Oceania Football Center

Tasman stuns Team Wellington; Auckland City remain on top in ISPS Handa Premiership

The New Zealand football top tier had some interesting matches in this fourth matchweek and for sure the most surprising result of the round was the first win of Tasman United in the season – and it came against the powerhouse Team Wellington that now is three matches without a win.

The first goal of the New Caledonian important Jean-Philippe Saïko through a penalty kick put the team from Nelson upfront the scoreline already in the second half, this margin would be enough to make Tasman to secure their first three points in the competition as the 1-0 was the final result of the clash. Saïko goal was his first and also Tasman first goal in the campaign. The first victory of the team coached by Jess Ibrom saw the club leaving the bottom of the table – now Wellington Phoenix Reserves is the last placed team and Tasman United is now the 8th in the run.

Saïko and his teammates celebrates the first goal of Tasman United in the ISPS Handa Premiership – *NZF Media*

Auckland City opened a narrow lead in the leadership of the league as they won once again, this time their victim was Wellington Phoenix Reserves that could not hold the firepower of the Navy Blues at WestPac Stadium. Logan Rogerson lost a penalty kick in the 21th minutes of play, but another penalty was awarded to Auckland City and this time Myer Bevan made no mistake – the team from Auckland took the lead still in the first half. Just after entering pitch in place of David Browne, the Futsal Whites member Dylan Manickum put Auckland one more goal ahead. After losing a penalty, Logan Rogerson assisted for the third and final goal of current ISPS Handa Premiership premiers that came through a beautiful shot of Jordan Vale.

Dylan Manickum celebrates his goal for Auckland City – *NZF Media*

Southern United could prevail against Hamilton Wanderers with an emphatic win by 4-0. Former Auckland City player Abdulla Al-Khalisy scored two beautiful goals to help the team from Dunedin to recover from their defeat in the last round against current title holders Eastern Suburbs.

The Southern United captain Connor O’Keeffe scored his first goal for his team after more than 50 caps for the team. He tapped home a scrumble in defense that was firstly awarded as an offside, but the referee changed his call and Southern could add one more to the scoreboard. Joel Stevens scored his third in the campaign as he added Southern fourth in the injury time. Stevens is having a very inspiring comeback to his former club after winning OFC Champions League with Team Wellington and a short stint in Swedish football.

A imagem pode conter: 2 pessoas, pessoas sorrindo, atividades ao ar livre — Jordan Spain and Joel Stevens celebrate Southern goal – *Southern Media*

Hamilton Wanderers nightmare continues as the team drops for the 9th place in the table. Their star player Tommy Semmy lost a penalty kick when the game was still 2-0 – it could have changed the story of the game. Hamilton has the worst defensive record of the season so far with 14 goals conceded in only four matches played.

Canterbury United managed to score first in their clash against Hawke’s Bay United at English Park in Christchurch through the effort of Cory Mitchell, but the final whistle would see a different outcome of the clash. The North-American striker Ahinga Selemani would score his second goal since joining Hawke’s Bay to equalize the encounter in the early minutes of the second half and the Japanese midfielder Sho Goto would find the nets to make the team co-coached by Chris Greatholder and Bill Robertson complete the comeback.

The Dragons could still earn a point from their home game when Juan Chang scored a late equalizer to give final numbers in the scoreboard. The draw kept HBU inside the top four zone. A lively encounter entertained the fans at English Park and a draw really seemed a fair result for both sides.

A imagem pode conter: 4 pessoas, pessoas praticando esportes e atividades ao ar livre — Fans saw a very interesting match in Christchurch – *Mak Shots Photography*

In the final match of the round, Eastern Suburbs faced the city rivals at Madills Farm, Waitakere United. The final result was a 1-1 draw from a very lively clash. Waitakere United would take the lead with an easy finish inside the penalty box from Dane Schnell, scoring his second goal in the campaign for Waitakere. Just moments after Dylan de Jong equalized for Eastern Suburbs with a very beautiful shot in the edge of the penalty box.

The things turned hard for the current ISPS Handa Premiership champions when their striker Martin Bueno was sent off. The Uruguayan striker received a controversial red card – according to the referee he used his elbow against the opposition player. With 10-men in the pitch, the second half was hard for Eastern Suburbs that needed to defend most of the game. They suceeded in their duty, but Waitak seemed close in various moments, with shots from Dane Schnell and another chance that ended up hitting the post from Solomon Islands international Andrew Abba.

