Oceania Football Center

George Stevenson: experience to help the Kurukuru

The dominance of Solomon Islands at continental level in Oceania is clear: the last three editions of the FIFA Futsal World Cup, the representant of OFC were the Kurukuru – winning all qualyfing tournaments in Oceania, taking the slot FIFA guarantees to OFC at the most important Futsal world event. Currently ranked 48th at FIFA Futsal Rankings, the Solomon Islanders have a substantial margin for the second best-ranked Oceanic nation, which is New Zealand standing at 71th place.

The experience of playing already in three FIFA Futsal World Cup allows the Kurukuru to have an important advantage that any of other Pacific teams have: to get exposed at the highest futsal level in the world. Oceania Football Center talked to the Solomon Islands number 4 – experienced from two FIFA Futsal World Cups – George Stevenson. The 27-year old player could already face strong teams at world level as Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

“These the most important matches I played in life: against Brazil and Argentina”, says Stevenson. The Kurukuru player is talking about the preparation match Solomon Islands played against Brazil at their home soil heading for the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup held in Colombia – that ended up in a heavy 18-0 loss. Brazil is the most important Futsal nation in the history of sport and playing against a legend as Falcão is really something to be proud of.

The match against Argentina had a better outcome for the Solomon Islanders: a 7-3 loss in the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup at group stage and in a certain moment of the game the match was tied up in 1-1 draw. It is also important to remember that Argentina won this edition of the World Cup beating Russia in the grand final match – so Solomon Islanders lost 7-3 to the Futsal world champion.

“It was my greatest ever feeling to be in a World Cup. To play against those full professional players and got so many experiences”. Stevenson also adds he sees a big gap between Solomon Islands Futsal and the big nations at world stage: “Of course there is a big difference, but we are still there working to improve”.

The Solomon Islands come to another OFC Futsal Nations Cup this year held in New Caledonia with as big favourites to win the tournament and qualify for the 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup that this time will be played at Lithuania. Despite the quality of the his team, Stevenson declares they will be challenged: “The most dangerous sides for us are New Zealand and Tahiti. But the preparation is good in comparison with past tournaments and the team is confindent to face this challenge”.

Stevenson (4) celebrates the goal of Elliot Ragomo (3) at 2016 FIFA World Cup

The Solomon Islands could never go through the group stage in a Futsal World Cup. In 2008 in Brazil they could not collect any point in 2012 – in Thailand – Stevenson helped his side with a goal to secure their first ever win in a Futsal World Cup against Guatemala by 4-3.

To secure one more FIFA Futsal World Cup participation, the Kurukuru counts not only with the big experience of many of their players but yes with one coach coming from the most prolific Futsal nation: Vinicius Leite, from Brazil. “New training are being set, game plans and strength conditioning with the coach and his staff. We are confident with our preparation” says George Stevenson.

A imagem pode conter: 2 pessoas, pessoas praticando esportes e quadra de basquetebol — Stevenson in a friendly match against Australia this year

Stevenson says the strength of the Kurukuru come from their long time together: “We have been together since childhood. Everyone knows each other, since our youth days we are playing together”.

The Solomon Islands will kickoff the OFC Futsal Nations Cup 2019 edition against Tonga at Arene du Sud, Nouméa – 28th October at 1pm NCT. You can watch the match at Oceania Football Confederation channel at MyCujoo.

PS Rutz End Mungkas’ Three-Year Reign at the Top of Port Moresby Football

PS Rutz picked up their first Port Moresby Soccer Association title since 2005 to end Mungkas FC’s three-year reign at the top of the football pyramid in Papua New Guinea’s capital city, Port Moresby.

Rutz, who took part in the Papua New Guinea National Soccer League for the one and only time in 2017 under the name of PS United, secured the title with two games remaining after an exceptional season saw them go unbeaten.

University Inter, who represented the country at the 2007/08 OFC Champions League, finished in second place, while reigning champions Mungkas finished third.

The Port Moresby Premier League has reportedly been in existence since the 1960s, but has only consistently been reported on since the late 1990s. During that time, University have been by far the most successful team, having picked up the title seven times, with their first coming in 1996 and their last in 2012.

