est plus en Nouvelle-Calédonie – il est rentré en France aujourd’hui (27 juillet) après 15 ans de service pour le football néo-calédonien, dont cinq ans comme entraîneur des Cagous. Il a également guidé l’AS Mont-Dore vers un titre de Mobil Super Ligue pendant son séjour en Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Thierry Sardo
Sardo a mené l’équipe nationale de football de Nouvelle-Calédonie à la médaille d’or des Jeux du Pacifique de 2015 et a également guidé l’équipe nationale jusqu’en demi-finale de la Coupe des Nations de l’OFC de 2016, où elle a été battue par la Nouvelle-Zélande. À l’époque de Thierry Sardo, différents joueurs basés à l’étranger ont été présentés à l’équipe nationale; des noms tels que Jorys Mene, Jean-Philippe Saïko et Stéphane Tein-Padom ont reçu leurs premières convocations pour Les Cagous avec Sardo comme entraîneur principal. Le Français a également été commentateur de Caledonia TV pour les matchs de football de la Mobil Super Ligue, de la Coupe de Calédonie et de la Ligue des champions de l’OFC.
En raison de la pandémie de COVID-19, les matchs amicaux prévus en Estonie ont été annulés – puis, le dernier match de Sardo à la tête de l’équipe nationale de Nouvelle-Calédonie a été la défaite 2-1 contre la Nouvelle-Zélande en finale des Jeux du Pacifique de 2019. On ne sait toujours pas qui va remplacer Sardo, mais ce qui est certain, c’est l’important héritage qu’il a laissé au football calédonien.
The well-known French head coach Thierry Sardo is not anymore in New Caledonia – he departed back to France today (27th July) after 15 years of service for New Caledonian football, including five years as Les Cagous head coach. He also guided AS Mont-Dore to a Mobil Super Ligue title during his time in New Caledonia.
Thierry Sardo
Sardo led New Caledonia National Football Team 2015 Pacific Games’ gold medal and also guided the national team to the semi-finals of 2016 OFC Nations Cup where they were defeated by New Zealand. During Thierry Sardo’s era, various players based overseas were introduced to the national team; names such as Jorys Mene, Jean-Philippe Saïko and Stéphane Tein-Padom received their first call-ups for Les Cagous having Sardo as a head coach. The Frenchman was also commentator of Caledonia TV for the football matches of Mobil Super Ligue, Coupe de Calédonie and OFC Champions League.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the arranged friendly matches in Estonia were cancelled – then, the final match of Sardo in charge of New Caledonia national team was the 2-1 defeat against New Zealand in 2019 Pacific Games final. It is still unsure who is going to replace Sardo, but he leaves an important legacy to New Caledonian football.
One of the most talented defenders from New Zealand, 21-year-old central back Nando Pijnaker made his official debut for Grassoppers senior team in the 3-2 loss against FC Wil in the Challenge League – the second tier of Swiss football.
FC Wil scored two goals to take the 2-0 lead. Pijnaker came from the bench in the 63rd minute to replace Elias Mesonero to make his first official appearence for his new club. Mychell Chagas scored a brace to tie the match for Grasshoppers but FC Wil still had time to find the net for the third time to seal the 3-2 win.
Nando’s countryman Max Mata was not with the squad for this match. Grasshoppers are currently in the third position in the league with 60 points, only one point behind second-placed team FC Vaduz.
Pijnaker joined the Swiss team in January after spending some months playing for Torslanda from Sweden. Pijnaker was part of New Zealand U-20 squad that played the FIFA U-20 World Cup last year. He made his debut for All Whites last year in a friendly match against Lithuania.
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.
