Oceania Football Center

Nabil Begg puts on a show against Papua New Guinea at OFC Olympic Qualifiers

In a thrilling encounter in the OFC Olympic Qualifiers, the Fijian U-23 side showcased their dominance with a resounding 2-0 victory over Papua New Guinea, thanks in large part to the mesmerizing performance of their young star, Nabil Begg. The match not only secured Fiji’s spot in the semi-finals but also served as a testament to the exceptional talent of this rising Fijian football sensation.

Nabil Begg, donning the coveted number 10 jersey and representing the prestigious club Ba, illuminated the pitch with his remarkable display of skill and composure. At just 19 years old, Begg had already made waves in the Fijian football scene, having earned a call-up to the senior national team and even participated in the U-20 World Cup held in Argentina earlier in the year – an experience that undoubtedly bolstered his confidence and prowess on the field.

Begg’s contribution in the crucial encounter against Papua New Guinea was nothing short of spectacular. He operated as a right winger, orchestrating Fiji’s attacks with precision and flair. What truly set him apart, however, were the two sublime assists he provided, both of which resulted in goals that sealed Fiji’s passage to the semi-finals.

Nabil Begg was chosen the Man of the Match against PNG – *OFC Media*

The first assist, delivered with pinpoint accuracy, found Etonia Dogalau in the perfect position to strike the ball into the back of the net. It was a masterclass in vision and execution, showcasing Begg’s ability to dissect the opposing defense with his passing.

The second assist was equally breathtaking. Begg, demonstrating lightning-quick footwork and an innate understanding of the game, threaded a sublime cross to Aporosa Yada, who made no mistake in converting the chance. It was another example of Begg’s ability to turn a game on its head with his playmaking abilities.

Throughout the match, Begg displayed an exceptional combination of skills, using his body to shield the ball, quick feet to outmaneuver defenders, and a sharp footballing IQ to create opportunities for his teammates. His dynamic presence on the field kept the Papua New Guinea defense on their toes throughout the game, as he consistently posed a potent threat to their backline.

With their victory secured, Fiji’s U-23 side now looks ahead to the semi-final clash against the Solomon Islands, buoyed by the brilliance of Nabil Begg and the promise of even greater achievements on the horizon. As a rising star in Fijian football, Begg’s performance against Papua New Guinea not only solidified his reputation as one of the country’s most promising talents but also raised the hopes and expectations of fans for what the future holds for this remarkable young player.

Vanuatu bounces back early scare from Samoa to confirm spot at OFC Olympic Qualifiers’ semi-final stage

In a decisive at the OFC Olympic Qualifier, Vanuatu’s U-23 national team secured their place in the semi-finals against New Zealand, the top-placed team in Pool A. The match unfolded with a series of exciting moments, including goals from both sides and a dramatic red card that tilted the game in Vanuatu’s favour.

The action kicked-off in the 16th minute when Juan Gobbi opened the scoring for Samoa following a well-executed corner kick. Greg Siamoa approached the rebound but Vanuatu’s goalkeeper saved it, but Gobbi managed to get another chance to finally put in the nets. However, Vanuatu wasted no time in responding, with Ronn Tasarur striking from long range just four minutes later to level the score at 1-1. The match was shaping up to be a fierce battle between the two teams.

The 30th minute saw Vanuatu take the lead when Joe Moses calmly converted a penalty kick. The team’s brilliance on the counter-attack was on full display as they continued to apply pressure on Samoa. In the 38th minute, George Chichirua embarked on a powerful run down the right wing and delivered a pinpoint cross to Moses, who headed home for his second goal of the match. Vanuatu now held a commanding 3-1 lead, leaving Samoa with a mountain to climb.

Vanuatu players celebrate one of their goals – *OFC Media*

Vanuatu only needed a draw to secure their spot in the semi-finals, but they had their sights set on victory. With a combination of skillful play and relentless determination, they aimed to finish the match on a high note.

Samoa’s hopes suffered a severe blow in the 70th minute when Jesse Vine was shown a straight red card for an elbow to the face of Chima Chillia. This red card effectively ended Samoa’s challenge, leaving them with ten players on the field and a significant disadvantage. Vanuatu, on the other hand, seized the opportunity to further assert their dominance and control the pace of the game.

As the final whistle blew, Vanuatu emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline, securing their place in the semi-finals against New Zealand. Their impressive performance showcased their skill and determination, as they overcame early adversity to claim a well-deserved victory.