A imagem pode conter: 2 pessoas, pessoas praticando esportes e atividades ao ar livre — De Jong and his teammates celebrate the equalizer of the Lilywhites – *ESAFC Media*

Auckland City opened two points lead against the second placed side Waitakere United, that has Hawke’s Bay United and Eastern Suburbs completing the top four. Team Wellington remains with only five points in the run, while Wellington Phoenix Reservers dropped for the 10th and last place in the laddar with just one point. You can check the full standings of the league before the end of this fourth matchweek by clicking here.

Myer Bevan scored one more goal in the round and now has seven in the competition – the Auckland City new signing scored in all four matches of the league so far. Hamish Watson of Team Wellington comes behind in the golden boot race with four goals scored. Several players in the league already scored three times in the run, as Southern United key players Garbhan Coughlan and Joel Stevens and the Hawke’s Bay United number 10 Dylan Sacramento.

What is happening to Tupuji Imere?

The first half of Port Vila Premier League season is over and things are not good for Tupuji Imere. Currently in the seventh position the traditional team from Vanuatu is facing a very troubled season so far.

After winning the Independence Cup on July and making the semifinals in PVFA Opening Cup, it seemed that they would be one the best teams in the country and one of the favourites to win the Port Vila Premier League but it is not what is happening.

Last Saturday they lost to Tafea by 5-2 and some details evidence that things are not going well there. Vanuatu’s legend David Chilia did not coach the team against Tafea, he was sitting with Tupuji fans in the stand. Abdul Shamin Nazreen was on the official bench for this match. Nazreen is the manager of Classic Printers, a company that sponsors Tupuji Imere. The coach Chilia could not prepare the team for the clash against Tafea due family commitments and will be back in the bench to command his side against Erakor Golden Star in the next weekend.

Tupuji Imere bench against Tafea. Source: MG Tafea Media

That is not the only problem inside the pitch: It was reported by Vanuatu Sport on 11 November that Fenedy Masauvakalo and Chikau Mansale went to work overseas for nine months and they will not play in this season anymore. Some players were already overseas when the season started like Raoul Coulon (in Australia) and there are more players that may leave the team to work overseas like Elkington Molivakarua.

One important thing that also needs to be highlighted is the current situation of James Chilia. The 18 years old player was a great goalkeeper and he was deservedly called up for 2019 Pacific Games and 2019 OFC U23 Olympic Qualifiers to represent Vanuatu as goalkeeper but he is currently playing as central defender/defensive midfielder for Tupuji. It is not every day that people see a goalkeeper leaving his position to play another role in a team. Anyway it seems that he is playing well and he already scored a goal in the season against Tafea.

James Chilia (number 24) now plays as defender or defensive midfielder

If things are not good inside the pitch, they are also bad outside: Nazreen, Tupuji Imere and the Classic Printers are also in the middle of a controversy after bringing two players from Vaum United to Tupuji Imere outside the transfer window. Galaxy FC sent a complaint to Port Vila Football Association and Vanuatu Football Federation about it and it may bring more trouble to them.

Maybe the only good news is the return of Azariah Soromon who scored his first goal in the season last Saturday against Tafea.

Tupuji Imere is currently in the seventh position of eight teams in Port Vila Premier League with four points. Mauwia is in the last position only one point behind them. If things do not improve, Tupuji may end the season tasting the flavor of a relegation.

Micah Lea’alafa even closer to glory in South Africa

Maritzburg United faced Kaizer Chiefs in South African League Cup semifinal this Sunday. The match was played at Mbombela Stadium, one of the stadiums used in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Oceania had three representants in the clash: Micah Lea’alafa (Solomon Islands) and Dan Morgan (New Zealand) were in the Maritzburg’s starting eleven while Jeremy Brockie was in the bench.

Judas Mosemaedi opened the scoreboard for Maritzburg United in the 30th minute after a terrible defensive mistake made by Daniel Cardoso. The first half ended 1-0 for The Team of Choice.

Micah Lea’alafa was replaced by Bandile Shandu in the 65th minute and this substitution had an important effect in the final score. Yagan Sasman netted for Chiefs to tie the match but Judas Mosemaedi scored his second goal in the match after a Shandu’s cross to seal Maritzburg’s win.

A imagem pode conter: 1 pessoa, praticando um esporte e atividades ao ar livre — Lea’alafa in Maritzburg colours

They are going to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final match. Oceania Football Center congratulates Maritzburg United for advancing through the final.

