Brian Kaltak: Vanuatu’s football hero scores his first professional goal

In a historic moment for Vanuatu football, national team captain Brian Kaltak has notched his first professional goal for the Central Coast Mariners last week (Oct, 4th), marking a significant milestone in his career. The central defender made headlines with his impressive performance as the Mariners cruised to a commanding 9-1 victory over Stallions from the Philippines in the second round of the AFC Cup’s pool stage. Kaltak’s journey to this memorable moment has been a remarkable; at 30 years of age, he is currently the most prominent footballer to emerge from Vanuatu.

Kaltak’s historic moment came during a match in which the Central Coast Mariners dominated Stallions from the Philippines, winning convincingly with a final scoreline of 9-1. The match showcased Kaltak’s versatility, as he managed to contribute not only defensively but also on the offensive end. He seized an opportunity during a corner kick and delivered a precise shot that left the Stallions’ goalkeeper with no chance, securing the fourth goal for the Mariners in the game. You can watch the play by clicking here.

Kaltak (center) celebrates – A-League Media

Prior to this remarkable achievement, Kaltak had already made history by becoming the first-ever Vanuatu player to compete in an international competition outside of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). This occurred during the Mariners’ debut away match in Malaysia, where they faced Terengganu. Despite a surprising 1-0 defeat, Kaltak’s presence on the field underscored his growing influence on the Mariners’ defensive line.

Brian Kaltak’s professional journey is emblematic of the progress and potential of football in Vanuatu and the Oceania region. His dedication and talent have earned him a coveted spot in the Australian professional league, where he played a vital role in the Mariners’ A-League championship win in the previous season. As a leader, a defender, and now a goal scorer, Kaltak’s story continues to inspire and shine a light on the growing prominence of football in Vanuatu.

Solomon Islands futsal dominance comes to an end as New Zealand progress to OFC Futsal Nations Cup grand final

Oceania will have a new representative at the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup: the dominance of Solomon Islands came to an end as the Kurukuru were knocked-out of the OFC Futsal Nations Cup held in Auckland, New Zealand after a tough defeat against the home side. The Solomon Islanders were in the hunt for their 5th consecutive appearance in the world stage, but their Futsal dominance was ready to be challenged for maybe its first time since the competitive tournaments in the region started.

The Kurukuru started with two draws in the group stage – something that never happened before in the World Cup qualifiers in OFC – against New Caledonia and Tahiti, falling short to lose both games. But the team coached by Damon Shaw sealed their spot in the semifinals after beating Samoa 13-2 in the final pool match – but not enough to clinch the top of the group meaning they would face New Zealand already in the semifinal stage, not in the grand final as expected.

Playing at home the Futsal Whites made no mistake scoring early with Logan Wisnewski and still in the first half seeing Stephen Ashby-Beckham to double the lead. In the second half the always-good Charlie Otainao reduced the margin for the Kurukuru, although only two minutes later Casey Sharplin restored the two-goal cushion.

Solomon Islands’ Calvin Do’oro was sent-off to make things even harder for Solomon Islands, but they still managed in the late stages of the game to reduce the margin through Elis Mana. In the final seconds of the game New Zealand’s goalkeeper Mike Antamanov sealed the win for New Zealand with long-range shot finding the empty nets of Solomon Islands as the Kurukuru went ahead with all its players to find a desperate equaliser.

Charlie Otainao saddened by its defeat while New Zealand players celebrate – SIFF/OFC Media

Despite counting on the brilliant Micah Lea’alafa in great form – the Kurukuru‘s number 10 scored six in the tournament being the top scorer so far – the Solomon Islands could not achieve its ultimate goal: this is the first time Solomon Islands is defeated by New Zealand in the FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers, meaning the Kurukuru is facing its final moment in the dominant era; they will not be represeting OFC in the upcoming international tournament and finally the Futsal Whites will have a final game not as underdogs but yes as favourites to clinch OFC’s berth for the most important Futsal competition worldwide.

The home team will face another tough opponent in the grand final: Tahiti. The Kurukuru will have to settle down and contest for the 3rd place against Fiji that lost 7-3 to the Tahitians in the other semifinal match of the day.

This coming Saturday (07th Sep) will mark the decisive finish of Solomon Islands’ reign in OFC’s Futsal as the South Pacific fans will get to know which of Tahiti or New Zealand will represent the confederation in Uzbekistan’s 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup.

OFC Olympic Qualifiers: Fiji ends Solomon Islands impressive run with a resouding win to clinch final berth

In a thrilling showdown at the OFC Olympic Qualifiers, the Fiji U-23 football team emerged triumphant with a resounding 3-0 victory over the Solomon Islands at Mt Smart Stadium. The win not only secured their spot in the decisive clash against New Zealand but also ignited their dreams of earning a coveted place in the upcoming Paris 2024 Men’s Football Tournament.

