The Solomon Warriors are set to alter their game plan in tomorrow’s OFC Men’s Champions League match against Rewa in Tahiti. This strategic shift comes after contrasting outcomes in their recent matches: Rewa’s 2-2 draw with defending champions Auckland City, and the Warriors’ 0-2 loss to Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United.
Solomon Warriors players in training session – SW Media
Solomon Warriors coach Frank Ne’e highlighted the distinct playing styles of their opponents, noting that while Rewa presents a challenging game, their approach differs from Hekari’s aggressive, high-energy play. “I think Rewa is the same like Hekari but Hekari is more aggressive and they play running football so we’ll need to change our playing style depending on Rewa’s game,” said Ne’e.
In a boost for Rewa, the Delta Tigers will see the return of key players Samuela Kautoga and Iosefo Verevou, who are available for selection after serving suspensions for yellow card accumulations during the National Play-offs against Lautoka in February.
The New Caledonian champions AS Magenta comes poised with a prolific goalscorer commanding their troops: the 27-year-old player Germain Haewegene, member of the New Caledonia national team, is one of the biggest prospects to watch in the current OFC Champions League. The star-striker is set to make his debut at OFC Champions League this Wednesday as they play Ifira Black Bird – the Ni-Vanuatu side had travel issues and ended up having their first match rescheduled.
The former AS Wetr striker is in a hot form in Super Ligue back in the French territory; in nine matches Haewegene scored impressive 13 goals – surpassing already his mark in the previous season when he scored 12 goals in the entire season. “We are all ready for this competition. Our first goals is to come as group winners“, said the striker – when asked if ASM could return to the grand final of the tournament as it happened back in 2019, Haewegene was emphatic: “we are a new generation and yes, we’ve got the squad for it!”, added the player.
Haewegene in action for AS Magenta – FCF Media
“I’m going to contribute and help my team as much as I can in this competition and score as many goals as possible“, said the player when asked about his impressive current goalscoring record. “This is my first OFC Champions League appearance, so I don’t know my opponents that well, so I’m telling myself that I have to go all out for the games and give my best for the team“, said the player regarding AS Magenta opponets in the group stage – “the matches will be tough because these are the local champions of each country, which means that the level will be there. If we’re in this competition, it means we’ve earned it, so it’s up to us to put the right ingredients and the right frame of mind in place.“, added Haewegene in interview to Oceania Football Center.
Magenta is grouped alongside Ifira Black Bird (Vanuatu), Vaivaise-tai (Samoa) and the local representatives AS Pirae (Tahiti). “We know that our supporters and the whole of New Caledonia are behind us for this competition. We’ll be giving it our all“, said the striker as he expects the support back from his supports and countrymen ahead of this massive challenge for the current national champions of New Caledonia.
Tahiti’s AS Pirae stormed into the OFC Men’s Champions League with a resounding 6-0 triumph over Samoa’s Vaivase-tai FC in their Group B opener, held at Stade Pater in Papeete.
Under the guidance of Vatea Terai, AS Pirae showcased their intentions early on, eager to improve upon last year’s semifinal finish. However, it was Vaivase-tai who threatened first, with an early goal disallowed due to an offside call against Alman Kwan in the 5th minute.
AS Pirae quickly turned the tables, capitalizing on their opportunities. Haumau Tanetoa’s skillful play down the flank set up Sandro Tau for the opening goal, putting the hosts ahead. Despite sporadic counterattacks from Vaivase-tai, AS Pirae maintained control, with Patrick Tepa extending their lead just before halftime.
Vaivai-se and Pirae playes battle for the ball – OFC Media
The second half saw AS Pirae further assert their dominance. Ariiura Labaste and the Belgian Désiré Ngiamba added to the scoreline with impressive strikes, leaving Vaivase-tai struggling to contain the onslaught. Labaste secured his brace from the penalty spot after Windsor Tevita-Tanielu fouled Tau in the box, while Yohann Tihoni sealed the victory with a well-placed shot from the penalty spot.
The comprehensive win gives AS Pirae an early advantage in Group B, especially with the postponement of the Ifira Black Bird and AS Magenta match. With their sights set on another semifinal berth, AS Pirae has laid down a marker for their rivals in the tournament.
Rewa managed to hold Auckland City to a 2-2 draw in the opening match of the OFC Champions League 2024 held in Tahiti. The Delta Tigers managed to be up by one goal for only two minutes in the second half after two strikes from the 21-year-old striker Josaia Sela.
Sela – that suffered a serious injury in 2020 when he was in only 17-years-old fracturing his tibia in a Battle of Giants match against Ba in an accidental clash against his current teammate Isikeli Sevanaia – bounced back in his career after being around 18 months away from football and is proving to be one of the most intriguing prospects of Fijian football currently.
Josaia Sela celebrates one of his goals – OFC Media
The striker is still to make his debut for the Bula Boys and only appeared for the youth national teams of his country. In his team debut match in the current edition of the OFC Champions League, Sela managed to be a constant threat for the powerhouse Auckland City upfront and took his chances in two quick goals scored from long-range. Watch all goals of the encounter by clicking here.
Despite not ending up on what would be a famous victory for Rewa, Sela earned himself the ‘Man of the Match’ award of Oceania Football Confederation and now looks ahead for their upcoming clash against Solomon Islands’ champions Solomon Warriors in the midweek. Sela has still a lot to go through in his football career but can already state he is warrior for overcoming a very serious injury at so young age and returning to competitive football with a great statement against the most important football team of the region.
The 2-2 Rewa draw against powerhouse Auckland City saw the debut of the very talented Delon Shankar in the most important club football competition of the region.
The Fijian youth international that just recently completed 17 years of age on March was deployed as right midfielder by the head coach Rodick Singh and played most of the game being only subbed-off at the middle of the second half.