Eastern Stars’ Ealedona becomes President of Port Moresby Soccer Association

Joseph Ealedona (third from left) is the new permanent President of the PMSA, with Kisakiu Posman (second from right) the Vice-President. Photo: PNGFA

It was announced today that the Acting President of the Port Moresby Soccer Association (PMSA) and Deputy Chairman of Eastern Stars Football Club Joseph Ealedona would become the permanent President of the Papuan capital’s main football governing body, according to the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA).

Former Rapatona owner and Football Federation Papua New Guinea (FFPNG) board member Kisakiu Posman has been elected as the new Vice-President.

The position as President of the country’s biggest local association was vacated by John Wesley Gonjuan in October this year after being banned from all football activities by FIFA following a corruption scandal. Ealedona stepped in as the Acting Vice-President thereafter, before being officially elected to the permanent position earlier today for a further two years.

In many people’s eyes, this is further progress in removing the old, corrupt regime and replacing it with people who truly care about football in Papua New Guinea, a task which has been ongoing since John Kapi Natto took charge of the PNGFA last year.

But who are Ealedona and his right-hand man, Posman? And why are people so excited about their reign at the top of POM football?

Before getting involved in football, Ealedona was Managing Director of the National Broadcasting Corporation and President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA). He became involved in football as a franchise owner in 2008: Eastern Stars FC joined the National Soccer League (NSL) in that year, and for many years, Ealedona was Chairman of the club. In more recent years he has stepped down to Deputy Chairman, presumably due to commitments elsewhere.

These have included roles as the Head of Delegation for the country’s national team, the NSL Competitions Sub-Committee Chairman, and a PNG Football Supporters Club Executive.

Ealedona’s role as President of the PMSA has already involved some difficult decision-making: in October, shortly after Gonjuan was suspended, Ealedona announced that the PMSA would not be entering a side into the upcoming NSL season, despite the encouraging performance from last year’s PMSA-based side, Port Moresby United. This was due to incomplete financial reports and some sponsorship money being thus far unaccounted for. When justifying this decision, Ealedona said that it was important for the association to maintain its integrity.

On the whole, Ealedona’s appointment has been met with a positive reaction, and his decisions since becoming Acting President have already demonstrated the virtues of honour, honesty, and integrity, which are necessary to help re-build the reputation of football in PNG.

New Vice-President Kisakiu Posman actually narrowly missed out on becoming PNGFA President way back in 2004, when he lost to David Chung in a close vote, 11-9. Since then, his main involvement in football in the country has been as a franchise owner of Rapatona, whose best season came in 2008/09, when they finished runners-up behind Hekari United. Rapatona, under Posman’s guidance, was one of the teams which defected from the PNGFA to join Kapi Natto’s FFPNG in 2017, with Posman becoming a key supporter of the breakaway governing body, so Kapi Natto will likely be happy to have someone who shares his vision in charge of the capital’s football association.

While we’re disappointed that there will be no PMSA-supported club in this year’s NSL, we are confident that Ealedona, Posman, and the rest of the executive board will be able to drive football in Port Moresby forward, and help to further boost the success and the popularity of the sport nationwide.

Wellington Phoenix gets first win of the season

Wellington Phoenix won their first match in the season after a convicing 2-1 victory at home against Brisbane Roar. Phoenix did not count with their full back Louis Fenton that had a shoulder injury in their previous match and also the English striker Gary Hooper that was in the bench and did not feature in the game.

A imagem pode conter: 11 pessoas, pessoas sorrindo, texto — Phoenix starting lineup against Brisbane Roar – *Phoenix Media*

Despite the absence of Fenton in the right side, the All Whites member Tim Payne had a fantastic performance – according to New Zealand journalist Jason Pine, Payne was his choice as best player of the game, as his statement in social media.

If it was not the benched Hooper to score, another Englishmen could find the nets for Phoenix. The captain Steven Taylor headed it home after a superb cross by the Mexican playmaker Ulises Davila.

Phoenix kept ahead in the match and seemed very dangerous especially trough the quality of Ulises Davila. Alex Rufer almost netted his first A-League goal after passing two defenders, but being denied by the opposition goalkeeper Max Crocombe.

Steven Taylor also saved Phoenix to suffer an early equalizer – just after his goal – after clearing a shot in the goal line. The cross was flicked by Taylor to his own penalty box but he could recover and deny Roar goal.

The second half started very well for Phoenix since the playmaker Ulises Davila scored from a long-range shot to double the lead for the home side. The Wellington Phoenix import is having a fast impact in the team since this is his fourth goal in the league.

