O-League: AS Pirae sends Hekari United home with hard-fought win at Freshwater Stadium

In a thrilling and decisive matchday of Group B in the Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila, AS Pirae emerged victorious over Hekari United with a hard-fought 2-1 win. The Tahitian side only needed a draw to secure their place in the semifinals, but they displayed their determination by securing the three points against the Papua New Guinea representatives and former winners of the OFC Champions League.

Right from the beginning, the match showcased intense action and scoring opportunities for both teams. Hekari’s talented midfielder, Yagi Yasasa, made an early impact by hitting the crossbar with a powerful free-kick. The first half continued to provide moments of excitement as both sides fought for control of the game.

Unfortunately for Hekari, their goalkeeper Dave Tomare had to be substituted after a collision with Pirae’s wingback, Etienne Tave, in the final minutes of the first half. However, before the halftime whistle, Tave managed to capitalize on a beautiful cross from the left and headed the ball into the net, beating the substitute goalkeeper Russel Chris. This goal gave AS Pirae the lead heading into the break.

The second half began with Hekari showing resilience and quickly finding an equalizer. Tevaitini Teumere from AS Pirae brought down Ati Kepo inside the penalty box, resulting in a penalty kick awarded to Hekari. The veteran captain, Daniel Joe, stepped up to the spot and calmly converted the penalty, leveling the match.

Etienne Tave (right) celebrates his goal – OFC Media

However, AS Pirae responded brilliantly just ten minutes later. A fantastic play by Sandro Tau set up Yohann Tihoni, who found himself in a prime position inside the box. Tihoni made no mistake and placed the ball into the back of the net, restoring AS Pirae’s lead.

With their tournament hopes on the line, Hekari pushed forward desperately in search of another goal. However, it was AS Pirae who came closest to scoring again. Ariiura Labaste and Heimano Bourebare both struck the post, denying them the opportunity to extend their lead.

When the final whistle blew, AS Pirae emerged victorious with a well-deserved 2-1 win, confirming their place in the semifinals as the winners of Group B. Unfortunately for Hekari, this defeat meant their elimination from the competition.

AS Pirae will now take on Fijian side Suva in one semifinal hoping to achieve a positive result and reach the final game. New Zealand’s powerhouse Auckland City will wait the results from Tiga Sport vs Ifira Black Bird to know his opponent in the other semifinal match.

Solomon Islands’ talented Javin Wae set to depart overseas

Solomon Islands’ international football player, Javin Wae, is set to leave Central Coast FC in the Solomon Islands and make a move to New Zealand to continue his football career. The 20-year-old central defender has confirmed his departure after the national team’s friendly matches scheduled for June. Wae has expressed his intention to join Manukau United, team that competes at the Northern Premier League in New Zealand, after being scouted by the club as he mentioned to Oceania Football Center.

Javin Wae has already made a name for himself in South Pacific, representing his country in the U-17 World Cup. His experience at such a young age demonstrates his talent and potential as a player. Wae’s contributions were vital in helping his club, Central Coast, achieve remarkable success during the 2021/22 season of the Telekom S-League, ultimately securing the championship title.

Furthermore, Wae played a crucial role in Central Coast FC’s journey to the semifinals of the OFC Champions League in 2022. Although they fell short against Auckland City, reaching the semifinals is a commendable achievement for Wae and his team.

Javin Wae – OFC Media

With his decision to join Manukau United in the Northern Premier League, Wae aims to further develop his skills and gain valuable experience in a more competitive environment. The move to New Zealand offers him an opportunity to showcase his abilities on a different stage and potentially catch the attention of scouts from higher-level clubs.

Javin Wae’s departure from Central Coast marks the beginning of a new chapter in his football journey. The move to New Zealand presents an exciting challenge for him, allowing him to test himself against stronger opposition and further establish himself as a promising talent. As he embarks on this new adventure, fans of Solomon Islands football will eagerly watch Wae’s progress, hoping for continued success and growth in his career.

Brian Kaltak will play A-League’s Grand Final as Mariners beat Adelaide in semifinals

In a thrilling encounter, Brian Kaltak‘s Central Coast Mariners emerged victorious in the second leg of the A-League semifinal, defeating Adelaide United with a commanding 2-0 scoreline. The win secured their place in the grand final of the A-League for the current season. This remarkable achievement comes in Kaltak’s debut season as a professional footballer, adding to the significance of the moment for the Vanuatu international.

The Mariners’ triumph was made possible by two quick-fire goals in the second half. Sam Silvera opened the scoring, showcasing his attacking prowess and providing a much-needed breakthrough for his team. The Central Coast side continued to press forward, and it was Brazilian striker Marco Tulio who extended their lead, further solidifying their path to the grand final.