The star of the match and captain of the Fijian side, Etonia Dogalau, led his team to glory by scoring two crucial goals. Dogalau’s impressive performance showcased his exceptional talent and leadership on the field, earning him the spotlight in this significant victory.

Fiji’s Aporosa Yada tries a shot in the match between Solomon Islands and Fiji – OFC Media

The third goal for Fiji came courtesy of the New Zealand-based defensive midfielder, Brandon McCullen, who added his name to the scorecard, sealing the team’s dominant win. The collective effort and skill displayed by the Fijian squad demonstrated their determination to secure their spot in the prestigious Paris 2024 Men’s Football Tournament.

This exceptional performance sets the stage for the much-anticipated final showdown against New Zealand. The New Zealand team also exhibited their prowess by defeating Vanuatu, ensuring a high-stakes championship match that promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football enthusiasts.

The final is scheduled to take place at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, September 9th, 2023. Football fans from all over the Pacific region will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this match, as the winner will earn the coveted opportunity to represent Oceania on the grand stage of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

A walk in the park: Vanuatu imposes no resistante to New Zealand dominance at OFC Olympic Qualifiers’ semifinal

The New Zealand U-23 side showcased their prowess on the football field by crushing Vanuatu 8-0 in the semifinal of the OFC Olympic Qualifiers. The match took place at the Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland and witnessed an extraordinary performance from the Kiwi youngsters.

Right from the opening whistle, New Zealand exhibited their attacking prowess, leaving Vanuatu with no chance to make their mark on the game. The OlyWhites took control early on, with a flurry of goals coming in rapid succession. Jesse Randall led the charge, securing a double with goals in the 3rd and 12t displaying exceptional speed and precision in front of the goal.

The onslaught continued as Oskar Van Hattum added to the tally with goals in the 10th and 39th minutes. George Ott converted a penalty in the 17th minute, adding to Vanuatu’s woes. Ryan Verney contributed to the scoreboard with a goal in the 43rd minute, further solidifying New Zealand’s dominance in the first half. The Vanuatu defense struggled to contain the relentless attacks of the New Zealand side throughout the opening 45 minutes, conceding six goals by halftime.

During the halftime interval, New Zealand made five substitutions, reducing their intensity in the second half. Despite the changes, they managed to score twice more, with Aaryan Raj finding the back of the net in the 57th and 72nd minutes. The second half was no diffrent than the first spell – New Zealand total domination.

New Zealand players celebrate one of their goals – OFC Media

With this impressive 8-0 victory, New Zealand U-23 secured their place in the final of the OFC Olympic Qualifiers. They will now face Fiji in the eagerly anticipated showdown. The OlyWhites will be looking to carry their winning momentum into the final as they aim to secure their spot in the Paris Olympics.

New Zealand’s outstanding performance in the semifinal has not only solidified their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the region, but sent a message to their final opponents stating how hard it will be to surpass in the decisive clash. The OlyWhites have certainly made a statement with their incredible display of skill and teamwork, and all eyes will be on them as they chase their Olympic dream.

PNG: Players assault match officials in Morobe Wawens vs Lae City match

In a shocking turn of events, the National Soccer League (NSL) match between Morobe Wawens and Lae City witnessed a disgraceful outbreak of violence as players assaulted match officials, leaving the football community stunned and the nation in uproar.

The ill-fated match took place on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Lae, and quickly descended into chaos. Fans who had gathered to witness what should have been a thrilling football encounter were left in disbelief as the game spiraled out of control.

According to eyewitnesses, the aggression began when a controversial decision by one of the match officials incited outrage among the players of Morobe Wawens and Lae City. Tempers flared, and what initially seemed like a heated argument soon escalated into physical violence – players of Morobe Wawens thrown punches to match officials. You can check the footage of the actions by clicking here.

The match officials, who were tasked with ensuring fair play and adherence to the rules of the game, found themselves at the receiving end of the players’ fury. It has been reported that two match officials were subjected to physical assaults.

The incident has sent shockwaves throughout Papua New Guinea’s football community, prompting immediate investigations by relevant authorities. The PNG Football Association (PNGFA) and the National Soccer League (NSL) have both expressed their deep concern over the incident and have launched separate investigations into the matter.

PNGFA President, John Kapi Natto, issued a statement condemning the violence, saying, “Such behavior has no place in our beloved sport. We will not tolerate any form of violence, especially towards match officials who are there to ensure the integrity of the game.”

Brawl in Wawens vs Lae City clash – Post Courier

The NSL has also vowed to take decisive action against those responsible for the disgraceful acts witnessed on the field. They have emphasized that the players and clubs involved will face strict penalties if found guilty of assault and misconduct.

