All Whites abandon match against Qatar at halftime after racial abuse towards Michael Boxall

In a highly unusual turn of events, the match between New Zealand and Qatar on Monday, June 19th, played in Austria, came to an abrupt end after only 45 minutes. The All Whites made a collective decision to abandon the game after one of their players, defender Michael Boxall, was subjected to a racial slur by an undisclosed member of the Qatari team.

The incident occurred in the 40th minute of the match when Boxall and a Qatari player engaged in a confrontation. During the heated exchange, a Qatari player directed a racial slur towards Boxall, which was heard by several New Zealand players, including the defender himself. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the players reported the incident to the appropriate authorities.

Stuff

However, to the dismay of the New Zealand team, no official action was taken in response to the racial slur. Frustrated by the lack of action and unwilling to continue playing under such circumstances, the All Whites made a collective decision at halftime. Despite leading 1-0 in the fixture, courtesy of a goal by Marko Stamenic at the 17th minute, they resolved that they would not proceed with the match.

The stance taken by the New Zealand team was supported by New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell, who emphasized that there is no place for racism in football or anywhere else. Standing by the side of the players, Pragnell echoed their sentiment, making it clear that racial abuse would not be tolerated in the sport.

The decision to abandon the match serves as a powerful statement against racism in football, highlighting the importance of taking a stand against discriminatory behavior. While the outcome may have been disappointing for both teams and the spectators, the New Zealand side’s refusal to accept racial abuse demonstrates their commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment in the world of football.

The incident serves as a reminder that combating racism is an ongoing battle that requires vigilance and decisive action. It is hoped that the incident will prompt further discussions and measures to address and eradicate racial discrimination in sports, emphasizing the need for accountability and education to ensure a more inclusive and diverse future for the beautiful game.

Still no disciplinary actions or investigations took place about this particular case; it can be expected more debate in the coming days and it seems New Zealand Football will not let it go as they will look to continue with their strong statement against racism hoping the proper legal actions might be taken against the responsibles for this unacceptable behaviour.

Marist FC duo Ngafu and Ohasio made their international debuts for Solomon Islands

In the recent international matches against Malaysia and Singapore, the Marist FC duo, Norman Ngafu and Calvin Ohasio, made their debut for the Solomon Islands national team, showcasing their talent and potential on the international stage.

Calvin Ohasio, the left back for Marist FC, was given the opportunity to start in the match against Malaysia. With his solid defensive skills and attacking prowess, Ohasio proved to be a valuable asset for the team. Throughout the game, he displayed excellent positioning and the ability to make key interceptions, frustrating the Malaysian attackers.

In the subsequent match against Singapore, Calvin Ohasio started on the bench but was brought on as a second-half substitute. Despite limited playing time, Ohasio’s performance as a substitute highlighted his versatility and ability to adapt to different game situations, as he helped Solomon Islands to fight back in the game and find an equaliser.

Ohasio and Ngafu

Norman Ngafu, the talented striker for Marist FC, has been in exceptional form in the Telekom S-League leading up to his national team debut. Ngafu’s impressive goal-scoring ability and agile movement caught the attention of the national team selectors, earning him a place in the squad. In the match against Singapore, Ngafu entered the game as a second-half substitute, injecting pace and dynamism into the team’s attacking lineup. His presence upfront created problems for the Singaporean defenders, as he constantly threatened their backline with his runs and intelligent positioning.The striker had a chance to score through a header, but it was denied by Singapore’s goalkeeper. Ngafu’s contributions paid off when he played a crucial role in the team’s pursuit of an equaliser, ultimately helping secure a 1-1 draw for the Solomon Islands.

Both Norman Ngafu and Calvin Ohasio, at the ages of 25 and 23 respectively, have shown great promise and potential for the future of Solomon Islands’ national team. Their performances in these international matches have proven their worth and put them on the radar of future selection processes. As the national team prepares for upcoming international call-ups, Ngafu and Ohasio are set to battle for a spot in the starting lineup, adding healthy competition and depth to the team’s roster. With their skills, determination, and continued development, these two players are certainly ones to watch in the years to come, bringing excitement and optimism to Solomon Islands’ football landscape.