More recent years, however, have been dominated by Bougainville-infused Mungkas, who last year became the first team to win three consecutive titles. In 2016, they defeated Yamaros in the Grand Final with a 1-0 victory, while the following season they triumphed over University 2-0 courtesy of goals from Abel Redenut and Elton Banem, both of whom played for FC Bougainville in this year’s National Soccer League.

Last year saw the Playoff and Grand Final format discarded, with the winners of the league being crowned champions. Mungkas breezed to their third title with eleven wins and three draws, remaining undefeated.

This year’s competition saw the league expanded from eight to ten, with promoted sides Leilam and Seeadler joining the eight remaining teams from the previous season, six of whom were former champions: the aforementioned Mungkas and University Inter, alongside Rutz (2000, 2005), Cosmos (2003), Maclaren (2008) and Momase (2013). The line-up was completed by two newer sides, Keleiruna and FC Genesis.

Rutz made an impressive start to the season, winning their opening three matches before a hard-fought draw with Mungkas on the fourth matchday. This would be two of only four dropped points in the opening half of the season, the rest coming from a 2-2 draw against University. Going into the halfway stage, Rutz were seven points clear of Mungkas and surprise package Leilam and on course for a third title.

A 1-1 draw against bottom-of-the-table Cosmos in the opening fixture of the second half of the season hinted at a wobble, but a crucial 2-1 victory over an over-extended Mungkas (who were taking part in the National Club Championship) three games later, followed by a vital win over their nearest challengers University Inter the following week made it a foregone conclusion, and a 1-0 win over Leilam on October 13 sealed their first title since the mid-2000s, before they completed their unbeaten season on 19 October with a 4-1 victory over Momase.

Meanwhile, Digitec Vitiaz and Blue Kumuls have been promoted to the Premier Division ahead of next season. Vitiaz, who were in Division Two just two seasons ago, finished three points ahead of Blue Kumuls, who will be returning to the top flight after a two-year absence.

We congratulate PS Rutz on an excellent season, and look forward to seeing how they, and the PMSA Premier Division, will move forward from here.

Solympics: so close to the dream

Solomon Islands football was very close to 2020 Olympics after beating Vanuatu by 1-0 in OFC Olympic Qualifier’s and advancing through the final. Players and staff were very confident and dreaming about the possibility of representing their country in Japan next year before facing New Zealand.

The semifinal against Vanuatu was a difficult test for them even facing a 10-men side after Claude Aru was sent off in the first half. Augustine Waita scored the goal that led Solympics through the final. He told to Oceania Football Center that this tournament was a big experience for him and he was very happy for scoring this important goal. Waita scored five goals in the competition and he was the Solomon Islands topscorer in the championship. He was also selected for Oceania Football Center’s Team of the Tournament, something that made him feel honoured as he told to OFCe.

Solomon Islands players celebrating the decisive goal against Vanuatu at OFC Olympic Qualifiers

“My feeling of getting close to Olympics and feel other environment and how to play against the big countries of football” said Adrian Mara who could not face New Zealand due to a knee injury. He scored three goals in the tournament.

Despite losing by 5-0 in the final match, staff and players know that this silver medal has a special meaning for the Solympics and they are happy with it. “You did well, New Zealand players are very strong – some went to the U20 World Cup – you did your best in the game. Keep in the development”. These were the U23 Coach Batram Suri’s words to the players after the final whistle.

Solympics players singing the National anthem before facing Vanuatu

Solomon Islands football keeps improving and dreaming about reaching the next level. With a structured National League with good young players, the Solomonics are willing to show the world that the 2019 U17 World Cup appearence is not an outlier. Despite the good campaign in OFC U23, they still need to improve on keeping the ball control and defensive tatics to be more effective against stronger sides.

RueRue wins Penama FA qualifier for VFF National Super League

Penama FA Qualifier took place in Loltavola Stadium in Pentecost Island (Vanuatu) between 14 and 20 October with six teams fighting for a spot in VFF National Super League.

The qualifier was originally scheduled for eight teams but only six played it due to ineligibility and withdraws so Basictas, LAC and Tahimahuri could not play the tournament. The 6 teams were split in two groups of three teams each and the best two of each group advanced through the semifinals.