As investigations continue, both Morobe Wawens and Lae City are awaiting the outcome of the inquiries, which could have far-reaching consequences for their respective football seasons.

The sad news coming from Morobe province hit Papua New Guinea football circles hard in a period already full of controversies. The local fans made their voices clear stating that “PNGFA administration is killing the code” in the country due a number of management issues in the national league, national teams and also bad results as the 10-0 loss to Malaysia in a recent Kapuls friendly match.

The local football community in Papua New Guinea now waits anxiously for the results of the investigations, hoping for swift justice and a firm stance against such reprehensible behavior on the field.

Raphael Lea’i misses semifinal clash against Fiji in OFC Olympic Qualifiers due to visa Issues

In a disappointing turn of events for the Solomon Islands U23 football team, star player Raphael Lea’i will be unable to join his teammates in the crucial semifinal clash against Fiji in the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifiers. This setback is due to unforeseen visa difficulties that have left the talented young footballer unable to make the journey to Fiji for this pivotal encounter. Recently, it was told to Oceania Football Center the forward had already its visa sorted by Solympcis head coach Eddie Marahare, although unfortunately at the eleventh hour Solomon Islands Football Federation confirmed the played joined the senior team training sessions apart from joining the squad for the semifinal match.

“I want to wish my brothers in the Solympics squad all the very best and urge them to stay focused for this important match this evening. Go Solo Go!” Raphael stated in the SIFF’s press release.

While it is indeed a regrettable situation, there remains a glimmer of hope for fans of Raphael Lea’i and the Solomon Islands U23 team. Reports suggest that if the team manages to secure victory in the semifinal against Fiji and advances to the final of the Olympic qualification, there is potential for Raphael to join the squad. SIFF president, Don Marahare, told Oceania Football Center the governing football body even asked to Solomon Islands immigration office to further assist in the vissa process to make it possible for the player to take part in the competition.

Raphael Lea’i training with the national team – SIFF Media

As the team prepares to face Fiji in this crucial match, the support of both fans and teammates will be pivotal. Raphael Lea’i’s words of encouragement, despite his absence, serve as a reminder of the unity and spirit that drives the Solympics squad forward.

The Solomon Islands football community will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of the semifinal clash against Fiji. The absence of Raphael Lea’i is undoubtedly dissapointing after the player being so close to make it to New Zealand to take part in the semifinal, but it is good point Solomon Islands had won all its matches so far in the competition and comes strong for the clash against Fiji

Micah Lea’alafa returns to boost Kurukuru at OFC Futsal Nations Cup

The Solomon Islands national futsal team, the Kurukuru, is gearing up for the OFC Futsal Nations Cup 2023 in New Zealand, and they have received a significant boost with the return of Micah Lea’alafa to their ranks. The talented attacker, who recently concluded the season with the Australian club FK Beograd in the National Premier League 2023, is back home and eager to represent his country once again.

The local legend has been included in Damon Shaw’s 18-man provisional list for the upcoming tournament. The team has been in intensive training over the past weeks as they prepare for the FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifying campaign this October.

Micah Lea’alafa in action for the Kurukuru – SIFF Media

In an interview with SIFF Media, Micah expressed his delight at returning to the futsal scene, describing it as going back to his roots. “For me, it’s been a while since I’ve been involved in futsal, as I’ve been playing outdoors. But coming back feels like home for me. Futsal is where I started, and I’m proud and honored to join and help Kurukuru once again,” he said.

Micah Lea’alafa, often considered the poster boy of Solomon Islands futsal, is confident in the current Kurukuru setup’s abilities. He believes they are on the right track ahead of the crucial qualifiers and aims to use his experience to inspire the team’s younger players to reach new heights. “I’m very much looking forward to helping the young boys in the Kurukuru setup. We need to work on a few aspects of the game with the coach, especially on swift defending tactics, but I trust we are up for the challenge next month,” Micah added.

As the clock ticks down to the OFC Futsal Nations Cup 2023, the final 14-man squad is set to be announced later this month. The Kurukuru will be defending their title in what promises to be an exciting and competitive tournament, and with the return of Micah Lea’alafa, fans are filled with optimism about their team’s chances.

Raphael Lea’i is set to join Solomon Islands U-23 squad in New Zealand for OFC Olympic Qualifiers semi-finals

Young football sensation Raphael Lea’i is all set to join the Solympics squad as they prepare to battle it out at the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifiers in Auckland, New Zealand. Le’ai, who recently was released by FK Velež Mostar in Europe, will bring his exceptional talent and skills to boost the national U-23 team’s chances of securing a spot in the Olympics.