Saula Waqa’s goal give Lautoka first Fiji FACT trophy after 21-year drought

In a thrilling final match of the prestigious Fiji FACT, Lautoka emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Rewa. The grand final took place on Sunday, June 19th, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, where two of the country’s best teams clashed in an exciting encounter that extended into extra time.

Both Lautoka and Rewa had reached the final through impressive victories in their respective semi-final matches. Rewa secured their spot in the final by defeating Ba in a thrilling encounter that ended 3-2 in extra time on Saturday, June 17th. Lautoka, on the other hand, booked their place in the final with a 2-1 win over Labasa.

The final itself proved to be an enthralling affair, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination to claim the coveted Fiji FACT title. Lautoka drew first blood in regulation time, as Afraz Ali found the back of the net, sending his team and their passionate supporters into jubilation.

However, Rewa’s young talent, Josaia Sela, had different plans. Showing great composure and skill, Sela managed to level the score, giving his team hope and setting the stage for a captivating battle.

As the match entered extra time, the quality and experience of Lautoka’s Saula Waqa shone through. Waqa displayed his prowess on the pitch and managed to break the deadlock, propelling Lautoka into the lead once again. His crucial goal proved to be the difference-maker, as Lautoka held onto their advantage until the final whistle.

Waqa and Ali, the goalscorers, with FACT trophy – Fiji FA Media

The victory was particularly significant for Lautoka, as it marked their first Fiji FACT title in 21 years, a remarkable achievement for the Sugar City team. The players and fans alike celebrated the hard-fought win, basking in the glory of their success.

The 2-1 triumph of Lautoka against Rewa in the Fiji FACT final will undoubtedly be remembered as a memorable for Lautoka fans and a thrilling match in Fijian football history.

Papua New Guinea prepares for Malaysia clash after lucky draw against Singapore

Last Friday, on the 16th of June, Singapore faced Papua New Guinea in a highly anticipated friendly match. The Papua New Guinea national team, the Kapuls, opted for a different lineup, granting Ferdahlas Namuesh and Bruce Tiampo a starting position. Additionally, they deployed Kolu Kepo as a central defender alongside Daniel Joe. On the other hand, Singapore relied on their trademark pace to create problems for their opponents, putting goalkeeper Ronald Warisan under pressure from the beginning.

Despite the early challenges faced by the PNG Kapuls, it was Singapore who took the lead in the 22nd minute through a goal by Adam Swandi, capitalizing on a well-executed set piece. The home side’s advantage, however, was short-lived. As the first half was drawing to a close, Ati Kepo, the star player from Hekari United, unleashed a magnificent strike from long range at the 41st minute, equalizing the scoreline. The momentum continued in favor of Singapore, as Hariss Harun found a way past the defense and goalkeeper Warisan just a minute later, putting Singapore back in the lead.

FA Singapore Media

As the game entered stoppage time before the half-time whistle, an unexpected turn of events occurred. Raymond Gunemba seized an opportunity during a chaotic play and managed to block a defender’s clearance, directing the ball into the goal. This stroke of luck allowed Papua New Guinea to level the game once again, leaving both teams on equal footing heading into the second half.

The second half witnessed several scoring opportunities for Singapore, but their lack of clinical finishing, coupled with the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Ronald Warisan, thwarted their attempts to secure a decisive lead. Despite their relentless efforts, Singapore was unable to capitalize on these chances, and the game ultimately concluded with a 2-2 draw.

Following this result, Papua New Guinea now regroups and prepares to face Malaysia, a formidable opponent, in an upcoming international friendly. The match is viewed as a significant challenge for the PNG Kapuls, and they will need to regather their strength and refine their strategies to put up a good performance against their stronger adversaries.

New Zealand looks ahead for clash against Qatar after tough defeat against Sweden

In a closely watched match on European soil, the New Zealand national football team, suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Sweden. Despite a promising start and taking an early lead, New Zealand was unable to maintain their advantage as the quality of the Swedish team shone through.