AFC and All Reds qualified from Group A while RueRue and LTT qualified from Group B. In the semifinals RueRue defeated All Reds by 1-0 while LTT beat AFC by 3-0. Click here to check the group stage results.

All Reds had their revenge against AFC after losing in group stage to finish in third with a 1-0 win in the third place match. The final game was an amazing game that was only decided in the penalty shoot-out. After a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes, both teams needed to play an extra-time that ended drawn by 2-2. In the penalty shoot-out RueRue had better luck and won LTT by 4-2 to win the tournament.

RueRue starting eleven in the final match

It’s not the first time RueRue is crowned champion after winning LTT in the final. In September they beat LTT by 1-0 to conquer 2019 Penama Day Cup. Now it’s time to prepare the team for National Super League.

We thank to all Penama FA support by sharing pictures and results, specially to Mr. Tarimea Linvanua that is doing a good job running football in Pentecost Island.

Telekom S-League – Weekend Review

MALAITA KINGZ vs KOSSA (POSTPONED)

Telekom S-League regulation stands that a team can ask for a match postponement if they have five or more players called up for National Teams. Kossa has eight players and their head coach currently representing Solomon Islands. Malaita Kingz protested to have the game played on the marked day but the protest failed and the match was postponed.

ISABEL UNITED 8-0 GUADALCANAL

Isabel United knocked down a weak Guadalcanal to overcome Marist in the standings. Bently Kelobi was once again a key player for Isabel scoring four goals to become a real contender for in Golden Boot Award with nine goals scored in 2019 S-League. Junior Naola scored twice while Jordan Lea’alafa and Joel Pakaliki netted once each.

LAUGU UNITED 5-2 REAL KAKAMORA

A great win for Laugu United to reach the fourth place in the league standings. Atkin Kaua netted four goals and he now has eight goals in the league. Despite losing it may be considered a good match for Real Kakamora once they scored twice in a match for the first time in this S-League.

Laugu United players celebrating a goal against Real Kakamora

SOLOMON WARRIORS 4-0 HENDERSON EELS

In the most awaited match of this weekend, Solomon Warriors thrashed Henderson Eels with four goals in the first half and set the title race on fire. Molea Tigi, Tony Kaltack, Jerry Donga and John Alick netted for Warriors to narrow the gap to two points in the league table. That was the first Eels’ loss in TSL so far.

Solomon Warriors players celebrating a goal against Henderson Eels

You can check the league standings and top goalscorers by clicking here.

Unlucky Phoenix is defeated by Sydney FC

The Wellington Phoenix will be surely complaining tonight, but the majority of them will not complain on Ufuk Talay’s team performance – but yes in the bad luck Phoenix had when facing the current A-League Champions at Leichhardt Oval.

The game started with Sydney showing their attacking impetus with the forwards Adam le Fondre and Kosta Barbarouses – but none of them could really find the target. It was Brandon O’Neill that really could bread the deadlock at 17th minute for the home side, after corner and pinball inside the penalty box, the midfielder could hit Stefan Marinovic’s nets.

A imagem pode conter: 11 pessoas, pessoas sorrindo, pessoas em pé e texto — Talay used the same starting team from the Round 01

After conceding, Phoenix kept their focus and started to dominate the game. The English forward David Ball could create some turmoil into Sydney defense alongside some long-range shots of the youngsters Callum McCowatt.

The second half kept the same scenario of the ending of the first: Wellington Phoenix keeping their pressure looking for an equalizer. Plenty of goalscoring chances were created and Nix displayed an entertaining football – it was about to come the goal when Ulisses Dávila enters the area, shots but is denied by Andrew Redmayne – the rebound is taken by David Ball that hits the posts and Callum McCowatt just cannot keep the play dangerous after another rebound.

A imagem pode conter: 2 pessoas, pessoas sorrindo, pessoas praticando esportes e atividades ao ar livre — Lots of chances and lots of frustrations for Phoenix players

With so many chances, the goal was near to come – just needed someone to pull the trigger. It was Ulisses Davila, the first Mexican player to score in the A-League, that received a good pass by Jaushua Sotirio, beats one defender and fires the ball the deflects and finds the low right corner of Sydney’s goalkeeper. Finally, at the 69th minute of play, the game as levelled. This was the first goal of the season for the Nix.