Lea’i’s arrival in Auckland is eagerly anticipated, with the football prodigy expected to touch down this Monday, the 4th of September. His presence is anticipated to add firepower to the Solympics‘ attack as they brace themselves for a critical semi-final showdown against Fiji on Wednesday. Solomon Islands U-23 team head coach Eddie Marahare confirmed to Oceania Football Center the availability of the star player after sorting his visa for the semi-final clash against Fiji.

The inclusion of Raphael Lea’i in the Solympics provisional squad list before the Olympic Qualifiers was met with excitement and optimism among fans. Le’ai’s reputation as a prolific scorer and his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates make him a valuable asset for the team, particularly in high-stakes matches like the upcoming semi-final. Recently, after being released by his club in Europe amidst around some polemics, Lea’i is definitely going to represent his country as he will be given a decisive spot in the squad for the knockout stage.

Raphael Lea’i – OFC Media

The Solympics, led by coach Eddie Marahare, will undoubtedly look to harness Raphael Lea’i’s exceptional skills to secure victory in the upcoming semi-final. With the prospect of an Olympic berth hanging in the balance, the pressure is on, but Le’ai’s presence on the field is expected to provide the team with a significant advantage.

With the talent, dedication, and international experience that Raphael Lea’i brings to the squad, the Solympics have every reason to believe that they can emerge victorious in the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifiers and take a step closer to realizing their Olympic dream. The nation eagerly awaits the kickoff, ready to rally behind their team as they strive for glory on the international stage.

Javin Wae: from rock-solid Central Defender to a goal-scoring sensation in OFC Olympic Qualifiers

Solomon Islands U-23 captain Javin Wae is making waves in the OFC Olympic Qualifiers, showcasing his versatility as both a central defender and a goal scorer. Despite being primarily known for his defensive prowess, the 20-year-old has emerged as an unexpected goalscoring star in the tournament.

Wae’s goal-scoring exploits have been nothing short of impressive, with three goals to his name already. This tally surpasses his entire season’s goal count for Central Coast in the Telekom S-League, where he managed to score just two goals. It is a remarkable transformation for the young talent, who has transitioned into an offensive weapon for his national team.

Javin Wae was awarded the Man of the Match against Samoa – OFC Media

Wae confirms that his contributions to the team go beyond than his strong defensive presence with the top-goalscoring seat claimed; he is recognised a rock-solid central back, that is helping his side that conceded only one goal in three matches. His leadership qualities as the team captain have played a crucial role in maintaining the team’s resilience and unity.

In the football-rich Solomon Islands, Javin Wae is emerging as a big talent, more than potential future star, the defender has already turned himself into a national team starter. His unexpected goal-scoring prowess in the OFC Olympic Qualifiers has not only raised eyebrows but also given the nation hope as they aim for a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. With their upcoming match against Fiji, Wae’s performance will undoubtedly be a focal point as he continues to make a name for himself on the international stage.

Solomon Islands beats Tonga to confirm first place finish in OFC Olympic Qualifiers’ Group B

In the latest developments at the OFC Olympic Qualifier, the Solomon Islands U-23 team has emerged as a formidable force, clinching victory in all three of their pool matches. With an unwavering performance in the group stage, they have earned themselves a spot in the highly anticipated semi-final clash against Fiji.

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the Solomon Islands U-23 team took center stage as they faced off against Tonga. The match showcased their prowess, resulting in a commanding 5-1 victory for the Solympics.

The opening goal came in the 16th minute, courtesy of Honiara City’s Junior Rocky, displaying the precision and teamwork that define this young squad. Dalton Saeni, another player of Honiara City FC, further bolstered their lead with a well-timed strike just before the halftime whistle.

The beginning of the second half saw Calvin Ohasio, an introduction to the game, make his presence felt by adding another goal to the Solomon Islands’ tally. The Central Coast’s Hudyn Irodao then extended the lead with a fourth goal, reaffirming the dominance of the Solympics. The fifth and final goal of the match was notched by SOSA’s Wesley Toitani, putting an exclamation mark on an outstanding performance by the team.

Solomon Islands’ players celebrate – OFC Media

Tonga managed to break through the formidable defense of the Solomon Islands U-23 team with a goal in the 74th minute, credited to David-John Tuamoheloa. However, this proved to be a mere lapse of concentration for the substitute goalkeeper Lucian Sooga, as it would be the only goal Tonga would score in the entire tournament. Unfortunately for Tonga, this result marked the end of their journey in the group stage.

As the tournament progresses, the Solomon Islands U-23 team’s remarkable form and unyielding determination have made them a force to be reckoned with. Their next challenge lies in the semi-final clash against Fiji, a match that promises to be a showdown of Oceania’s finest talent. With a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics at stake, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and fans can expect an intense battle between these two talented teams.