Having already claimed victory in the first leg in Adelaide with a 2-1 scoreline, the Mariners entered the second leg with confidence and determination. Kaltak, known by the fans as ‘The Brick Wall of Gosford’, once again displayed his skills throughout the entire game, ensuring the team’s backline remained resolute and effectively shutting down Adelaide United’s attacking threats.

Kaltak celebrates alongside Cummings – CCM Media

For Brian Kaltak, this accomplishment is particularly remarkable as it marks his inaugural season as a professional footballer. The Vanuatu international has made an immediate impact and has been an integral part of the Mariners’ success this season. His consistent performances have earned him praise and recognition from fans and experts alike.

The grand final of the A-League will see the Central Coast Mariners face off against Melbourne City on June 3rd. This highly anticipated match will determine the ultimate champion of the season. As the Mariners continue their journey towards glory, Brian Kaltak will undoubtedly play a vital role in their quest for A-League supremacy. With his impressive performances and the team’s strong form, the grand final promises to be an exciting contest between two talented sides competing for the ultimate prize in Australian football.

The gap is immense: Fiji suffers heavy defeat against Slovakia in U-20 World Cup

In their debut match at the U-20 World Cup, the Fiji national team faced Slovakia and unfortunately suffered a 4-0 defeat. The Junior Bula Boys, as they are known, displayed resolute defending in the early stages of the game. However, it was Adam Gazi of Slovakia who managed to break the deadlock with a back-post header in the 17th minute.

Mate Szolgai quickly capitalized on a mistake from Fiji’s defender, Sterling Vasconcellos, which gifted the ball back to the Slovaks in the penalty box. Szolgai’s weak finish found its way past the legs of Fiji’s goalkeeper, Aydin Mustahib, who made a clear mistake in his positioning. Despite Fiji’s efforts, the European team continued to create numerous chances throughout the match.

Slovakia came close to increasing their lead when their captain, Timotej Jambor, hit the post after a remarkable save by Mustahib. Fiji had their first sight of real attacking not before the 39th minute, but it lacked finishing and failed to trouble the Slovak goalkeeper.

Slovaks celebrate their first goal

In the second half, Slovakia managed to score two more goals. Arthur Gajdos delivered a cross that surprisingly found the back of the net without any additional touch. Timotej Jambor, determined to make an impact, finally found the back of the net to complete the 4-0 scoreline in favor of Slovakia.

Slovakia could have extended their lead even further as they had several chances throughout the game. Some shots were cleared off the goal line, clear opportunities were missed, and Mustahib made some decent saves despite his earlier mistake in the second goal.

The difference in quality and fitness between the two teams was evident, highlighting the challenges faced by Fijian football in comparison to a well-prepared European side. The match served as a reminder of the gap that exists in football development between different regions.

Fiji’s next challenge will be against the United States next Tuesday. It will undoubtedly be another formidable task for the Fijian team, as they look to regroup, learn from their first match, and give a better account of themselves in the upcoming fixture.

New Zealand starts in fashion in U-20 World Cup as Norman Garbett goal seal the win over Guatemala

In a thrilling opener of the U-20 World Cup in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, the New Zealand U-20 team, showcased their strengt as they emerged victorious over Guatemala. Thanks to an impressive goal scored by Norman Garbett, forward based in Italy, New Zealand secured a crucial three points in their debut in the tournament.

One of the standout performers for New Zealand was their goalkeeper, Kees Sims. Throughout the game, Sims showcased his agility and shot-stopping abilities, making crucial saves to deny Guatemala any scoring opportunities. His presence between the goalposts instilled confidence in the entire team, and his contributions were vital to their success.

While New Zealand had limited goalscoring opportunities in a very contested match, it was Norman Garbett who provided the breakthrough. Garbett, who came off the bench, demonstrated his clinical finishing as he expertly converted a great pass from Finn Conchie into a goal. His precise strike found the back of the net, giving New Zealand the much-needed lead and ultimately securing their victory.

Donkers and his teammates celebrate their goal – FIFA

The Junior All Whites‘ victory over Guatemala has set the stage for their upcoming encounter against Uzbekistan. With three points already in their pocket, New Zealand knows that another win in the midweek fixture will guarantee their qualification for the Round of 16. Their strong start in the tournament has undoubtedly fueled their determination, and they will be eager to continue their winning momentum.

It’s do-or-die for locals Ifira Black Bird in a thrilling O-League’s encounter against Tiga Sport

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in the OFC Champions League as Ifira Black Bird, the representatives from Vanuatu, face off against the New Caledonian champions, Tiga Sport, in a crucial match on 21st May. The outcome of this match will determine Ifira’s fate in the tournament, and they have no choice but to give it their all in this do-or-die situation.

Ifira Black Bird finds themselves in a challenging position. In order to advance to the semifinals, they must secure a victory over Tiga Sport and hope for a favorable result in the match between Pirae and Hekari. Their previous match against AS Pirae ended in a draw, and they suffered a defeat in their opening game against Hekari. Now, with their hopes hanging by a thread, they must summon their best performance and rally together as a team.