The very first goal of the season for Phoenix by Dávila

The pressure was going to continue: with still twenty minutes plus stoppage time to played, maybe Phoenix could grab a win away against the current A-League champions playing a very good football. It was not to be.

After nearly 10 minutes of pressure and keeping the ball in forward positions, a silly foul commited by Matti Steinmann allowed Sydney a chance – enough for O’Neill to cross and find a unlikely Rhyan Grant inside the box to tap it home. The near touch surprised Marinovic that could not make stop the ball to enter the goal. It was the second goal of the home team.

To end a bad day for the Wellington team, the young Liberato Cacace – that was having a very good game – after a reckless challenge on Anthony Caceres. With the help of VAR, the young New Zealander was sent off and will miss the next game of his team.

Despite being reduced to 10-men, Phoenix added Reno Piscopo and Ben Waine – subbing Matti Steinmann and Jaushua Sotirio respectively – and keep trying to find an equaliser. The best chance for the New Zealanders was with free-kick taken by Reno Piscopo that passed just close to the post of Andew Redmayne.

Phoenix unfortunately has now two defeats in two games played and will now face Perth Glory at Westpac Stadium, 6pm NZT. Despite of missing the important Liberato Cacace for this match, the new marquee import striker Gary Hooper is likely to have his debut in this match and the fans hope the Englishmen can help the team to finish better the goal chances produced today.

Jonathan Spokeyjack: “Vanuatu was prepared for New Zealand”

Since Australia left the Oceania Football Confederation in 2006, New Zealand took the spot as top team in the region and turned into the big task of all other 10 countries to challenge their clubs and national teams at the Confederation tournaments. So on, just twice clubs from outside New Zealand won the OFC Champions League – Hekari United and Hienghène Sport – and once the OFC Nations Cup – Tahiti.

In the last OFC Olympic Qualifiers, of course, the strong U23 New Zealand side named by the coach Des Buckingham was the team to be beaten and Jonathan Spokeyjack was aware of it: “We could stop New Zealand, we draw against them in Pacific Games in Samoa, but unfortunately we could not face them in final”.

The frustration of the 20-year old winger is clear: they have done a fantastic group stage winning all of their matches, but were stopped by a brave Solomon Islands team in the semifinals, being defeated by 1-0.

A imagem pode conter: 1 pessoa, praticando um esporte e atividades ao ar livre — Spokeyjack at OFC Olympic Qualifier

“We controlled the entire game. We lost the opportunities we had to score while they had one chance and scored – to be reducted to ten men also decreased a lot our chances”, says the Ni-Vanuatu International.

Vanuatu brought the best of young tallent they had to the competition: well-known names Jason Thomas, Ronaldo Wilkins and Bong Kalo starred for the team. It makes us remember the amazing time Vanuatu football had in 2017, when they qualified for South Korea 2017 World Cup – where Jonathan Spokeyjack had the chance to play: “It was very challenging. It was also my first experience playing against full professional players – a great atmosphere at the stadiums”.

Vanuatu played against Venezuela, Mexico and Germany and could surely come home happy with their results: despite a massive 7-0 defeat against Venezuela – that ended up the competition at the 2nd place -, they lost by 3-2 in the following games against Mexico and Germany. Spokeyjack remembers: “We fought till the end. We were happy because we scored goals and It was the first time in a FIFA tournament for a small nation like ours”. Vanuatu almost hold Mexico to a 2-2 draw, but a last minute winner could not make the Pacific Islanders to make their history even brighter.

A imagem pode conter: 1 pessoa, atividades ao ar livre — Spokeyjack singing Vanuatu National Anthem at OFC Olympic Qualifiers

Despite not being able to reach their goal – to face New Zealand at the grand final of the tourmanent – the Ifira Black Bird player was positive about his team performance: “We did very well in attack with good combinations. We were able to beat Fiji twice at their home and also finish in the 3rd position. We made a top tournament, we lost just one match and conceded only two goals”. The winger also added that “Etienne Mermer is the best coach in Vanuatu currently” and agreed with Oceania Football Center when mentioned the team seemed very well organized in pitch and well suited.

