Lautoka puts eight past Nadroga in Digicel Fiji Premier League return to action

In the highly anticipated return of action in the Digicel Fiji Premier League, Lautoka delivered a stunning performance by putting eight goals past Nadroga. The match, which was scheduled to kick off at 7pm, unfortunately started an hour late due to the visitors being stuck in traffic on their way to the Sugar City. Despite the delayed start, the outcome of the game was hardly a surprise as Lautoka, the reigning Fiji FACT champions, dominated from the first whistle.

Nadroga, currently ranked 9th in the league, had a promising lineup on paper but failed to find their rhythm on the field. Lautoka quickly asserted their dominance and found themselves with a comfortable 2-0 lead before the quarter mark of the game. The Blues continued to press forward relentlessly, and by halftime, they had extended their advantage to 3-0.

Lautoka players before the match vs. Nadroga – CityNews Lautoka

The second half witnessed a relentless onslaught from Lautoka as they piled on five more goals, ultimately securing a resounding victory. Sairusi Nalaubu and Sitiveni Cavuilagi emerged as the standout performers, each scoring two goals. Epeli Leiroti, Zibraaz Sahib, Sakaraia Naisua, and an own goal also contributed to the scoreline, completing Lautoka’s comprehensive win.

With this remarkable triumph over Nadroga, Lautoka has significantly closed the gap at the top of the league table. They now sit in second place with 22 points, trailing the leaders Rewa by just one point. The result not only boosts Lautoka’s confidence but also serves as a warning to their rivals that they are serious contenders for the league title.

Kurukuru hold Australia to a draw; historic result for Solomon Islands futsal

The historic 1-1 draw between the Solomon Islands national futsal team and the Futsalroos of Australia will undoubtedly be remembered as a remarkable achievement for the visitors. The match took place in Sydney as the first friendly encounter of a series of three matches scheduled between the two teams. Despite being ranked lower in the FIFA Futsal Rankings, with Australia at 38th and Solomon Islands at 53rd, the Kurukuru showcased their talent and determination on the futsal court.

The match started with both teams displaying their skills and tactical prowess, with the crowd eagerly anticipating an exciting encounter. The Australian team, being the home side, had the advantage of playing on familiar territory, but the Kurukuru showed no signs of intimidation. Both teams had their fair share of chances, but it was Daniel Fornito of Australia who managed to break the deadlock early in the second half, firing his team ahead.

Solomons Islands national team – FFA Media

However, the Kurukuru refused to be disheartened and fought back with resilience. Their determination paid off when Charlie Otainiao found the back of the net, leveling the scoreline and ensuring that the visitors would not face defeat in their first friendly match of the series. The goal sparked jubilation among the Solomon Islands’ players and fans, as they celebrated their hard-fought equalizer.

With two more friendly matches scheduled to be played in Sydney on the 3rd and 5th of July, the Kurukuru will look to build on this positive result and continue their impressive display against Australia. The series of matches will provide valuable opportunities for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and prepare for future competitions. The Kurukuru, in particular, preparing for the OFC Futsal Nations Cup, looking to strike back to Futsal World Cup action.

The historic 1-1 draw against Australia will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for the Kurukuru, instilling confidence and belief in their abilities. It is a result that will be celebrated by the Solomon Islands’ futsal community.

OFC Women’s U-19 Championship quarterfinal stage is set

Fiji is hosting the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, the most important youth tournament for women’s football in the South Pacific. Well-known players such as Gabi Rennie and CJ Bott (New Zealand), Kiani Wong (Tahiti), Matalena Daniells (Samoa) and Meagan Gunemba (Papua New Guinea) had already participated in this tourament, giving their first steps to impress in the local football stage.

New Zealand once again is seen as heavy favourites to win the competition and get a spot in the 2024 FIFA U-20 World Cup that will take place in Colombia. In Group B the Ferns who are the defending champions had no trouble, imposed a humiliating defeat of 11-0 against Papua New Guinea and won Fiji by 3-1. Fiji, the hosts, beat Papua New Guinea by 2-0 and advanced to the quarterfinals. Papua New Guinea, on the other hand, finished last overall in the competition and was eliminated – as Tonga. The dark situation internally in Papua New Guinean football seems to get even worse.

In Group A, New Caledonia advanced, winning all its matches; Samoa, with a team full of legionnaires, came second, beating Tonga and Vanuatu, while the team from Melanesia qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.

In Group C, the Cook Islands got everyone by surprise and advanced in first place, with the team showing great organization on the field, beating the Solomon Islands 1-0 and drawing with Tahiti. The Solomon Islands beat Tahiti to move into second place, while Tahiti, who suffered from injuries before and during the tournament, still managed to move ahead into the third place.