The match began positively for the All Whites when Callum McCowatt scored a superb goal, giving his team an early lead. Energized by the goal, New Zealand continued to apply pressure on the Swedish defense. McCowatt, displaying his skills once again, unleashed a powerful long-range shot that seemed destined for the back of the net. However, the Swedish goalkeeper pulled off an impressive save, denying New Zealand a crucial second goal.

As the first half progressed, the superior quality of the Swedish side began to assert itself. Taking advantage of unfortunate mistakes by New Zealand’s first-choice goalkeeper, Oliver Sail, Sweden managed to score three goals before the halftime whistle. These goals exposed defensive vulnerabilities in the All Whites‘ lineup and gave Sweden a comfortable lead going into the break.

Standing: Oliver Sail, Michael Boxall, Callum McCowatt, Marko Stamenic, Bill Tuiloma and Liberato Cacace
Crouching: Tim Payne, Joe Bell, Elijah Just, Marko Stamenic and Ben Waine

In the second half, Sweden further extended their lead, adding another goal to their tally. New Zealand fought valiantly to reduce the deficit, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. The match concluded with a comprehensive 4-1 victory for the Swedish team.

Both sides were missing key players for the encounter. Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski, prominent English Premier League players, were absent for Sweden, while New Zealand’s Chris Wood, who plays for Nottingham Forest, was also unavailable. The absence of these star players added an additional layer of challenge for both teams.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, the All Whites must quickly regroup and refocus as they prepare for their upcoming friendly against the hosts of the last FIFA World Cup, Qatar. This crucial qualifier will take place in Austria, and New Zealand understands the importance of performing at their best. They are aware that they need to elevate their game and demonstrate their capabilities against formidable opposition.

Although the defeat against Sweden seemed insurmountable, the All Whites remain determined to learn from their mistakes and improve their performance. With a competitive match expected against Qatar, the New Zealand national team understands the significance of stepping up their game and showcasing their true potential on the pitch.

Solomon Islands fight back with a late equaliser to record a draw against Singapore

In a closely contested match at Singapore’s National Stadium, the national teams of Singapore and Solomon Islands played to a 1-1 draw in the final match of Solomon Islands’ Asian tour. After suffering a 4-1 loss to Malaysia in their previous match, the Solomon Islands team, coached by Felipe Vega-Arango, faced a supposedly weaker opposition in Singapore.

The match started with both teams displaying their determination to secure a positive result. However, it was Singapore who managed to take the lead in the 31st minute. The goal came as a result of a defensive blunder by Solomon Islands during a set piece. The defensive system of Solomon Islands faltered, allowing Shawal Anuar of Singapore to seize the opportunity and score into an empty net.

Despite the setback, Solomon Islands continued to fight and had moments of their own. Singapore had chances to extend their lead, with Anuar coming close to doubling the advantage. He struck the crossbar with a powerful header, and later, the Solomon Islands goalkeeper, Philip Mango, made a fantastic save to deny Anuar another goal-scoring opportunity.

As the second half commenced, Coach Felipe Vega-Arango made some tactical changes, introducing more speed upfront with the likes of Norman Ngafu and Bobby Leslie. These substitutions injected new energy into the Solomon Islands attack and put pressure on Singapore’s defense.

Solomon Islands came close to equalizing in a fast counter-attack when Bobby Leslie unleashed a shot, but Singapore’s goalkeeper stood tall and made a crucial save to maintain his team’s lead.

However, the persistent efforts of Solomon Islands eventually paid off in the 84th minute. Substitute Ali Mekawir made a decisive contribution, touching the ball back to team captain Joses Nawo. Nawo seized the opportunity and fired a shot towards the goal. The shot took a deflection, which proved to be enough to deceive the Singapore goalkeeper and find the bottom corner of the net, leveling the game at 1-1.

Solomon Islands players celebrate their goal – FAS TV

With little time remaining, Singapore barely had an opportunity to respond to Solomon Islands’ late equalizer. The match concluded with the scoreline remaining unchanged, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

While Solomon Islands may have felt satisfied with their comeback and securing a draw against Singapore, there was a sense that they could have performed better. Despite their defensive lapse in the first half, Singapore had opportunities to secure a more comfortable victory. However, credit must be given to Solomon Islands for their resilience and tactical adjustments, which ultimately allowed them to salvage a draw in the closing stages of the match.