The stage is now set for an exciting semi-final clash between Vanuatu and New Zealand, where the winner will take a significant step towards Olympic qualification. With their recent triumph and the momentum gained from this victory, Vanuatu’s football fans have every reason to be optimistic as their team continues its journey in the OFC Olympic Qualifier.

OFC Olympic Qualifiers: Fiji beats PNG late arrival team to clinch semi-final spot

Fiji’s U23 national team secured a place in the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifier by defeating Papua New Guinea with a final score of 2-0. This crucial victory was marked by strong performance of Fijian defensive system that did not allow Papua New Guinea real goalscoring chances; thus the result was 2-0, Fiji had chances to make it an even bigger margin.

Papua New Guinea, in the other hand, was allowed a late arrival by OFC to play its final match against Fiji after no-show against New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament. The points of the contest were awarded to New Zealand and PNG was forced to have a win against Fiji to proceed to the knock-out stage – something they were never close to achieve.

The opening moments of the game set the tone for Fiji’s dominance. Just five minutes in, Etonia Dogalau, the team captain, showcased his leadership by heading the ball into the net after a precise cross from his Ba teammate, Nabil Begg. Dogalau’s early goal ignited the stadium with cheers, signaling Fiji’s unwavering determination to claim victory.

In the second half, the spotlight shifted to Aporosa Yada, who had already scored once in the tournament. Yada once again demonstrated his aerial prowess, expertly heading the ball into the goal following another superb cross delivered by Nabil Begg. This goal not only extended Fiji’s lead but also solidified Yada’s reputation as a vital offensive asset for his team.

Nabil Begg’s role in Fiji’s triumph cannot be overstated. Throughout the match, Begg showcased his quick footwork, confounding the Papua New Guinea defense and creating scoring opportunities. His pinpoint crosses were instrumental in Fiji’s success, and his dynamic presence on the field kept the opposition defense on edge.

With this victory, Fiji has booked their spot in the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifier. They are likely now facing Solomon Islands in the next stage battling for a berth in the grand final match to determine which OFC’s member will represent Oceania at Paris 2024.

Raphael Lea’i situation explained: Green light is given for international duties and homecoming permission by FK Velež Mostar

After the recent news on Raphael Lea’i possible departure of his club in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s top-tier, Velež Mostar, a number of fans had questioned the reasons behind the player’s decision. The still 19-year-old Solomon Islands’ football star did not have enough game time as expected, allegated homesickness as stated by Bosnian media outlets and was granted permission to come home as recently informed by Mr. Adnan Dizdarević to Oceania Football Center and local football insiders: “In agreement with the president of the club, he was given permission to play for the Solomon Islands U23 national team. Also his desire is to return home because he misses his family, and the club will respect that because it is important to us that Raphael is happy“, said the Mostar-based side staff member – “The situation is clear, this is only Raphael’s decision, the club respects it and did not want to cause any problems. We respect and appreciate him“, he added.

Currently, the Solympics are vying for a spot at Paris 2024 Men’s Football Olympic Tournament. The Solomon Islands squad is currently in Auckland and had won its first two matches in the pool and is set for a semifinal encounter – which is very likely to be against Fiji. Recently, as confirmed by Solympics‘ head coach Eddie Marahare, Lea’i is included in the team squad for the tournament and he is eligible to join the team at any stage of the competition. As Raphael Lea’i is cleared by his club in Europe, the 19-year-old can be a gold reinforcement for the Solympics. According to close people to the player, it is uncertain whether he will be able to travel to New Zealand to join the squad in time for the upcoming matches due visa issues, although the hope is still there. With the inclusion of the star player, certainly the chances for Solomon Islands to grab an upset against the favourites to win the tournament, New Zealand, get increased.

In recent interview to local media source AW Inf4rmation Centre – where you can check the full interview -, Lea’i further stressed “that it has been seven months now with some expectation from him to be having more footballing time and opportunity but the club has not lived up to what he thought they have presented” and also added to the local media as follows: “I believe I was given hope by the club to me seven months ago in regards to my football opportunity and it has not unveiled accordingly. I also experience struggling in my life with so little finance earned out of this opportunity too and I have not been able to have something or any form of financial benefit to show for my efforts, my time here and I think this is not healthy. Given all of this it took a toll on me too and honestly, it is not an easy situation. I felt returning home to gain support from family and also to play and enjoy national football duty will be some form of relief for me“.

In the words of Lea’i it is clear to see frustration, contributing to missing his good times back in Solomon Islands closer to his relatives. Although, as also mentioned by the player, national team duties and family support can be the relief needed to re engage in his professional career activities – in Bosnia or elsewhere: “I am optimistic for my football career despite this situation and I always believe in how I approach everything by putting God first, being committed and work hard in everything is what I do always“, stated Lea’i in the interview.

