Oceania Football Center

Mohammad Rajani: Tonga football needs to grow

Mohammad Rajani is a born-Australian football player that represents Tonga at international level. The 20 years old winger is one of the many footballers with Tongan citizenship spread in other countries.

He was discovered by Tongan Football Association when he was 11 years old “The coach of my club in Sydney (APIA Leichhardt) went to Tonga to help Kilifi Uele and Lui Muavesi with some youth coaching programs. Around the same time, I went to Tonga to visit my family and so my coach introduced me to the TFA, and since then they have kept contact with us.” he said.

Currently playing in his homeland Australia, Rajani is one of the most exciting youth players that can represent Tonga National Team. He has not played for the main squad yet but he already played U19 and U23 OFC tournaments for Tonga.

Tonga is one of the bottom placed teams in FIFA World Ranking currently standing at the 204th position of 210 National Teams. The small country in the Pacific Ocean has a big tradition in Rugby – having played some Rugby World Cups – but in football they are still doing their first steps and they clearly need some help to develop. “I think Tongan football has so much potential. However I think that the current board needs a lot of help with organization of our national teams from other people/nations” he stated

Rajani (in red) playing against Vanuatu in 2019 OFC Olympic Qualifiers

Anyway Tonga is slowly developing. Despite losing most matches they are showing they can do something better specially at youth level. They won the qualifying stage for 2018 OFC U19 Championship after beating American Samoa and Cook Islands and drawing against Samoa. Rajani was a key player in this tournament scoring two goals and delievering two assists, participating in four of the six goals scored by Tonga in the tournament, which helped him to be named the Qualifying Stage’s MVP.

Young players are the Tonga’s hope to become a competitive side at continental level, or at least to not be smashed by their opponents. Mohammed Rajani, Mahe Malafu, Vai Lutu, Tuia Falepapalangi, Hemaloto Polovili, Soakai Vea, Laulea Taufa and some other players can be the basis of Tongan National Team in the upcoming years and it is surely a good basis for future to improve their standards. “Our national team can grow so much. This pool of players in my age group has a lot of talent, both domestically and internationally based and we can put a competitive team together” said Rajani.

Most of these players took part of U23 Olympic Qualifier held in Fiji this year. Despite losing all three matches, Tonga managed to score two goals – both scored by Hemaloto Polovili – and hold hosts Fiji to a 4-1 win. “Our U23 side overall performance was not very good compared to the rest of the region. Of course, we are the underdogs coming into these tournaments and no one expects much of us but I think we shocked a lot of people with how we carried ourselves though, especially in the first game (against Fiji).”

Rajani (first from left to right) in U23 Olympic Qualifier held in Fiji

Rajani knows that Tonga is still doing their first steps in football but he understands they can improve specially if they have some international help “Technical aspects will obviously play a huge part in how we prepare and play and I think that is where we need help […] The results speak for themselves and I think, with help, Tonga can grow so much and compete.” he stated.

As it was already said in the beginning of this text, there are many footballers with Tongan citizenship spread in other countries that could improve the National Team’s level but it seems they have not been discovered by TFA yet and it shows how they need urgent help to develop. “I think it comes down to our association’s ability to be able to scout, reach out and find these players”.

Tonga still faces some problems with football that do not come from lack of organization. Football popularity still needs to grow in the country once Rugby is the most important sport there. TFA could follow Tonga Rugby Union steps to become a better team in football. Iceland already proved that population is not a problem. The island with 300 thousand people managed to qualify for 2016 Euro and 2018 World Cup playing in European Qualifiers, the strongest continent in the world when it comes to football. Tonga’s rugby also proves that it is not impossible for them to have a competitive National Football Team. Seriousness and investments are necessary to make it. “I think maybe with help from sponsors, the league can grow, youth programs will grow bigger and players will be developed in a professional way so they can have opportunities to play at a high level, like other nations around the world.” said Rajani. Tonga is currently building a new stadium and it is a good initiative but as Rajani stated above they need more.

Currently playing in Australia, he is exploring some opportunities to play in other places “Playing 2020 OFC Champions League is definitely a goal of mine in the coming months, I think I have shown my ability in the international tournaments and I want to get on the field on that stage and compete against the best players playing in our region“. Talking about Tonga, Veitongo is currently leading the league and they will probably qualify for Champions League. Will we see Rajani playing for Veitongo in this tournament? Maybe. Anyway Oceania Football Center thanks to him for conceding this interview and wish him good luck in his career and life.