The local players, led by key figures such as John Wohale and Godine Tenene, will need to step up and deliver a stellar performance in front of their home crowd at Port Vila’s Freshwater Stadium. The support from the passionate fans can serve as a driving force for Ifira Black Bird, as they seek to overcome the odds and secure a much-needed victory.

A significant factor in this encounter will be the goal difference. Ifira currently holds a -2 goal difference, which means that every goal they score could prove crucial in their pursuit of progression. It is vital for them to not only secure a win but to do so by scoring as many goals as possible. A convincing victory would significantly boost their chances of advancing.

On the other hand, Tiga Sport, knowing that a draw might be sufficient for qualification, will aim to remain resilient and hold their ground. However, they too are aware that the outcome of the other match could heavily influence their fate. They will strive for nothing less than a win to secure their spot in the semifinals without depending on external results.

Wohale (yellow) fights for the ball against Gitton (white) – OFC Media

Both matches taking place in Vanuatu’s capital city promise an atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation. The fate of the teams hangs in the balance, and each moment will be filled with intensity and determination. It is a day where dreams will be shattered and heroes will be made.

As the match unfolds, the players will leave no stone unturned, showcasing their skills, teamwork, and sheer determination to emerge victorious. Every pass, tackle, and shot will have the potential to change the course of the game and the destiny of the teams involved.

In this thrilling encounter between Ifira Black Bird and Tiga Sport, the stage is set for an exhilarating clash that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The pressure is immense, the stakes are high, and the outcome is uncertain. It is a moment where the true spirit of football will shine, and only time will tell which team will prevail and continue their quest for glory in the OFC Champions League.

Suva puts strong performance against Solomon Warriors to proceed to O-League semifinal stage


In a thrilling encounter at the Soccer City Stadium in Luganville, Suva FC from Fiji emerged victorious with a commanding 2-0 win over the Solomon Warriors, securing their spot in the semifinals stage of the OFC Champions League. The match, which took place on Saturday, May 20th, showcased Suva’s exceptional skills and teamwork.

The first half saw a full-Vanuatu play unfold, as Alex Saniel, representing Suva FC, provided a brilliant assist to his national team teammate, Azariah Soromon, who skillfully found the back of the net, opening the scoring for Suva. The early goal injected confidence into the Fijian side and put the Solomon Warriors on the backfoot.

Soromon continued to pose a threat to the Solomon Islands’ champions, as he struck the crossbar with a powerful free kick later in the first half. Despite the close call, the Warriors were unable to find a way past Suva’s solid defense, leaving them frustrated as they headed into the halftime break.

Soromon (white) scoring for Suva – OFC Media

As the second half commenced, Suva’s standout player, Alex Saniel, once again made his presence felt on the pitch. Demonstrating his exceptional vision and passing ability, Saniel provided another crucial assist, this time setting up Samuela Drudru to extend Suva’s lead.

The Solomon Warriors struggled to mount a comeback and create meaningful scoring opportunities throughout the match. Suva’s disciplined defense and effective midfield play kept the Warriors at bay, leaving them unable to make a dent in the scoreline. Ultimately, the match ended with Suva FC emerging as deserving victors with a convincing 2-0 win.

Following the result, the Solomon Warriors unfortunately found themselves knocked out of the OFC Champions League. On the other hand, Suva FC’s impressive performance in this match positioned them favorably in Group A. As the Samoan side Lupe o le Soaga’s decision not to play their game against Auckland City, Suva takes the second spot in the Group A as Auckland City is likely to be awarded all the points from the unplayed match. However, the final decision regarding this game is still under analysis by the OFC.

With their confident 2-0 victory over the Solomon Warriors, Suva FC demonstrated their strength and determination in their pursuit of the OFC Champions League title. As they move forward to the semifinals stage, Suva will be looking to build upon their impressive form and continue their journey towards becoming the champions of Oceania.

O-League: AS Pirae fights back against Ifira Black Bird’s 10-men in a thrilling match

The Group B match between Ifira Black Bird and AS Pirae in the OFC Champions League at the Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila was filled with excitement and drama from the beginning. Both teams were eager to secure a victory and improve their chances of advancing to the semifinals.

The match started off lively, with both sides creating opportunities to score. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Ifira defender Alphonse Lency was shown a straight red card for striking an opponent, a foolish act that put his team at a disadvantage. Despite being reduced to ten men, Ifira showed resilience and continued to push forward.

Ifira came close to opening the scoring when John Thomas wasted a chance, only to be denied by Tevaitini Teumere, who cleared the ball off the line. However, their persistence paid off in the first half when John Wohale, the strong midfielder, scored a header following an excellent cross from Jordy Tasip. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures as Ifira Black Bird took the lead.