Regarding his contractual terms, the situation is clear: “His contract has not been terminated, he can return after playing for the national team, and if he decides otherwise, then the other club should contact Velež and pay compensation, this is quite normal in football because he has a valid contract until 30th May, 2024“, stated Adnan Dizdarević – the same was stated in Raphael Lea’i’s interview: “Any interest from other clubs, they will have to communicate directly with the FK Velež Monster club to meet certain requirements before releasing the player“.

It is expected Lea’i arrives back in Honiara in the coming days; the player has already sorted his flight tickets, soon the star player might hit the shores of Solomon Islands again. Hopefully he will be able to contribute to the Solympics in the knockout stage of the OFC Olympic Qualifiers and also return to professional football action very soon.

Solympics overcomes red card to clinch semifinal spot as they surpass Samoa at OFC Olympic Qualifiers

Solomon Islands triumphed over Samoa with a strong 3-0 victory in Group B action of the OFC Olympic Qualifiers. This triumph not only showcased the team’s prowess on the field but also highlighted their ability to navigate challenges and come out on top.

The goalscorers of the match were instrumental in securing the Solomon Islands’ victory. Junior Rocky set the tone for the team’s success with a well-timed strike in the 39th minute, which energized his teammates and put Samoa on the back foot. Javin Wae continued the momentum with a crucial goal in the 60th minute, displaying exceptional coordination and accuracy in finding the back of the net. Ben Fox further solidified the Solomon Islands’ lead with a goal in the 64th minute, leaving Samoa with a seemingly insurmountable deficit.

Junior Rocky celebrates his goal for Solomon Islands – *OFC Media*

However, the path to victory was not without its challenges. The Solomon Islands faced a significant setback when Alford Kanahanimae received a straight red card for a lunging tackle on Samoa’s Luke Salisbury. Despite going a man down, the Solomon Islands showcased their mettle by dominating the game and maintaining their control over the field. Despite the numerical disadvantage, they continued to press forward, demonstrating their commitment to securing a place in the semifinals of the OFC Olympic Qualifiers.

Solypimcs still have a match to play in the Group B; this Saturday (02nd September) they play Tonga on its final match in order to confirm the 1st place in the pool. Samoa will have a decisive clash against Vanuatu: the winner will end up as the second team qualified for the semifinals of the Olympics’ qualification to Paris 2024.

Vanuatu puts four past Tonga at OFC Olympic Qualifiers

Trusts Arena in Auckland is home of the OFC Olympic Qualifiers, the Vanuatu U23 football team displayed an impressive performance, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Tonga. This victory marked a triumphant rebound for the Vanuatu side, coached by the experienced Etienne Mermer, after a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Solomon Islands.

Having faced adversity in their opening match with only 13 players available, Vanuatu entered the contest against Tonga with a complete and determined squad, counting on crucial additions like goalkeeper Massing Kalotang and the influential Galaxy FC’s winger Joe Moses. The reshaped lineup demonstrated their mettle on the field, showcasing their prowess and determination to secure a decisive win.

The early stages of the match showcased Vanuatu’s attacking intent, and their efforts were soon rewarded. The breakthrough came via a set-piece opportunity, as the talented defender Nicolas King rose above the Tongan defense to expertly head a free-kick into the net, giving Vanuatu an early lead and setting the tone for the rest of the game.

As the first half progressed, Vanuatu’s dominance continued to shine. At the 24th minute mark, Georges Chichirua capitalized on a momentary lapse of concentration from the Tongan defense. Seizing the opportunity, Chichirua surged past the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, extending Vanuatu’s lead and putting them firmly in control.

Nicolas King (no.3) had a superb match against Tonga – *OFC Media*

The second half saw no let-up in Vanuatu’s attacking momentum. The introduction of substitute Giniho Tabe injected fresh energy into the team, and he made an instant impact. Tabe unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box that left the Tongan goalkeeper with no chance, effectively putting the game beyond reach for the opposition. At the 64th minute Tonga suffered a serial setback as the defender Kulisitofa Kite saw a second yellow card and he was sent off.

With a commanding 3-0 lead, Vanuatu’s hunger for goals remained undiminished. Nicolas King, who had already proven his aerial prowess earlier in the match, once again showcased his ability in the 82nd minute. A well-placed header from King found the back of the net, sealing his brace and effectively sealing Tonga’s fate.