Samoa and Vanuatu players contest the ball possession – OFC Media

Two duels in the quarterfinals, Samoa vs Tahiti and Fiji vs New Caledonia promise to be very even. New Zealand will probably progress without any difficulties against Solomon Islands while Cook Islands has a slightly favouritism over Vanuatu.

Vanuatu: Brian Kaltak returns to his Erakor village victorious

The small village of Erakor in Vanuatu erupted in joy and celebration as Brian Kaltak, the national team captain and recent A-League champion, returned home. Kaltak had made history by leading the Central Coast Mariners to victory in the prestigious Australian league, and his success had turned him into a national hero in his homeland.

The atmosphere in Erakor was electrifying as the local authorities, representatives from the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF), and passionate supporters gathered to welcome back their beloved captain. The village adorned with colorful banners and flags, creating a festive ambiance that resonated with the pride and admiration the community felt for their accomplished athlete.

The cerimony commenced with speeches from the local authorities, who praised Kaltak’s achievements and highlighted his journey from the humble beginnings of Erakor to becoming a shining star on the international stage. They acknowledged his hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his dreams, inspiring the youth of the village to believe in their own potential.

Brian Kaltak welcomed back – Brej Pacific

Representatives from the VFF also expressed their gratitude and pride in having Kaltak as the captain of the national team. His leadership and skill had been instrumental in guiding Vanuatu to new heights, culminating in their historic win over Mongolia in the Internacontinental Cup. The 1-0 victory marked the first-ever triumph for Vanuatu against a non-OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) opponent, a significant milestone for Vanuatu football.

Brian Kaltak’s return to Erakor was a momentous occasion, symbolizing the triumph of talent, perseverance, and community spirit. His remarkable achievements in Australia and his captaincy of the national team had elevated him to the status of a national hero. Through his journey, he had become a shining example for aspiring footballers in Vanuatu, showing them that dreams can indeed become reality with hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of a community.

Central Coast records crucial win over Solomon Warriors in midweek clash at Lawson Tama

In a thrilling match that took place at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara, the Central Coast football team secured an impressive victory over the defending champions, Solomon Warriors, in a 3-2 win. The match, played on Wednesday, June 28th, was a catch-up game with high stakes for Central Coast, who were determined to climb back to the top of the Telekom S-League table.

The match got off to an electrifying start when Central Coast’s Junior Fordney found the back of the net within the first minute of the game. It was a stunning goal that set the tone for the rest of the match and immediately put the defending champions on the back foot. Central Coast’s early lead was a testament to their attacking prowess and their intent to dominate the game.

Not content with just one goal, Central Coast continued their attacking onslaught, and in the 12th minute mark, Junior David doubled their advantage. The scoreline was now 2-0 in favor of Central Coast, leaving the Warriors stunned and struggling to find a response.

The defending champions, however, displayed their resilience and determination in the second half. At the 69th minute, the Vanuatu international, John Alick, found the back of the net, giving the Warriors a glimmer of hope. The goal injected new energy into the match and signaled a potential comeback for the defending champions.

Central Coast, however, had other plans. Just three minutes after Alick’s goal, Junior Fordney struck again, extending Central Coast’s lead and completing his brace for the day. The impressive performance by Fordney showcased his clinical finishing and his ability to make a significant impact on the game.

Central Coast celebrates Fordney’s goal – TSL Media

As the match approached its conclusion, the Warriors fought valiantly to salvage something from the game. In injury time, John Alick managed to score his second goal of the match, providing a late surge of excitement. However, it proved to be too little, too late for the defending champions, as Central Coast held on to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

The win was crucial for Central Coast as they aimed to reclaim their position at the top of the Telekom S-League table. The victory showcased their strength, resilience, and determination, as they outperformed the defending champions in an intense and closely contested match. It was a statement win that demonstrated Central Coast’s title aspirations and their ability to compete against the best teams in the league.

Solomon Islands set friendly matches against Australia; 14-men squad is announced

The Solomon Islands national futsal team is gearing up for an exciting series of friendly matches against the Futsalroos, the Australia national futsal team. The matches will take place in Sydney on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th of July, providing an excellent opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills and test their abilities.

Head coach Damon Shaw, an English coach with a wealth of experience in futsal, has carefully selected a 14-man squad for the upcoming matches. Shaw’s expertise and tactical acumen will be crucial in guiding the Kurukuru through these challenging encounters. With the matches being held in Australia, the Solomon Islands team will have the chance to face tough competition in the form of the Futsalroos, currently ranked 38th in the FIFA Futsal Ranking.