TBT #01 – The long wait is over!

Throwback Thursday (also known as TBT) is a popular internet trend used among social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Users will often post nostalgic pictures of their past accompanied by the hashtag #TBT or #ThrowbackThursday. It is used by people all over the world to share and relive their past experiences with anyone they want. The term throwback can be attributed to anything in the past.

Oceania Football Center also joined this trend and that is the first article of a series. These articles will be published on Thursdays remembering memorable moments in Oceanian Football. Scroll down and check the first story of the series.

After Australia’s exit from Oceania Football Confederation, there was a clear way for New Zealand to become the new Football Kings in the OFC region. These expectations really came true once All Whites win almost every 11-a-side football tournament in Oceania since then. It also increased the All Whites’ possibility to qualify for World Cups once they had played only one in 1982.

New Zealand did not last to show to the whole continent who is the new ruler of the rooster. They won 2008 OFC Nations Cup and qualified for 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. This title also gave All Whites the opportunity of playing 2010 FIFA World Cup Inter-Continental Play-offs against an Asian team because by that time OFC Nations Cup champion advanced directly to the World Cup play-offs.

And there they were! New Zealand was two matches away from coming back to the world stage at senior level. Their opponent was Baharin, an asian country that never played a World Cup. So the All Whites were in a historical advantage because they played FIFA World Cup once.

After a 0-0 draw in Bahrain, the All Whites would decide the 2010 FIFA World Cup spot at home. More than 36 thousand people went to Westpac Stadium in Wellington to support the New Zealand’s squad.

All Whites’ squad against Bahrain
BEHIND: Tim Brown, Chris Killen, Shane Smeltz, Mark Paston, Tony Lochhead and Rory Fallon
IN FRONT: Ben Sigmund, Ryan Nelsen, Leo Bertos, Ivan Vicelich and Michael McGlinchey

Jorge Larrionda from Uruguay was the referee in a match that really promised to be exciting. And it really was!

New Zealand scored with forward Rory Fallon in the end of the first half and they managed to hold this score to clinch their spot in 2010 World Cup.

You can check the full highlights in the videos below:

1st half highlights

It was in 2009… 14th November. Today this memorable day for New Zealanders makes its 10th birthday. It was the last time that All Whites qualified for a FIFA World Cup. Will they qualify for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar? We will find it out soon.

Isabel United stuns Malaita Kings in Nigel Dabinyaba debut

The midweek clash between Malaita Kings and Isabel United marked the debut of the brilliant Papua New Guinea international Nigel Dabinyaba. The club from Malaita hoped to grab all points of this match to get closer to the 2nd placed Henderson Eels in the table. Isabel United hoped to count with the prolific scorer Bently Kelobi to advance in the standings in this match that took place in Lawson Tama Stadium.

A imagem pode conter: 2 pessoas, pessoas praticando esportes e atividades ao ar livre — Dabinyaba made his debut for Malaita Kings – *S-League Media*

It was not only the Papua New Guinean to make his debut in this clash: the U23 Solomon Islands international Tuita Maeobia also made his debut for Isabel United alongside two other players for his team. Maeobia scored a prolific goal against New Zealand in the last OFC Olympic Qualifiers tournament that took place in Fiji.

Resultado de imagem para Tuita Maeobia — Tuita Maeobia donning Solomon Islands colours in last OFC U19 championship – *SIFF Media*

A hard fought match see Maeobia and Isabel United to come with the best result. The young forward scored the goal that was the difference between two teams. The 1-0 victory was enough to secure a very important win for the club from Isabel province.

Malaita Kings now sees Henderson Eels seven points upfront in the second place and has its 3rd place in the table threatened by Kossa that draw in the weekend against the same Henderson Eels.

A imagem pode conter: 11 pessoas, grama e atividades ao ar livre — Isabel United squad before the match – *SIFF Media*

Isabel United after this result advances in the table and sits 5th in the table with 12 points, overtaking Marist position in the standings.

Kensi Tangis: striking for history

Kensi Tangis is one of the most prolific strikers in the Pacific Islands nowadays and he is living a bright moment in his career scoring lots of goals. He was the 2018-19 Solomon Islands S-League with 23 goals scored and he is currently leading the Golden Boot race in 2019-20 Port Vila Premier League with a good margin from other contesters.

