Fijian football superstar Roy Krishna continues to make his impact in India as he helped his side Odisha FC to reach the semifinal stage of the Indian Super League. Krishna is one of the best performes of his team so far in the season, scoring 12 goals in 23 matches – the second most in the 2023/24 season.
This friday Odisha hosted Kerala Blasters vying for a place in top-four of the league. Krishna was instrumental for the success of his team that won the match by 2-1. Odisha came from behind as Lithuanian striker Fedor Cernych scored for Blasters at the 67th minute, but in the last minutes of regulation time Krishna set up Brazilian striker Diego Maurício that scored for Odisha, levelling the game just three minutes before time.
Roy Krishna in action against Blasters – ISL Media
As the game progressed to the extra-time, the 36-year-old Fijian player proved to be vital once more as this time he assisted for the comeback goal scored by Isak Vanlalruatfela at the 98th minute.
Vanlalruatfela goal proved to be difference between both sides. With two assists the Fijian has now three in the season; Krishna was crucial for his side that will now play Mohun Bagan – Krishna’s former club in India – a two-legged battle for a chance to play the grand final of the most important football league in the country.
Tonga’s victory over Papua New Guinea in the U-16 OFC Men’s Championship Qualifying Stage at Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa, was more than just a win; it was a historic milestone for Tongan football. The 7-0 triumph not only showcased their potential but also highlighted the growing talent within the Tongan youth ranks.
At the forefront of this remarkable victory was Tevita Falepapalangi, a budding star at just 15 years old. His four-goal haul, two in each half, not only demonstrated his prowess on the field but also hinted at a promising future for Tongan football. Tevita comes from a football family, with both his father Halapua and his brother Tuiaketau having already represented Tonga at the senior national level. Overall, Tevita had scored a total of five goals in the three matches played in the championship.
Alongside Tevita Falepapalangi, Sione ‘Ainu’u scored from the penaly spot in the stoppage time of the first half before the same Tevita was brought down in the box and the speedy winger Siaki Lonitenisi scored twice in the second half to give final numbers to the hummiliation imposed by the local side to the young Kapuls.
The significance of this victory goes beyond the scoreline. It represents a breakthrough for Tonga, marking the first time they have ever defeated a Papua New Guinean team in a men’s football international tournament. This achievement will undoubtedly boost morale within the Tongan football community and inspire future generations of players.
Tongan players celebrate one of their seven goals in the match – OFC Media
However, Tonga’s success shouldn’t overshadow the challenges faced by their opponents. Papua New Guinea’s football administration issues have undoubtedly affected their performance on the field, as evidenced by their conceding 22 goals in just three matches – despite winning one of the three games played, a 3-1 win over American Samoa.
Tonga’s victory is cause for celebration, but their failure to qualify for the final stage of the competition serves as a reminder that there is still a lot to improve to challenge the most important football nations in the region. Solomon Islands’ dominance in the group, winning all three games and scoring 29 goals while conceding none, underscores the level of competition Tonga faces on their journey to success – although finishing second in the ladder states the historical achievement for the youth Tu’ulalupe.
This historical feat by the young Tongan team led by the experienced coach Timote Moleni can not be their peak; the football is a growing sport in the Kingdom and, as in Rugby, Tonga certainly wants to enjoy some success in the upcoming years in football – this young players must be part of this process.
The stage was set for another chapter in a heated rivalry as Auckland City FC and Wellington Olympic AFC locked horns at Kiwitea Street Stadium on a bright, sunny Saturday in Auckland.
The Navy Blues secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Wellington Olympic AFC in a tightly contested first leg of the New Zealand National Playoff for the 2024 OFC Champions League. The match saw both sides battle it out in a fast-paced encounter.
Even more surprisingly, the 17-year-old prodigy, Stipe Ukich, made a stellar impact by coming off the bench and securing Auckland City’s triumph with a remarkable goal.
First half – 0x0
The opening seconds of the game crackled with intensity. Just 20 seconds into the match, Auckland City’s plea for a penalty was dismissed when Regont Muratti went down in the box.
Wellington Olympic responded swiftly, with Oliver Colloty (number 10) finding space in the area at the 7-minute mark. His shot, however, took a deflection and was comfortably saved by the Auckland City goalkeeper, Conor Tracey.
Auckland City pressed high in the early stages, exploiting Wellington Olympics’ midfield errors. They dominated possession until around the 19th minute, with Liam Gillion and left-back Nathan Lobo on the left flank particularly impressive. Their link-up play created Auckland City’s best chance so far.