The Solomon Islands’ previous matches against Vietnam resulted in losses, with the Vietnamese team securing a 5-0 victory in both encounters. However, these matches against Australia will serve as an opportunity for the Kurukuru to regroup and make a strong comeback. Facing a team ranked higher in the FIFA Futsal Ranking will provide them with a great test of their abilities and allow them to identify areas that require improvement.

Kurukuru in Fiji for Melanesian Cup – SIFF Media

The Kurukuru, currently ranked 53rd in the FIFA Futsal Ranking, will need to display their resilience, teamwork, and individual talent to compete against the Futsalroos. This series of friendly matches will help them fine-tune their strategies, build chemistry among the players, and gain valuable experience against high-quality opposition.

The matches against the Futsalroos are crucial in the Kurukuru‘s preparation for the upcoming OFC Futsal Nations Cup, scheduled to take place later this year. The tournament will give the champions a place in the upcoming FIFA Futsal World Cup – Solomon Islands will be aiming to play the World Cup for the 5th time in a row.

With the guidance of coach Damon Shaw, the Solomon Islands national futsal team will aim to put their recent losses behind them and focus on their strengths. The friendly matches against the Futsalroos will serve as a platform for the Kurukuru to assess their progress, gain confidence, and make necessary adjustments before the important OFC Futsal Nations Cup.

Tommy Semmy puts on a show as he scores a brace in Altona Magic’s win in Australia

In an electrifying match against Melbourne Knights, Papua New Guinea international Tommy Semmy showcased his exceptional talent and led his team, Altona Magic, to a thrilling 3-2 victory in the NPL Victoria. The 28-year-old striker delivered a superb performance, scoring a brace that not only secured the win but also propelled his team to the 7th place in the league standings. The match took place on Saturday, June 24th, and will undoubtedly be remembered as a standout moment in Semmy’s career.

Semmy’s first goal came in the 48th minute of the match and left spectators in awe. With remarkable agility and precision, he found the back of the net with a beautiful strike, showcasing his technical skill and goal-scoring prowess. Just three minutes later, Semmy once again made his mark on the game, this time from the penalty spot. His composure under pressure was admirable, as he calmly converted the penalty, extending his team’s lead and effectively securing the victory. You can watch Semmy’s brace by clicking here.

Semmy celebrates with his teammates after the match – MP Images

These two goals not only showcased Semmy’s individual brilliance but also highlighted his ability to make a significant impact on the outcome of a match. His contributions were crucial in securing the three points for Altona Magic and elevating them to a commendable 7th place in the NPL Victoria standings.

Throughout the season, Semmy has been a consistent and valuable asset for Altona Magic. With a total of nine goals scored in 19 matches so far, he has proven himself to be a reliable source of goals for his team. His impressive goal-scoring record reflects his dedication, hard work, and the immense talent he brings to the field.

Telekom S-League: Calvin Ohasio and Norman Ngafu return to action scoring in Marist’s win over Juniper Tree

In a thrilling return to action in the Telekom S-League, Marist FC’s dynamic duo, Calvin Ohasio and Norman Ngafu, made an immediate impact for their team after their recent debut for the Solomon Islands national team in friendly matches against Malaysia and Singapore. Their exceptional performance helped secure a resounding 4-1 victory over Juniper Tree, propelling Marist FC to fifth place in the league standings with one match remaining.

The match marked a triumphant return for Ohasio and Ngafu, who seamlessly transitioned back into their club team. Ohasio, known for his pace, demonstrated his prowess in front of the goal by converting a penalty kick at the 40th minute. His composed and accurate strike left the Juniper Tree goalkeeper with no chance.

Ngafu, on the other hand, showcased his versatility and goal-scoring ability throughout the game. He not only opened the scoring for Marist FC but also played a crucial role in securing the victory with a brace. Ngafu’s opening goal set the tone for his team, injecting confidence and momentum into their play. As the match progressed, his attacking instincts shone through as he sealed the victory by netting the fourth and final goal for Patrick Miniti’s side.

Ohasio and Ngafu in action – TSL Media

The 4-1 win over Juniper Tree propelled Marist FC up the league table, securing them the fifth position with one match left to play. Ohasio and Ngafu’s impactful performances not only demonstrated their individual skill but also showcased the strength and depth of the Marist squad.