As the final whistle blew, Vanuatu celebrated a convincing 4-0 victory, a testament to their resilience. This win not only avenged their earlier defeat but also established their credentials as a formidable force in the OFC Olympic Qualifiers. With coach Etienne Mermer’s guidance, a complete squad, and standout performances from players like Nicolas King and Georges Chichirua, Vanuatu’s U23 team had sent a strong message to their opponents, firmly stating their ambitions to secure a spot in the Olympic Games through their determined and skillful play.

Tonga has still mathematical chances to proceed, but it is high unlikely they will record their needed win against Solomon Islands in the final pool match. Vanuatu and Samoa will battle for the final spot left in the Group B as Solomon Islands is already qualified for the semifinals.

New Zealand beats Fiji to clinch semifinal berth at OFC Olympic Qualifiers

The OlyWhites, New Zealand U-23 side, secured their place in the Oceania semifinals of the Olympic Qualifiers with a commanding 3-1 victory over Fiji. The match took place at the Go Media Mt Smart Stadium and witnessed an impressive showcase of talent from both sides. After winning by forfeit Papua New Guinea in the first round – they did not show up for the scheduled match and the points were awarded to New Zealand – the Kiwis sealed the spot in the knockout stage.

The New Zealand team started the match on the front foot, asserting their dominance early on. Luis Toomey set the tone with a goal in the 19th minute, putting New Zealand ahead on the scoreboard. The momentum continued to favor the home team as George Ott found the back of the net just two minutes later in the 21st minute, further solidifying New Zealand’s lead. The crowd at the stadium was treated to another brilliant moment when Jesse Randall extended the lead with a goal in the 25th minute.

New Zealand players celebrate – *OFC Media*

Fiji, however, showed resilience as they mounted a comeback effort in the second half. Lautoka’s Aporosa Yada managed to pull one back for Fiji in the 50th minute, injecting a sense of tension into the game. Despite Fiji’s efforts to close the gap, New Zealand’s defense held firm, denying any further opportunities for their opponents to reduce the deficit.

With this win, New Zealand advances to the semifinals of the Oceania qualifiers, moving one step closer to securing a spot in the upcoming men’s Olympic football tournament. The team’s performance has undoubtedly bolstered their confidence and raised the expectations of their fans as they continue their journey in the tournament.

Fiji and Papua New Guinea will decisive the second spot in the semifinals; the Kapuls will manage to reach Auckland in order to attend the match against the Fijian side. The winner will proceed while – Fiji just needs a draw to qualify while Papua New Guinea needs to win if they want to continue battling for a berth at Paris 2024.

Raphael Lea’i set to leave his club in Europe amidst unforeseen challenges

Breaking news are coming from Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Solomon Islands football star Raphael Lea’i is considering to leave his club Velež Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to return to his home country, Oceania Football Center can confirm. The 19-year-old striker told his advisors and his club board he wants to go home: “Raphael wants to go home. He said he misses his family and friends“, said Adnan Dizdarević, member of the coach staff of Velež; the situation was reinstated by local journalist Nermin Bise in a social media post and also in interview to Oceania Football Center: “according to my information Raphael wants to come home“, he mentioned.

The striker has been in the European country since the beginning of the year; he played for the club in 13 matches, scoring twice and providing two assists across the past and current European season. Recently, the Mostar-based club announced the departure of the head coach Nedim Jusufbegović: “Raphael was not treated well by the coach who left. He played very little and gave a lot“, stated Nermin Bise to Oceania Football Center. The player in fact had very little game time since joining Velež – Lea’i managed to play only a complete match – in the last season against FK Sarajevo. The 19-year-old played only two matches for the club in the current season coming from the bench – in the most recent match Lea’i was not included in the team list. The lack of competitive football for the player can be another issue for his decision to part ways with the club. Dizdarević said the player will not take part in the club’s next games while an official announcement of Rapha’s fate is decided.

The news came as a shock for Oceania football fans: despite the little game time, the rising star was developing his game and started the current season on a high scoring in the 5-0 win of his club against Zvijezda. The player turned himself into the first Solomon Islander to play professional football in Europe, being this the best moment of his career – one of the reasons for the big surprise. “He certainly will not be able to play until the end of his contract for any club – if he definitely leaves Velež Mostar“, said Adnan Dizdarević. The reality of professional football is very different from what is usual in South Pacific – if Lea’i definitely leaves the club, he will not be able to sign for anyother team, even in his home country, until the finish of his current contract that is on mid-2024, unless both parties agree on a contract termination.