Even scoring lots of goals in both countries, he sees a clear difference between the football style of both countries: “Vanuatu’s football is more physical while Solomon Islands’ is more technical.“

With 29 years old, the Galaxy’s striker is currently recovering from an injury. He got injured in the loss against Sia-Raga and did not show up in the 0-0 draw against Tafea. His absence from the team coincided with a bad run of Galaxy in the league. Currently in the fourth place in the league table, they are looking forward for next matches while they aim to perform at a good level in the Galaxy’s first ever international experience in 2020 Oceania Champions League – “Preparation for OFC Champions League is going good but we need more technical training.” he stated.

Kensi Tangis after scoring four goals against Mauwia in 2019-20 Port Vila Premier League opening round

Tangis is a key player for Galaxy. With some great international experience – played in Solomon Islands, Tahiti and also capped 28 times for Vanuatu National Team – he is really ready for this continental challenge once he already played 25 matches and scored 11 goals in OFC Champions League history.

With a good retrospect at international level, he made it clear – “I really want to play abroad again”. His incredible capacity to score obviously allows him to play well in a good level as he already proved it.

Hienghène wins Mobil Super League; battle against relegation continues

The Mobil Super Ligue got to know their new champions in the previous saturday when Hienghène Sport finally complete the treble and won the national league. The club from the north of New Caledonia had three chances to seal their title – failling against their rivals AS Magenta, Tiga Sport but at the last round deciding their fate against Horizon Patho and winning away from home by 4-1.

AS Magenta once again sees their biggest rivals to win another trophy after their faillure in OFC Champions League and Coupe de Calédonie. The club from New Caledonia capital at least could confirm their presence in OFC Champions League ending 2nd in the table.

Bertrand Kai (right) was the top scorer of the league with 14 goals

Despite the decision of the champions of the spots in the continental club tournament, the Mobil Super Ligue still has one decisive match still to be played to give an end to the relegation battle between ES Wacaele and Trio Kedeigne. Both sides still fight to see which of them will directly relegated to the Promotion d’Honneur and which other will take place in the relegation-promotion playoff.

The catch-up match against AS Mont-Dore and Trio Kedeigne was decided by FCF Referee Commision to take place in the next weekend. Mont-Dore needs only a win to end the competition in the 3rd position and Trio Kedeigne needs a draw to avoid direct relegation and send to the send place in the stadings the newly promoted ES Wacaele.

ES Wacaele could score first against AS Lössi in their last encounter in Stade Numa Daly, but suffered four goals from Lössi – a brace from their number 9 and captain Fonzy Ranchain. Wacaele now hopes Trio can not avoid a defeat and suffer a direct relegation to the New Caledonian football second-tier.

The 18th round results and updated standings – *MSL Media*

Wacaele can keep their hopes alive: Trio Kedeigne suffered a harsh defeat – the biggest goal difference until now in the competition – against Magenta by 10-2 margin. Now they will be playing a do-or-die match against AS Mont-Dore to keep their chances alive to stay in the top-tier for next season.

AS Wetr did not keep their good form in the competition and suffered one more defeat against Tiga Sport. Highlight for one more goal in the season for Tiga Sport top scorer Lues Waya – the 18-year old striker keeps proving he can be one of the major players in the next seasons of Mobil Super Ligue.

In the other match of the round SC Ne Drehu could not confirm their 3rd place spot in the league when they draw 2-2 against AS Mont-Dore and gave the chance to them reach the third place if they win their remaining match against ES Wacaele.

In the title decisive match on Saturday, the new signing of Hienghène Sport, the Portuguese midfielder Pedro Sousa, opened early the account for the current OFC Champions League title holders. Antoine Roine scored the second goal still in the first half. In the final part of the game, Horizon Patho managed to reduce the scoreline to 2-1, but Miguel Kayara and Bertrand Kaï scored the final goals of the game sealing the third title of the season.

The captain and legend of Hieghène Sport, Bertrand Kaï ended the competition with 14 goals scored and is the top goalscorers of this edition of the national league.

Now the club from Hienghène province will be looking for their biggest challenges of the season, when they play AS Pierrots Vauban Strasbourg of the 5th tier of football in France for the Coupe de France 7th round and FIFA Clubs World Cup when they play in December against Qatari national champions Al-Sadd.