Davila is being key for the Nix – *Phoenix Media*

The same Davila managed to score a third goal for Phoenix but he saw his brace denied by the referee that called an offside in the beginning of the play finished by the Mexican.

Stefan Marinovic, differently from the previous matches, did not have much job. A clean sheet seemed very close for the Phoenix custodian – the addition of the young defender Liam McGing to add more barries for Roar to find a goal seemed a clever move by the coach Ufuk Talay. Despite their efforts, Roar managed to find a late goal scored by Stefan Mauk. The club from Brisbane also had an opportunity to score an equalizer but the Phoenix defense managed to clear the ball.

Highlights of the Wellington Phoenix 2-1 Brisbane Roar

For the first time in the season, the Nix seemed very safe defensively with very good performances by Steven Taylor, Liberato Cacace and Tim Payne. Ulises Davila keeps being playing brilliantly for Phoenix and finally Matti Steinmann and Alex Rufer combined very well in the midfield when protecting the defensive back four.

Phoenix now will travel to Adelaide to play against Adelaide United next Sunday. The club left the bottom of the table with their first victory and hopes to continue the good moment in the next challenge.

Keana case – Episode #01: damaging his own career

Episode #2: What is behind
Episode #3: The suspension

One of the subjects that is the gossip of the town in Oceania is the outcome of Maxwell Keana case and his judgement that is going to happen soon. Oceania Football Center brings to you a series of articles with everything that is related to this case. All information contained in the articles is verified and veridical.

On February 2019 Solomon Islands was excluded from 2019 U17 FIFA World Cup because they had an overaged player in 2018 OFC U16 Championship. A disciplinary committee found U16 player Chris Satu breached both the OFC Disciplinary Code and OFC regulations when he turned out for Solomon Islands at the OFC U16 Championship last year. After many court battles Solomon Islands was allowed to play the U17 World Cup.

As Oceania Football Center reported on 12 October, Maxwell Keana was ruled out of Solomon Islands U17 National Team squad that played U17 World Cup in Brazil. He failed in medical tests so he could not stay in the squad for the World Cup.

Many people in Solomon Island questioned Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) about these medical reasons asking the federation to release this information but these medical reports are confidential and SIFF can not provide it to the public.

Maxwell Keana was ruled out of Solomon Islands squad for FIFA U17 World Cup

After being ruled out of the squad, Keana sent a letter to Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) saying he was overaged in the 2018 OFC U16 Championship. Keana also stated in the letter that he was born in 1998 and not in 2002 as it is reported in his official documents. On the other hand, SIFF assures that Keana’s passport and legal documents are right and he was eligible to play that tournament.

It brings us to some reflection.
• If Keana’s documents are right, he is lying to OFC;
• If Keana’s documents are wrong, he or his family might have lied to SIFF;
• The reason why he wrote this letter to OFC.

According to SIFF media, SIFF is also carrying out its own investigation with a view to charge the player and bring a disciplinary case against him before the SIFF Disciplinary Committee. The hearing, which will be convened by the OFC Disciplinary/Ethics Committee via telephone conference is set down for 10AM on Friday 29 November at the SIFF conference room.

According to local sources, there are some people interested on picking a fight with SIFF and these people could be behind it by telling Keana to send this letter to OFC. While people want to pick this fight, Keana may be expecting to get some money by being a puppet of these people. Local people already advised him that he should not do it because he is putting his career in trouble.

See the next episode by clicking here

Ifira Black Bird keeps pounding

The PVFA Premier League’s Week 7 is over so it means that half of the season is gone. Four matches were played in Port Vila top division this weekend Oceania Football Center brings a review of each match for you! Scroll down and check it!

ERAKOR GOLDEN STAR 1-1 SIA-RAGA

Erakor and Sia-Raga opened the gameweek with a good match on Friday. After a 0-0 draw in the first half, Godine Tenene opened the scoreboard for Erakor Golden Star but Ryan Banga netted for Sia-Raga to draw the clash. At the final whistle the score was 1-1 and surely both teams are not happy with the result.

Both teams lost in the previous gameweek and this draw put them away from the title race. Erakor is currently in the fourth position with 10 points while Sia-Raga is in sixth with eight points.

Erakor Golden Star starting eleven against Sia-Raga. Source: Vanuatu Sport

MAUWIA 0-1 YATEL

Yatel keeps their good streak by winning Mauwia by 1-0. In a very tough match Yatel only managed to score the winning goal in the last minutes with a penalty kick netted by Frank Reuben.