It is very surprising the news on Raphael’s case, a player that was slowly turning into a fan favourite in the city and now, with the departure of his former head coach, could have a bright a new start under a new guidance and possibly pave his way into the starting team. Usually the striker is regarded as one of the most strong-minded players of Solomon Islands by local football community and former players that are close to the rising start; the decision of his on departing from European football comes as a shockwave – making many fans wonder if that is really the only reason behind this tough conclusion.

It is expected that the club can make a public statament in the coming weeks about Raphael’s situation in Mostar. At this point, according to local sources, the Solomon Islander had already made his mind on leaving the club to return home citing homesickness issues, but official announcements are yet to go public by any of the parties. As the story develops, the player will continue sidelines, although a final answer is yet to be declared. Oceania Football Center will follow closely the developments of the Raphael Lea’i-Velež Mostar case.

Fijian young star Faazil Ali to play for New Zealand national league side Manurewa

Recently, Oceania Football Center reported the 20-year-old striker Faazil Ali was set to undergo trials with professional club Wellington Phoenix from New Zealand; the player is still set to have this rare opportunity with the Nix, but as no fixed date is still there for Ali to prove his capabilities with Wellington Phoenix, he signed a temporary deal with Manurewa AFC. Manurewa’s performance this season has been notable, with the club securing a top-four finish in the Northern League. This achievement has earned them a coveted spot in the crucial stages of the National League, sealing their spot to New Zealand nationl league and being are among the top 10 teams in the country.

Faazil Ali already made his debut with Manurewa – in a match that pitted his team against Auckland City, Faazil made his mark, coming off the bench and showcasing his potential despite a 2-0 defeat in the league semifinals. Another five Fijian players are in the squad of Manurewa.

Faazil Ali in action for Fiji U-20 at FIFA U-20 World Cup this May

According to Farhad Bhamji, the manager of Manurewa, Faazil Ali’s commitment to the team remains steadfast as he prepares for his trial with Wellington Phoenix. Bhamji emphasized that Faazil will continue to train and play with Manurewa until the trial date, which has yet to be confirmed. The dedication demonstrated by Faazil Ali, combined with the support of his current team, speaks volumes about his character and potential as a footballer – “Ali has joined us for now to get used to the environment and get a bit of New Zealand fotoball experience before his trial“, said Bhamji to Oceania Football Center.

Ali will have the chance to play for Manurewa in the coming rounds of the New Zealand National League – and can even play against Wellington Phoenix Reserves, that is also taking part of the league. It is still unsure when the tall-striker will depart for New Zealand’s capital to undergo officialy his trials with the local professional club, but his preparations continue in a already very good envirovement for his football development.

Solympics’ led by Javin Wae confirm strong win over Vanuatu at OFC Olympic Qualifiers

OFC Olympic Qualifiers tournament starterted for Solomon Islands on a high note; The Solympics, triumphed over Vanuatu on the opening day of Group B. The thrilling match, held at the esteemed Trusts Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, left fans on the edge of their seats as the Solympics showcased their mettle and secured a commendable 3-0 victory.

The Solympics’ team captain, Javin Wae, emerged as the hero of the day: Wae’s first goal came via a penalty-kick at the 30th minute, a skillful conversion that opened the scoring following a handball incident in the box.

The late stages of the second half saw the Solympics building on their momentum with remarkable synergy. A solo effort play orchestrated by substitute Norman Winford paved the way for Marist FC’s wing back, Calvin Ohasio, to find the back of the net at the 88th minute. The crowd erupted in cheers as Ohasio’s skillful strike solidified the Solympics‘ advantage.

The match took an unexpected twist in its closing moments when a seemingly innocuous foul on Calvin Ohasio by Vanuatu’s Kerol Alex granted the Solympics another penalty. Javin Wae rose to the occasion once more, sealing his brace with a precise conversion at the 96th minute and securing a resounding 3-0 victory for his team.

Under the adept guidance of their coach, Eddie Marahare, the Solympics asserted their dominance throughout the game, captivating the audience with their strategic plays, controlled possession, and formidable defense.

Javin Wae to take a penalty kick – *OFC Media*

With this victory behind them, the Solympics are now poised to face Samoa in their next fixture. Samoa, having secured an opening match win against Tonga, promises to be a challenging adversary. The Solympics‘ fervent supporters eagerly await another thrilling showdown as the team strives to maintain their winning streak.

As the OFC Olympic Qualifiers tournament unfolds, the stakes remain high. The victor of this prestigious competition will earn the coveted opportunity to represent Oceania in the Football Men’s Tournament at the much-anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics, adding an extra layer of significance to the battles on the field.