New Zealand takes on big challenge against Sweden in Stockholm

The upcoming friendly match between New Zealand and Sweden in Stockholm on Friday, June 16th presents a significant challenge for the All Whites. This encounter holds immense importance for New Zealand as it marks their first friendly match in Europe since 2019, allowing them to test themselves against a top European team. You can check the squad of New Zealand for the upcoming international friendly matches by clicking here.

Under the guidance of caretaker coach Darren Bazeley, who recently led the New Zealand U-20 side in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the All Whites are entering a new phase of development as they start the cycle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on a high note. The team will not count on its captain and most important player Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest as the player is injured.

Taking on Sweden, one of the top teams in European football, presents a formidable challenge for New Zealand. The Swedish national team boasts a rich footballing history, and their players have excelled at both domestic and international levels. Playing against such high-caliber opposition will provide the All Whites with a valuable opportunity to gauge their abilities and identify areas for improvement.

New Zealand players training in Sweden – NZF Media

The match in Stockholm not only tests New Zealand’s skills and tactics but also allows them to adapt to the playing style and intensity of European football. European teams often bring a unique blend of technical proficiency, tactical acumen, and physicality to the game. The All Whites can learn from this experience and incorporate those learnings into their future matches and campaigns.

Looking beyond the match against Sweden, New Zealand’s encounter with Qatar in the same FIFA international window adds another layer of complexity to their preparations. The All Whites will need to manage their resources effectively, balancing the physical demands of two high-profile matches within a short span of time.

The friendly against Sweden in their home ground provides the All Whites with the chance to measure themselves against a top European team, test their capabilities, and fine-tune their strategies. Under the guidance of caretaker coach Darren Bazeley, the team can embrace this opportunity to gain valuable experience and continue their development on the international stage.

Vanuatu beats Mongolia on its final match at Intercontinental Cup

Vanuatu’s national football team celebrated a victory in their final game at the Intercontinental Cup in India, defeating Mongolia with a score of 1-0. After experiencing two defeats earlier in the tournament, Vanuatu was determined to end on a positive note and they certainly did.

Right from the start, Vanuatu displayed an aggressive playing style, pressing high and dominating the chances of the game. They could have opened the scoring in the first half as Jordy Tasip unleashed two powerful shots, only to be denied by goalkeeper of Mongolia, Enkhtaivan Munkh-Erdene. Vanuatu’s team captain, Brian Kaltak, also came close to finding the back of the net with a header from a corner, but the goalkeeper made a crucial save.

Although Mongolia tried to pose a threat on the counter-attack, Vanuatu’s goalkeeper, Massing Kalotang, made some impressive saves to keep his team’s goal intact. Then, early in the second half, Vanuatu took the lead through an unexpected turn of events. Godine Tenene showcased his dribbling skills as he bypassed the Mongolian defenders from the left flank and sent a cross into the penalty box. Unfortunately for Mongolia, Gantuya Gantogtokh inadvertently put the ball into his own net while attempting to clear it, giving Vanuatu a 1-0 advantage.

Tene and his teammates celebrate – AIFF Media

With the goal in their favor, Vanuatu maintained their composure and focused on protecting their lead. Mongolia attempted to push forward and find an equalizer but struggled to create significant scoring opportunities. Vanuatu’s defense held strong, and they successfully repelled the Mongolian attacks.

As the final whistle blew, Vanuatu celebrated their hard-fought victory, securing three points in their last game of the tournament. Coached by Etienne Mermer, the team could be proud of their performance and the positive ending they achieved. This win would undoubtedly boost the morale of the players as they regroup and return home after their international friendly matches.

The Vanuatu national team showcased their potential and resilience throughout the Intercontinental Cup, despite the earlier defeats. They demonstrated their ability to press aggressively, create scoring chances, and defend resolutely. This victory over Mongolia would serve as a reminder of their capabilities and provide valuable lessons to carry forward into future competitions.