Yatel has not lost in November and this win helped them to overcome Sia-Raga to take the fifth position in the table with nine points. Mauwia is still in the last position with just three points but at least they are being more competitive in the last weeks so they still have hopes to do something better in the second half of the season.

Yatel players before facing Mauwia. Source: Vanuatu Sport

IFIRA BLACK BIRD 1-0 GALAXY

Who is going to stop Ifira Black Bird? After beating Tafea on 15 November they won Galaxy by 1-0 this weekend. After a 0-0 draw in the first half, Ifira Black Bird played with 10 men in the second half after team captain Loic Taiwia was sent off in the beginning of the second half.

Even with only ten players Ifira managed to put Galaxy in trouble. Dolsen Siapan came from bench to score the winning goal for them and Ifira also had some other opportunities like a shot that hit the crossbar in the latest minutes.

The lack of goals is being a big problem for Galaxy. Despite having the best attack in the league with 28 goals scored they only netted three times in the last four matches. The absence of Kensi Tangis (injured) is a trouble that Galaxy needs to deal with. The current league topscorer is being missed there.

Ifira remains unbeaten in the league with 17 points in seven matches while Galaxy is in the third position with eleven points.

Ifira Black Bird starting eleven against Galaxy. Souce: Vanuatu Sport

TAFEA 5-2 TUPUJI IMERE

After losing to Ifira Black Bird in the previous round, Tafea came to the pitch willing to take the three points home. Allista Kalip opened the scoreboard for Tafea but Azariah Soromon netted for Tupuji Imere a few minutes later. It was the first goal of Soromon in 2019-20 Port Vila Premier League. Kalip also managed to score his second goal in the match to put Tafea ahead. The biggest setback for Tafea came in the middle of the first half when forward Jordy Tasip was knocked on his head. He was replaced by Jayson Timatua.

Kalip was on fire. He scored his third goal in the beginning of the second half to set his first hat-trick of the season. John Thomas came from the bench to replace Waiwo Kalmet and he scored Tafea’s fourth goal.

Tupuji still tried to react with a goal scored by James Chilia but it was not enough. Defender Junior Felix scored a penalty kick to set the final score. Tafea is now back to the second position with 14 points while Tupuji is in the seventh position with just four points so far. They need to open their eyes if they do not want to be relegated.

Allista Kalip scored a hat-trick against Tupuji Imere

You can check the current league standings and top goal scorers by clicking here.

Benben wins Women’s Opening Knockout

After two years Vanuatu has a women’s football league again. Nine teams took part of Women’s Opening Knockout, a warm-up tournament that precedes the Premier League. The nine teams were split in two groups.

After one month of football, the Opening Knockout is over. Just like it happened last weekend in men’s football, Galaxy won Tupuji Imere in the third place match. The final score was 4-1.

The final was contested by Erakor Golden Star and Benben United. Both teams were in Group A and Benben United won by 2-1 in the group stage.

Benben United (in blue) and Erakor Golden Star (in black and yellow). Source: Erakor Golden Star Media

Benben United won the final match by 1-0 at extra time after a 0-0 draw in the 90 minutes and took the trophy home. The next step is the Premier League that is going to begin soon. According to Vanuatu’s Women National Team, Robert Yalou, bringing back the football league is very important in order to identify and develop players for the National Team.

Oceania Football Center congratulates all teams for participating in the Opening Knockout, specially Benben United that was crowned as champions.

Young players carry on Kossa

Kossa smashed Guadalcanal by 8-0 today in Telekom S-League with seven different players noting their names in the scoresheet.

Barrie Limoki was the Kossa’s top scorer in the match with two goals scored. The 15 years old player has now five goals in the competition so far. Limoki recently played the U17 World Cup held in Brazil.

Limoki (right) scored a brace for Kossa. Source: S-League Media

Another player that attended the National Team in Brazil’s world cup is Charles Mani. The 17 years old forward scored his first goal for Kossa in this win against Guadalcanal.

Kossa is currently in the third position with 17 points.

Davidson Malam debuts with a clean sheet for Laugu United

As it was stated earlier in Oceania Football Center’s website, goalkeeper James Do’oro was not available to play for Laugu United against Marist this Saturday. His absence opened the doors for the debut of a young and talented goalkeeper: Davidson Malam.

Malam was the Solomon Islands National Team starter goalkeeper in the U17 World Cup held in Brazil, playing all three matches in the tournament. He played 90 minutes in his debut and helped Laugu to take one point home in a 0-0 draw against Marist.

Laugu is currently in the sixth position with 15 points.