Benben United remains unbeaten in Women’s Opening Tournament

BY CHARLES HAKWA

Benben United have put themselves at the top of group A. Coming from a 7-0 and 6-0 victories over Pango Green Bird and Mauriki respectively, the girls demonstarted volcanic explosion in the field since the team is named after Mount Lombenben volcano where Lake Manaro is.

The girls in Blue ended their latest game on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Erakor Golden Star which counts on Celestine Kalopong and other U19 national players who recently returned from a fourth place finish in the Cook Islands.

Benben United girls after beating Pango Green Bird by 7-0 at Erakor field

Benben United have one pool game left against Ifira Black Bird on 23rd November at Korman Stadium since they have a bye this coming Saturday.

Benben United is a futsal team that currently leads Shefa Women’s Futsal League, however since the announcment of the re-establishment of a Women’s Football League in Vanuatu, the futsal girls decided to combine with the Sarabetu Churches of Christ youths and the Tavalavola girls after the Ambae Day celebrations to form this team to compete in the new Women’s Football League. They still play futsal after playing their football games.

Benben United also counts on Annie Rose Gere and Jane Alatoa who both joined the national squad in this years Pacific Games in Samoa.

Dennis Ifunaoa: the best is yet to come

Dennis Ifunaoa had an amazing season playing for Labasa in Fiji. The 27 years old player from Solomon Islands was a key player for Babasiga Lions in this unforgettable year in the history of the team. His international experience meant a lot for Labasa throughout the season specially in crunch times and big matches.

Ifunaoa played for some important clubs in the Pacific Islands like Hekari United (Papua New Guinea), Henderson Eels and Solomon Warriors (Solomon Islands) playing in OFC Champions League for many seasons – Playing for these teams brought more experience to my football career” he said. With this experience in many national leagues, he also pointed some differences between the football structure in these countries “In Fiji they have a National League and three other tournaments (Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants and Inter-District Championship) while Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea only have the league. If these countries had more tournaments like in Fiji players could play for more times throughout the year. It would help them to develop more”.

He won two trophies for Labasa during the season: Battle of the Giants and Inter-District Championship. His biggest moment in Fiji took place in the Inter-District Championship when he scored an amazing goal at the extra time in the final against Suva to give Labasa the win and the trophy – “I have already scored in many finals but this one meant a lot to me because I promised myself I would score a goal in this final […] People always expect more from foreign players” he stated.

Dennis Ifunaoa after winning 2019 Inter-District Championship for Labasa. Source: FBC News

After a notorious season in Fiji, Dennis Ifunaoa was deservedly called up for Solomon Islands National Football team, scoring five goals in five matches so far. Despite living a good moment in his career he assures that the best is yet to come “I am so happy to join the National Team and I hope they can call me up again. I think it is not the best moment of my career yet. I still need to improve a lot, that is how I see“. When asked about the recent successes of Solomon Islands in Futsal, Beach Soccer and Football, he answered “It is because the trainings and hard work that each player and staff put day in day out. That is the reason of these recent successes […] I think they should build some good training places and good facilities so players can use it and improve more“.

Ifunaoa having fun with some kids in Netherlands during Solomon Islands tour in the European country

Infrastructure is clearly one of the biggest problems at the islands but it demands some time to be solved. However there are some issues that can be solved in easier ways like the strange calendars of football in some countries. Recently Oceania Football Center released an article talking about the bad schedule in Fijian tournaments. Ifunaoa played a year in Fiji and he could feel it himself “I think it is wrong playing day-by-day games because human body needs to rest before playing another match […] but it is always like that in Fiji when it comes to tournaments” he said.

Currently playing for Solomon Warriors in Telekom S-League, Ifunaoa has plans for the upcoming years but he is totally focused on his current team goals by now “I intend to return to Fiji. I have just arrived in Solomon Warriors and I will stay here if we go through Oceania Champions League”. He also knows that he still has some potential to improve and make the next level by going into a bigger league “I also would like to play in a bigger country like New Zealand again. I played for Nelson Suburbs in the beginning of this decade”.

Solomon Warriors is currently leading the Telekom S-League and they will probably qualify for Oceania Champions League. If it really happens everyone will have the opportunity to see Ifunaoa playing at the highest level of Oceanian football once again.

Sarpreet Singh begins to shine in Germany

Bayern Münich II won Magdeburg by 2-1 in the 15th round of 3.Bundesliga, the third tier of football in Germany. Both goals were scored by Sarpreet Singh. The young New Zealanders is beginning to show why he was signed by Bayern Münich, one of the greatest football teams of the world.