Spokeyjack dreams with an opportunity to turn professional overseas and hopes his work will get recognized: “We need media exposure, actually people can not see our hardwork here in Vanuatu. There are not football agents, so only VFF – Vanuatu Football Federation – is the one that can arrange trials and other chances for us. If we could get better media exposure we would attract some teams with our tallent.“

Resultado de imagem para Jonathan Spokeyjack — Spokeyjack (Left with N.7) with his club in Vanuatu – Ifira Black Bird

Spokeyjack club in Port Villa Premier League started the 2019/20 season with one win and one draw – he hopes with a good season and lots of hardwork he can manage to have better football opportunites to him all good talents Ni-Vanuatu football have. With already good experience from a FIFA U20 World Cup, him and the good generation of Vanuatu – that comes majorly from this great experience at U20 World Cup – Jonathan Spokeyjack hopes to shine even brighter.

Oceania Football Center is working to showcase the tallent all over Oceania and we hope to continue – and suceed – our job to make the football world connected with the best we have in the Pacific region.

Phoenix faces A-League Champions

After a dissapoint 1-0 defeat against Western United at home last weekend, Wellington Phoenix travels to Sydney to challenge the current A-League champions at Leichhart Oval, 20th October, 8pm NZT.

Stefan Marinovic preparing for sunday clash vs. Sydney FC

It is not going to be an easy task for the New Zealand-based club if they want to avoid two defeats in the starting two matches of the 2019/20 season. Sydney FC counts with the power of All Whites member and former Wellington Phoenix forward Kosta Barbarouses. Barbarouses recently had a stellar season playing for Melbourne Victory in 2018/19 scoring 15 times and providing four assists.

Surely Barbarouses will not be the only threat that Phoenix will need to deal with: the English striker Adam le Fondre has a very good last season for Sydney and already scored a double in his first match at A-League 2019/20. The Sky Blues will also count with the tallented midfielders Alexander Baumjohann and Milos Ninkovic to complete their offensive firepower.

Defensively Sydney has also plenty of quality: the Socceroos Andrew Redmayne (goalkeeper) and Rhyan Grant (right back). The team also counts with the experience of former Australia National Team players Alex Wilkinson and Ryan McGowan.

Resultado de imagem para Kosta Barbarouses — Kosta Barbarouses is one of the threats for Wellington Phoenix

Although Sydney has a plenty of options in their squad, the current Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay had worked with Steve Corica – Sydney FC head coach – as his assistant in their succesful season. The knowledge of the new Phoenix coach can help the Nix to hold the Sky Blues quality.

Phoenix recently signed the marquee striker Gary Hooper with a move that hopes to be crucial for the team in the new season. Hooper is still not available for the Sydney FC clash and is expected to start his Phoenix career next weekend at Westpac Stadium against the current A-League premiers Perth Glory. Despite the not possible debut of the former Celtic, Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday striker, Talay can count with his full squad.

Resultado de imagem para Ufuk Talay — Ufuk Talay knowledge of Sydney FC can help Phoenix in their next clash

Phoenix will hope to see an inspired Ulisses Dávila to help them to secure a good result after the defeat at home against Western United FC. You can watch the clash at SkySports and MyFootball Channell at 8pm NZT.

Wood scores but can’t avoid Burnley loss

New Zealander striker Chris Wood scored one goal and had another one canceled by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the 2-1 Premier League loss to Leicester City at King Power Stadium.

Burnley opened the scoreboard at the 26th minute with a good header by Wood after a Dwight McNeil left-footed cross. Leicester tied the game at late first half when Jamie Vardy headed it to the net. Youri Tielemans scored the winning goal with a powerful shot from inside the box. Wood still scored another goal to tie the game at 2 in the late second half but it was canceled by the VAR in a very controversial decision. You can check the goal play in the following video at 1:17.

Burnley’s coach Sean Dyche said in the postgame interview that he is a big fan of VAR but he also stated that the main referee must use the VAR screen before taking a decision.

Wood now has four goals in nine Premier League matches so far this season. He is the club’s current season top scorer with four goals alongside with Ashley Barnes.

Burnley is currently in the 8th place in the league while Leicester stands at second position.