In the second half, AS Pirae, the Tahitian champions, came back strongly. They dominated possession, searching for an equalizer and desperately needing a win to secure their spot in the semifinals after an impressive victory over Tiga Sport. However, it was Ifira that defied the odds and extended their lead. Samuel Kaloros found the back of the net with a header in the 58th minute, taking advantage of a failed clearance by goalkeeper François Decoret.

Ifira and Pirae players battle for the ball – OFC Media

The resilient Ifira team continued to pose a threat on the counter-attack, even as Pirae maintained control of the game. The Tahitians did not give up and managed to pull one back through substitute Thibault Pito’s excellent finish over goalkeeper Andreas Duch in the 84th minute. The goal injected renewed hope into the Pirae side.

Despite their best efforts, the local team, Ifira, was unable to hold onto their lead until the end. In the dying moments of the match, Ariiura Labaste scored a late equalizer, assisted once again by Thibault Pito. The goal salvaged a crucial point for AS Pirae, putting them in a favorable position to proceed to the next round, needing only a draw in their final match against Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United.

Ifira Black Bird, on the other hand, still has a chance to qualify but will need to defeat Tiga Sport in their final match if they want to keep their dream of progressing to the semifinals alive. The stakes are high, and the outcome of their last match will determine their fate in the tournament.

Futsal: Solomon Islands announces squad for international friendly matches against Vietnam

The Solomon Islands Futsal national team, the Kurukuru, is set to embark on an exciting journey as they prepare for a series of international friendly matches against the Vietnam national futsal team. These matches, scheduled to take place on May 26th and May 27th in the vibrant capital city of Ho Chi Minh, are crucial in the team’s preparations for the upcoming OFC Futsal Nations Cup.

Kurukuru‘s Head Coach, Damon Shaw, recognizes the significance of these friendlies as they aim to fine-tune their strategies and strengthen team chemistry ahead of the OFC Futsal Nations Cup. This tournament serves as the qualifiers for the highly anticipated 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup, adding an extra layer of importance to their preparations.

To enhance their chances of success, four changes have been made to the team that emerged victorious in the inaugural Melanesian Futsal Cup held in April. One of the notable inclusions is James Egeta, a seasoned player who has represented his country three times in the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Egeta’s experience and expertise will undoubtedly provide a valuable boost to Kurukuru’s overall performance.

Shaw (green) and his players under trainings – SIFF Media

Another key addition to the team is Calvin Do’oro, the Most Valuable Player of the Melanesian Cup. Do’oro’s exceptional skills and contributions during the tournament have earned him a well-deserved spot in the national team. His inclusion further strengthens Kurukuru‘s attacking prowess and offers a promising offensive dimension to their gameplay. You can check the complete squad by clicking here.

With these new additions and the existing talent within the team, Kurukuru aims to showcase their abilities and build on their recent success at the Melanesian Futsal Cup. The upcoming friendlies against Vietnam will provide an excellent platform for the team to test their strategies, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and make any necessary adjustments before the crucial OFC Futsal Nations Cup.

Raphael Lea’i’s Velež Mostar loses grand final of Bosnian Cup to local rivals

In a highly anticipated clash between local rivals, FK Velež Mostar and Zrinjski, the final of the Bosnian Cup, known as the BiH Kup, ended with a disappointing 1-0 defeat for Velež. The match, held at a packed stadium, saw the Solomon Islands football star, Raphael Lea’i, remaining on the bench as an unused substitute.

The decisive goal came in the 51st minute of play, courtesy of Zrinjski’s Mario Ćuže. His strike proved to be the winner, securing the Bosnian Cup title for Zrinjski and completing the double for them, as they had recently clinched the national league trophy.

For Velež, losing the cup final to their biggest rivals was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow. The defending champions were unable to retain their title, adding to the disappointment. However, amidst the disappointment, Velež can take pride in their journey to the final and the progress they have made throughout the season.

The season is not yet over for Velež, as they still have two more matches to play in the national league. These matches present them with an opportunity to qualify for the UEFA Conference League. It is expected that the 19-year-old Raphael Lea’i, with his talent and potential, may feature in these upcoming crucial matches.

Velež players after conceding – Bljesak.info

Lea’i, hailing from the Solomon Islands, has been a rising star in the football world. His presence in the team provides Velež with an added dimension of skill and creativity. While he may not have been called upon in the cup final, there is hope that he will play a vital role in Velež’s pursuit of a European qualification spot.

The disappointment of losing the BiH Kup final will undoubtedly serve as motivation for Velež in their remaining matches. They will be determined to bounce back and end the season on a high note. With Raphael Lea’i potentially making an impact on the field, Velež will aim to secure their place in the UEFA Conference League, providing a valuable opportunity for the young Solomon Islands star to showcase his abilities on European stage.