After taking part of Bayern’s main squad earlier in the season, Singh was moved to the second team on August to have more opportunities to show his potential. He already played 11 matches for Bayern II, scoring four goals and delievering five assists according to Transfermarkt.

Singh knows the importance of playing at a good level in Bayern II if he wants to be promoted to the first team –“If you’re in the second team of Bayern you want to push up and try and get an opportunity with the first team. But in order to do that it’s not easy. They’re Bayern Munich for a reason. They’re one of the world’s best teams so you have to be consistent every single day and be the best player you can be. If you’re doing that then I think opportunities will come for sure. But it’s easier said than done.” he said to Stuff NZ.

You can watch all Sarpreet Singh goals in 3.Liga in the videos below:

VIDEO 1 (FROM 1:40 TO 1:54)

VIDEO 2 (FROM 1:27 TO 1:40)

VIDEO 3 (FROM 0:45 TO 1:18 – FROM 1:37 TO 2:09)

Auckland City and Team Wellington draw; Waitakere take the lead in ISPS Handa Premiership

The second round for ISPS Handa Premiership was very lively in the Sunday, plenty of goals and with talent to watch. The most important national league of Oceania starts to get shape and the second matchweek already could present to the fans a great clash between Team Wellington and Auckland City played in Kiwitea Street.

Wellington Phoenix Reserves 3-4 Hawke’s Bay United

Wellington Phoenix Reserves almost made a fantastic comeback at home against Hawke’s Bay United. Both sides lost their initial matches at ISPS Handa Premiership and were looking for their first points in the league. Hawke’s Back pulled upfront with the Canadian midfielder Dylan Sacramento, the number 10 scored a hattrick in the match to help his side to secure their first three points. The other scored by HBU was by the United States striker Ahinga Selemani.

What seemed to be an easy victory for the club based in Napier almost turned into a nightmare. In five minutes the 17-year old striker Blake Driehuis scored a hattrick to show some fragile signs in the Hawke’s Bay defense. Despite the fantastic effort of Driehuis, the side from Wellington could not complete the comeback and ended up falling short, losing by 4-3.

Striker Ahinga Selemani scored one of Hawke's Bay United's four goals in a 4-3 win against the Wellington Phoenix Reserves. Photo/File — Selemani scored one of the four goals of HBU in the clash – *NZ Herald*

Canterbury Dragons 2-1 Southern United

Canterbury could recover from their defeat against Eastern Suburbs in the last round completing a vital comeback against Southern United in Christchurch. The early lead taken by Southern with their star striker Garbhan Coughlan promised a second win in a row for the team from Dunedin, but the Dragons could bounce back.

Just five minutes later from Coughlan goal, George King could equalize for the some side. The winner for Canterbury United just came in the 83th minute with a finish of the Australian Reece Dalton. The match would end with a 2-1 victory for the home side, showing that Canterbury keep very strong while playing at home.

A imagem pode conter: pessoas praticando esportes e atividades ao ar livre — Cantebury United vs Southern at English Park – *CU Media*

Hamilton Wanderers 3-0 Eastern Suburbs

The current ISPS Handa Premiership title holders could not keep their form from their first match in the season and were dominated by Wanderers in Hamilton. This match marks the first goal of the season by Papua New Guinean international Tommy Semmy.

Hamilton lost heavily their first match in the season by 5-1 against Team Wellington in David Farrington Park, but at home in Porrit Stadium the story was very different. Jake Butler and Derek Tieku scored at the 33th and 35th minute of match while Semmy would put his club in a confortable lead just before the break at the 44th minute of play.

Eastern Suburbs give sights they are not so strong as they were in last season where they could count with the likes of Elijah Just, Andre de Jong and Callum McCowatt. They suffered to win their first match at home against Canterbury United Dragons and now were totally outclassed by a Hamilton Wanderers in form.

Tasman United 0-2 Waitakere United

After various seasons ‘sleeping’, the giant from Auckland seems to be promising a much better season than the previous ones. The former national champions and Oceania champions are battling to find their good days back under the coach of Paul Hobson.

The start of the season seems very promising for the red and white team. They are the unique side to win both matches in the competition – beating 3-1 the Wellington Phoenix Reserves at home and 2-0 Tasman United away from home. The two goals from the striker Alex Connor-McClean in the second half sealed the victory of the away team.