PNG Kapuls friendly against Singapore is postponed; final squad is announced

In a recent announcement, the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) took to their social media account to inform the public about the postponement of the friendly match between the national teams of Singapore and Papua New Guinea. Originally scheduled for Thursday, June 15, 2023, the fixture has now been rescheduled to take place on Friday, June 16, 2023.

The PNGFA stated that the reason for the postponement was the cancellation of the Kapuls‘ flight on Tuesday, June 14, 2023, which prevented them from traveling to Singapore on time. However, the Acting General Secretary of the PNGFA, Dan Kakaraya, confirmed that the team is now set to leave the following day, Thursday, June 15, at 2 pm, and will arrive in Singapore later in the afternoon. The team will have a chance to rest before their match against the Singapore Lions on Friday.

PNGFA Media

Despite the setback caused by the flight cancellation, the PNG Kapuls are optimistic about their upcoming matches. They will face Singapore in their first match, followed by a match against Malaysia on June 20. The team will rely on the experience and skills of key players such as Raymond Gunemba, Daniel Joe, Emmanuel Simon and Ronald Warisan, who are expected to contribute to their performance on the field. You can check the full squad by clicking here.

To provide further details to fans and supporters, the coach of the Papua New Guinea team, Harrison Kamake, also released the squad list for the upcoming matches. This announcement was highly awaited bu the local football community and football fans around South Pacific.

The upcoming two friendly matches are a rare opportunity for South Pacific national teams to showcase their capabilities overseas. Papua New Guinea has a chance to test themselves against stronger opposition and strive for its football development.

Solomon Islands unable to defend early lead against stronger Malaysia

Solomon Islands national team put early pressure on Malaysia, but ended up suffering a defeat by the scoreline of 4-1 at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in its first friendly match in Asian soil since 2019.

Solomon Islands started strongly and took the lead in the 11th minute, courtesy of a goal scored by their young star, Raphael Lea’i. The opening goal came as a result of a mistake by Malaysia’s goalkeeper, allowing Gagame Feni of the Solomon Islands to showcase his speed and get ahead of the defender. Feni then crossed the ball to Lea’i, who calmly slotted it into an empty net. This early goal gave the visitors an initial advantage.

However, Malaysia gradually gained control of the match and began launching attacking moves. The Solomon Islands’ custodian, Philip Mango, displayed heroic goalkeeping skills and made several crucial saves to keep his team in the game.

Malaysia struggled initially but managed to equalize in the 40th minute through their naturalized Brazilian midfielder, Paulo Josué. He capitalized on a rebound from Mango to find the back of the net. Just seven minutes later, Malaysia took the lead when Arif Aiman Hanapi converted a penalty kick – after himself was fouled inside the box by Central Coast’s William Komasi.

Standing: Leon Kofana, William Komasi, Philip Mango, Calvin Ohasio, Javin Wae and Ali Mekawir
Croucing: Joses Nawo, Raphael Lea’i, Marlon Tahioa, Gagame Feni and Ian Kalu

Despite the pressure from a fully professional side featuring naturalized players like Paulo Josué from Brazil and Lee Tuck from England, the Solomon Islands managed to hold onto their lead until the 40th minute. However, fatigue became evident in the second half, and the South Pacific side struggled to create scoring opportunities.

Mango continued to be crucial for the Solomon Islands in the second half, making important saves to keep Malaysia at bay. However, in the 76th minute, Safawi Rasid scored a beautiful goal, extending Malaysia’s lead. In stoppage time, striker Lee Tuck added another goal to secure a comprehensive victory for Malaysia, finishing the match with a 4-1 scoreline in their favor.

Overall, the Solomon Islands need to work on improving their fitness levels as they prepare to face Singapore on Sunday, 18th June, at the Singapore National Stadium. The defensive issues experienced by the Solomon Islands were evident in this match, with goalkeeper Philip Mango having to make numerous stops to keep the scoreline respectable. Offensively, the trio of Ali Mekawir, Raphael Lea’i, and Gagame Feni showed promising football, particularly in the first 30 minutes. However, fatigue hindered their ability to press harder against Malaysia. Despite making substitutions in the second half, the Solomon Islands struggled to maintain possession and pose a threat to Malaysia’s defense.