Nathan Lobo with the ball, one of the best players of the match – Sergio Toniello, Oceania Football Center
However, Wellington Olympic showed their attacking prowess on a dangerous counter-attack. The speedy Kallan Gould weaved past three Auckland City defenders before finding Hamish Watson with a well-placed pass. Watson’s shot narrowly missed the target, whistling past the right post.
The first half continued with a mix of misplaced passes and wayward shots from both sides. Auckland City coach Albert Riera made tactical adjustments around the 30-minute mark, urging his players to utilise the width of the pitch and for Gillion to exploit space behind the Wellington Olympic right-back.
Ryes attempted a header but failed to find the target, sending the ball wide – Sergio Toniello, Oceania Football Center
The most significant chance of the first half came shortly before the break. Ryan De Vries found Liam Gillion with a pinpoint pass.
Gillion cut inside his marker and unleashed a shot towards the bottom left corner, forcing a superb save from Wellington Olympic goalkeeper Scott Basalaj.
Second Half – 1×0
The second half began with renewed energy. The Navy Blues looked to extend their lead, with Dylan Manickum receiving a good pass and firing a shot that went wide.
A fast answer came from Kallan Gould testing the Auckland City goalkeeper attention with a powerful effort that sailed over the bar.
The remainder of the half was a balanced affair, with both teams creating sporadic opportunities. Wellington Olympic attempted to exploit the right flank through their speedy full-back Jack-Henry Sinclair, who caused some problems for the Auckland City defense.
Both sides began to show signs of fatigue around the 63rd minute, prompting substitutions aimed at injecting fresh energy. Despite Auckland’s increased attacking momentum, Wellington Olympic nearly snatched an equalizer at the 66th minute.
Striker Hamish Watson found space in midfield and played a pass to the left flank for Kaelin Nguyen, whose shot across goal was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper Conor Tracey.
However, the adage “fortune favors the bold” proved true. Auckland City’s persistence paid off.
The introduction of young substitute Stipe Ukich proved decisive in the game. At 71-minute, a pinpoint pass from Nathan Lobo found Ukich in a dangerous position, and he coolly slotted home the game’s only goal, sparking jubilation among the Auckland City supporters.
Auckland players celebrating after young Ukich scores for the home team – Sergio Toniello, Oceania Football Center
Following the goal, Wellington Olympic responded by pushing for an equalizer. However, their urgency was evident in their play, with a lack of composure hindering their efforts.
Auckland City’s defense remained resolute, making a crucial block in the 86th minute to deny Wellington a promising scoring opportunity.
The closing moments saw substitutions from both sides, with tensions rising on the sidelines. A heated exchange between the Auckland City technical staff and Wellington representatives resulted in a red card being shown to a member of the Auckland City staff.
Despite the late drama, the final whistle blew on a 1-0 victory for Auckland City. The home fans celebrated a hard-fought result that gives them a narrow lead heading into the second leg.
2nd Leg – Wellington Olympic x Auckland City
With the score locked at 1-0, all eyes now turn to Wellington for the second leg. Can Olympic maintain their winning streak and claim victory on home soil, or will Auckland City manage to defend their lead and secure their place in the OFC Champions League? The return leg, on March 16, promises to be another exciting chapter in this developing rivalry.
The veteran striker Raymond Gunemba scored first for PNG at the 51st minute, but the bright of Lea’i shone strong in the final ten minutes of the game: despite being one man down after Marist’s Calvin Ohasio was sent off, Solomon Islands still managed to level through Rapha at the 80th minute and put Solomon Islands ahead at the 86th mark. The striker was always a threat and with his speed and he ran past Papua New Guinea’s defenders and scored his third – the second hattrick for the 20-year-old player donning the colours of his country.
Raphael Lea’i (green) marked by Tommy Semmy (yellow) – Alain Vartane
Lea’i has now nine goals scored for the senior national team in 10 appearances; the team led by the Spanish head coach Felipe Vega-Arango will return to action this Tuesday (Oct, 11th) against Vanuatu that suffered a heavy defeat for New Caledonia by 4-0 on both sides first clash of the tournament.
Recently, the striker left his club FK Velež Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina – despite being still under contract with the European club – after being granted permission by the club to return to Solomon Islands to attend international duties. There are stills doubts regarding the future club the star striker will feature, but which is certain at this point is the gallant form the player is currently enjoying.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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
Oceania Football Center 