Delon Shankar (red) in the match against Auckland City FC – OFC Media
Shankar is one of the most promising talents of Fijian football currently. The player represented Fiji in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship held in Suva and his superb performances made him to be called up for the senior squad of the Delta Tigers.
Shankar, that can play in all positions in the right and also as central defender, possesses very good height and physical presence in the game despite his young age. The 17-year-old is being used consistently by the coach Singh in the Fijian football season and is having his biggest challenge on this year’s OFC Champions League.
In the 70th minute of action the 28-year-old player made a brilliant run and slashed an improbable shot from a tight angle that found the top-corner of goalkeeper Mae’arasia to put his side upfront in very contested match. Later Rex Naime added another to the scoresheet to confirm Hekari’s win.
Hekari United clinched a significant victory in their Group A clash against Solomon Warriors in the OFC Champions League 2024, emerging triumphant with a 2-0 win in Tahiti.
The match showcased a tense battle between the two sides, with Hekari United ultimately proving more clinical in the second half. Despite a relatively balanced first half, Hekari United took control of proceedings after the break, capitalizing on their opportunities to secure all three points.
The opening 45 minutes saw both teams create chances, with Solomon Warriors’ captain Gagame Feni and Jaygray Sipakana spearheading their side’s attacking efforts. However, Solomon Warriors failed to convert their opportunities, with Feni notably missing a one-on-one opportunity against Hekari United goalkeeper Dave Tomare.
Hekari United’s Brazilian defender Erick Joe was forced off the field due to injury early in the second half, adding to the challenge for the reigning champions of Papua New Guinea. However, this setback did not deter Hekari United, who intensified their offensive play in the latter stages of the game.
The breakthrough for Hekari United came in the 70th minute when Ati Kepo unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner of the net, putting his side in the lead. The goal injected confidence into Hekari United, who continued to press forward in search of a second.
Hekari United players celebrate their second goal in the encounter – OFC Media
Their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when substitute Rex Naime calmly slotted home to double Hekari United’s advantage, sealing the victory and securing their position at the top of Group A.
With this result, Hekari United maintains their momentum in the tournament, while Solomon Warriors will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Rewa from Fiji. Hekari United’s next challenge will be against Auckland City from New Zealand as they aim to further solidify their position in the group stage.
Recently former Mauriki and youth international from Vanuatu, the defender Nicolas King, signed for Valentine FC in Australia’s NPL New South Wales. The player is already having impact as he scored in the last weekend in a 4-2 loss of his side against Broadmeadow Magic. Despite the defeat, the 20-year-old central back and his team are having a good start of the season, sitting in the first positions of the table.
In an electrifying start to the OFC Men’s Champions League 2024, Fiji’s Rewa FC put on a resilient display against the defending champions, Auckland City FC, resulting in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stade Paea in Tahiti.
The match, which initially saw a subdued first half, burst into life in the second period, with both teams exchanging blows in a frenetic twenty-minute spell.
Auckland City’s captain, Cam Howieson, set the tone early in the second half, breaking the deadlock with a sublime left-footed strike from the edge of the box. However, Rewa responded emphatically, with Josaia Sela netting a quick-fire brace to stun the New Zealand side and take the lead.
Sela’s goals showcased both his clinical finishing ability and Rewa’s potent counterattacking threat, as they punished Auckland City’s defensive lapses. The first goal stemmed from a swift counter, exploiting space left by Auckland City’s defense, while the second was a long-range effort that found the bottom corner of the net.
Nevertheless, Auckland City rallied swiftly, with Howieson turning provider for substitute Ryan De Vries, who displayed composure to level the scoreline with a well-taken finish.
Players of both teams shake hands before the starting of the match – OFC Media
As the match approached its conclusion, both teams pushed for a winner in the sweltering conditions of a midday kickoff. Liam Gillion came agonizingly close for Auckland City, narrowly missing the target with a fierce effort.
Ultimately, Rewa held firm to secure a commendable result against the reigning champions. While they may have harbored hopes of securing a victory after taking the lead, the draw serves as a statement of their potential in the tournament.
The match highlighted the competitive nature of the OFC Champions League and the unpredictability of football, as underdog Rewa showcased their resilience and ability to challenge established powerhouses like Auckland City.
Looking ahead, both teams will aim to build on this opening fixture as they navigate their respective paths in the tournament. For Rewa, the draw will serve as a confidence booster as they seek to progress through the group stages and make their mark on the continental stage.
As for Auckland City, they will view the result as a wake-up call, highlighting areas for improvement as they aim to defend their title and assert their dominance in the OFC Champions League once again. Both sides return to action in midweek: Auckland City takes on Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United as Solomon Warriors, the Solomon Islands champions, will be the opposition against Rewa.
Brian Kaltak led Central Coast Mariners to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Sydney FC in the A-League semifinal first leg, showcasing his defensive prowess for the full 90 minutes. Despite Sydney taking the lead through Joel King’s goal in the 25th minute, Mariners fought back before halftime with Josh Nisbet’s injury-time equalizer. The momentum shifted in the second half when Brazilian fullback Mikael Doka converted a penalty, securing the lead for Mariners.
Kaltak (yellow) slides for a tackle – A-League Media
The match took a dramatic turn as Sydney saw two players, Jack Rodwell and Corey Hollman, sent off in the 63rd and 82nd minutes respectively. Despite the numerical advantage, Mariners maintained control, creating chances to extend their lead but ultimately settling for the 2-1 victory. The second leg will be played next Saturday, May 18th.
This victory comes on the heels of Mariners’ triumph in the AFC Cup against Al-Ahed from Lebanon, highlighting their impressive form and resilience. With momentum on their side, Mariners look poised to continue their success as they push for a spot in the A-League final.