Connor-McLean scored a brace in the Waitakere win – *NZF Media*

Auckland City 2-2 Team Wellington

The most awaited match of the round took place in Kiwitea Street, Auckland, where Auckland Cityf faced Team Wellington. Both revamped teams with news faces and head coaches made a thrilling match that any of them could emerge as winners.

The first goal of the game was scored by Myer Bevan through a penalty spot in the 24th minute of play. The former North-Ireland youth international Ollie Bassett scored his second in the league and equalized for Team Wellington still in the first half.

Team Wellington seemed more dangerous in the second half and their offensiveness paid off when Hamish Watson scored through a penalty kick to complete the comeback and give the Wellington-based club the lead. The new addition of Auckland City would score and equalize the match at the 78th minute – the OlyWhites captain Logan Rogerson scored his first goal for Auckland City since joining the team.

Rogerson celebrates his goal for Auckland City – *NZF Media*

Waitakere United with their two wins in the season for now stands at the top of the stadings with six points. Team Wellington stands second with four points and four in goal difference, while Auckland City is just behind them with also four points but with only one in goal debits.

Tasman United and Wellington Phoenix Reserves are the teams still did not score any points in the league, having the Nelson based club in the bottom of the rank with -6 in goal debits while the reserve squad of Wellington Phoenix stands in 9th with -3 goal debits – both of them surely with 0 points in the table.

Myer Bevan of Auckland City remains at the top of the golden boot race with four scored in the season so far, having behind him with three Blake Driehuis of Wellington Phoenix Reserves and Hamish Watson of Team Wellington.

Phoenix collects first point in A-League season

Wellington Phoenix almost celebrated a win in their trip to Melbourne after playing against the local side of Melbourne Victory. A quality finish from Ola Toivonen after a defensive mistake prevented the New Zealand club to collect all points from this clash.

If Phoenix could not avoid the defeat, they would break a record none team in the league would want to: they would turn in to the first team ever to start the A-League with five defeats in a row. After losing against Western United, Sydney FC, Perth Glory and Melbourne City, this match against Victory was very important for Phoenix to finally kick-off in points their season and really reach the potential this squad have.

Despite not having their top striker Gary Hooper in the match, Phoenix shown a good offensive production and could score early in the game thru a penalty kick well taken by the Mexican Ulises Davila. The VAR helped Phoenix after calling central referee attention to a handball in the area after a corner – the ball was accidentally blocked by Victory star Toivonen with the arm and it ended up putting the ball in the spot for Davila that scored his third in the season – currently second tied with various players in the golden boot race.

Davila penalty that put Phoenix upfront

After scoring, Phoenix put their lines deeper and got their attentions to defend their lead. Stefan Marinovic made a fantastic stop still in the first half to avoid an equalizer for Victory. The break saw the Phoenix upfront in the scoreline for the first time in the season by 1-0 margin.

In the second half the speedsters forwards of Phoenix could create some trouble: Jaushua Sotirio, David Ball and Callum McCowatt had decent runs and created some opportunities, but always Melbourne was more dangerous than the Nix attacks. Ola Toivonen was always a danger, combining well with Kenny Athiu and Elvis Kamsoba.

Unfortunately for Phoenix, Tim Payne clearence was blocked and the ball was gifted to Toivonen inside the box. The Swedish international dribbled Steven Taylor and with a classy finish put the ball out of Marinovic reach to equalize the match for the home side.

Toivonen scored his 20th goal for Victory

Wellington Phoenix introduced the young Ben Waine in the match just after the ball in place of the English forward David Ball, hoping that the speed of the player would help them in the counter-attacks. Toivonen had a fantastic chance to score again after a set up play by Storm Roux and Elvis Kamsoba, the finish was denied for the goalkeeper that most stops made in the A-League season since now, the All Whites first choice Stefan Marinovic.

The game also marked the debut of the young Australian Cameron Devlin and the New Zealand international and former Auckland City defender Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi. Victory look always dangerous, but the best chance in the final minutes came from a mid-range shot of Phoenix midfielder Alex Rufer, that forced Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas to make a fantastic save to avoid Rufer first A-League goal.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw but certainly this is still not enough for Phoenix in the season. The fans keep hoping for the comeback of Gary Hooper – the striker still did not play a full match since coming to New Zealand. The next opportunty for Phoenix to leave the last place in the A-League standings will be next 23rd November when they play at home against Brisbane Roar.