Hienghène continue la Saison des Rêves

Read the Article in English 🇬🇧

Le Hienghène Sport ajoute un nouvel éclat à sa saison fantastique: la Coupe de Calédonie 2019. Le champion actuel de la Ligue des Champions OFC représentera également la Nouvelle-Calédonie à la Coupe de France lors de son édition 2019/20.

Dans un match rempli de buts, les nouveaux champions de la Coupe Caledonia ont remporté l’AS Lössi par 5-3. Bertrand Kaï a aidé son équipe à marquer deux buts décisifs en seconde période.

Esta imagem possuí um atributo alt vazio; O nome do arquivo é image-134.png — Les équipes de départ des deux finalistes

Le match semblait facile pour Hienghène quand Anthony Kai a ouvert le score avec un magnifique tir à la cinquième minute. En plus du but inscrit à la 5e minute, le puissant milieu de terrain Cédric Sansot a marqué après un corner pris par le capitaine Bertrand Kaï à la 28e minute.

Lorsque Lössi a semblé être vaincu, il a retrouvé l’espoir à la 45e minute: après que Shaffy Mandaoue eut marqué un bon but, l’international calédonien Pierre Kauma réduisit le score à un point. Le but inscrit avant la fin de la première mi-temps confortait le moral des joueurs de Lössi qui avaient réussi à égaliser à peine dix minutes après la deuxième période grâce à une belle contre-attaque de Ludwig Zeoula.

Hienghène Sport, le favori de la victoire, a commencé à poursuivre son troisième but. L’équipe peut contrôler ses émotions et rester concentrée. et le club bleu et blanc a retrouvé le filet à la 63e minute grâce à un essai clinique de Bertand Kaï – après un effort fantastique de Anthony Käi. Six minutes plus tard, le même Bertrand Kaï, 36 ans, était plus rapide que tout défenseur de l’AS Lössi pour inscrire son deuxième but et le quatrième de son équipe. La marge était revenue à 2 buts.

Esta imagem possuí um atributo alt vazio; O nome do arquivo é image-136.png — Les joueurs de Hienghène Sport célèbrent leur 4ème but du match

Le courageux Lössi a continué à se battre pour niveler le score. Ils ont commencé leur réaction lorsque Amy Hnageje, à la 77e minute, a été capable de trouver les filets et de marquer le troisième but de son équipe dans le match, tout en laissant assez de temps pour chercher un égaliseur.

Malgré le courage de l’équipe Orange, Hienghène a réussi à marquer un autre but: après une bonne passe de Bertrand Kaï, le prolifique Roy Kayara a battu le défenseur pour trouver le but, a décidé le 94ème jour de la rencontre – vous pouvez suivre tous les buts de le match dans les faits saillants.

Esta imagem possuí um atributo alt vazio; O nome do arquivo é image-137.png — Le score final du match de la finale de la Coupe de Calédonie 2019

Hienghène Sport est maintenant trois fois champion du plus important tournoi de football de Nouvelle-Calédonie et représentera son pays en Coupe de France pour la troisième fois de son histoire en la saison 2019/20.

Après avoir remporté en mai le plus important titile de Hienghène Sport et de n’importe quel club de Nouvelle-Calédonie – la Ligue des Champions OFC 2019 – battant son rival, l’AS Magenta, en finale, il s’agit du dernier titre remporté par Hyehen. Ils sont également sur le point de compléter le triplé avec une victoire en Super League Mobil pour la saison en cours, alors qu’il n’y a que trois tours en tête du classement.

Esta imagem possuí um atributo alt vazio; O nome do arquivo é 72844770_1446130205544777_8698855396418256896_n.jpg — Le trophée de la Coupe de Calédonie remporté par Hienghène Sport

Malgré la superbe performance de l’équipe dirigée par Felix Tagawa, Hienghène a commis des erreurs de défense permettant à l’AS Lössi de marquer trois fois. Hienghène participera à la Coupe du Monde des Clubs de la FIFA 2019 au Qatar en décembre. Ils savent qu’ils devront faire preuve d’une meilleure cohérence défensive pour représenter la Nouvelle-Calédonie et l’Océanie dans le tournoi le plus important de leur histoire.