Under the guidance of coach Patrick Miniti, Marist will be looking to build on this impressive victory and end the season on a high note. With Ohasio and Ngafu in fine form, their partnership will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to their upcoming opponents. Fans of Marist FC eagerly anticipate the final match, hoping to witness more goal-scoring exploits from the dynamic duo as they strive to secure a strong finish in the Telekom S-League.

Telokom S-League: Gagame Feni brilliant goal gives Kossa crucial win over Central Coast

In a thrilling matchweek in the Solomon Islands’ Telekom S-League, fans witnessed a moment of brilliance from Gagame Feni, propelling Kossa to a crucial victory over Central Coast with his marvelous goal. Feni’s extraordinary goal came from an odd angle, leaving spectators in awe as he expertly lobbed the Central Coast goalkeeper.

Feni entered the matchweek on a high, carrying the momentum from his remarkable hattrick in the previous game against the title holders, Solomon Warriors. His exceptional performance in that match showcased his scoring prowess and established him as a force to be reckoned with in the league.

The match against Central Coast proved to be another opportunity for Feni to showcase his skills. As the game progressed, tensions rose, and both teams fought fiercely for the win. With the scoreline hanging in the balance, Feni seized the moment and delivered a moment of pure brilliance.

Gagame Feni (left) celebrate with his teammates – TSL Media

It was a play that seemed almost impossible to execute successfully. Feni found himself in possession of the ball near the corner flag, with the goal seemingly out of reach from that tight angle. However, he displayed exceptional vision, technique, and composure as he calculated his move.

With a quick touch to control the ball and a swift glance towards the goal, Feni saw an opportunity. Without hesitation, he unleashed a perfectly executed lob that sailed over the outstretched arms of the Central Coast goalkeeper, finding the back of the net. The crowd erupted in celebration as Feni’s odd-angle goal gave Kossa a crucial lead. You can watch the goal by clicking here.

This extraordinary goal showcased Feni’s incredible talent and ability to make the most of any situation. His confidence was evident throughout the match, and he proved himself as a game-changer for his team. Feni’s contributions on the field were vital in securing the victory and boosting Kossa’s position in the Telekom S-League.

Beyond his club success, Feni has also been making waves in the national team. Recently, in a match against Malaysia, despite a 4-1 defeat for his country, Feni demonstrated his versatility and playmaking abilities by providing a well-timed assist. This performance highlighted his impact not only at the club level but also on the international stage.

Gagame Feni’s remarkable goal from an odd angle against Central Coast will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the standout moments of the Telekom S-League’s season. With his consistent performances and match-winning abilities, Feni has established himself as a key player in Solomon Islands’ football scene, capturing the imagination of fans and leaving them eagerly anticipating his next remarkable feat on the pitch.

Ronald Warisan prevented the Kapuls to suffer Rugby scorelines in international friendly matches

The international friendly matches proved to be a challenging experience for Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Ronald Warisan. The Lae City FC player found himself facing a difficult task as he conceded a staggering 12 goals in just two matches, including a record-breaking defeat against Malaysia by a devastating 10-0 scoreline. However, despite the harsh outcome, Warisan’s performances on the field showcased his skill and determination.

In the first leg against Singapore, Warisan was instrumental in securing a commendable 2-2 draw for Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, he did not receive much support from his back line, which left him consistently exposed to one-on-one situations. Nevertheless, the goalkeeper displayed resilience and made numerous crucial saves, keeping his team in the game.

The same scenario repeated itself in the match against Malaysia, where Warisan once again found himself under immense pressure. He managed to hold the draw until the last minutes of the first half, proving his ability to withstand relentless attacks. While he did fail to prevent one of the 12 goals conceded, it is important to acknowledge that Warisan saved many other shots, preventing the scoreline from resembling a rugby match rather than a football game.

Despite the overwhelming challenges faced by Warisan, his performances showcased his exceptional skills and unwavering commitment. At 33 years old, he displayed that he is still in top form and capable of making crucial saves for Papua New Guinea. His contribution, despite the unfavorable outcomes, became a silver lining for the team, as it highlighted his importance and the positive impact he had on the matches.

Ronald Warisan – AidirPhotography

Warisan’s performances demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion and showcase his goalkeeping prowess, even under immense pressure. His saves prevented the scorelines from being even more lopsided, showing his importance as a last line of defense for Papua New Guinea. His resilience and determination should be recognized and appreciated by fans and teammates alike, as he truly gave his all on the field.

Overall, while the international friendly matches were undoubtedly difficult for Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Ronald Warisan, his performances were a shining light amidst the dark results. His talent, dedication, and crucial saves were a testament to his skill and form, giving hope to the team and proving that he is a valuable asset to Papua New Guinea football.