Oceania Football Center

Brian Kaltak recovers from early scare and plays instrumental role as Mariners win first leg of A-League’s semifinal

Vanuatu star Brian Kaltak proved to be a key figure in Central Coast Mariners’ victory over Adelaide United in the first leg of the A-League semifinal. Despite conceding an early penalty in the second minute of the game due to an unfortunate bounce of the ball that hit his arm inside the penalty box, Kaltak recovered quickly and played an instrumental role in the Mariners’ comeback.

In the first half, Kaltak assisted in the equalizing goal scored by New Zealand international James McGarry from a kick outside the box. He also played a crucial role in defense, recording an impressive 13 clearances – more than any other player in the match.

The Mariners took the lead before half-time through Jason Cummings’ goal, which ultimately proved to be the winner as they secured a 2-1 victory over Adelaide United. Kaltak’s solid defensive performance was key to the team’s success, as he played a crucial role in preventing Adelaide from scoring any more goals.

With the first leg in the bag, the decisive second leg will take place on Saturday, 20th May at the Mariners’ home ground in Gosford. With Kaltak in top form, the Mariners will be looking to secure their place in the A-League grand final with another victory over Adelaide United. If they can replicate their performance from the first leg, they will have a great chance of achieving this goal and potentially winning the championship.

Unlucky Solomon Warriors punished as Auckland City recovers and grab all points from O-League’s debut match

In the debut match of the OFC Champions League this season, Auckland City from New Zealand managed to secure a 3-1 win against Solomon Islands’ champions, Solomon Warriors. Despite a strong start from the Warriors, it was Auckland City who emerged victorious in the end. The match was played in Luganville’s Soccer City Stadium, in Vanuatu.

The Warriors began the match with a counter-attack that harmed the Navy Blues: after a rebound, Harrison Mala set up Tigi Molea to score and put the Warriors ahead in the 8th minute, thanks to a deflection in Auckland City’s defense. However, Auckland City kept their nerves cool and kept possession of the ball, while the Warriors continued to threaten on the counter.

Auckland’s best chance in the first half came from Angus Kilkolly, but his shot was denied by Timothy Mae’arasia. However, the momentum of the game shifted in the second half when the Spanish player Gerrard Garriga was fouled inside the penalty box by Timothy Mae’arasia, who was subsequently red carded, leaving the Warriors with ten men. Joseph Komu replaced star player Dennis Ifunaoa in goal, but he was unable to stop the penalty, which was well-taken by Angus Kilkolly, putting Auckland City back on level terms.

Aucjland City players celebrate one of their goals – *OFC Media*

In the 77th minute, Garriga found himself in a great position to finish and put Auckland City ahead, before Ryan de Vries extended their lead minutes later with a header, assisted by the youngster Joe Lee. The final score of the match was 3-1 in favor of Auckland City, who secured three points from their opening game.

Auckland City will play their next match in Group A against Fiji’s Suva, while the Warriors will look to bounce back against Samoa’s champions, Lupe o le Soaga. Overall, it was a well-deserved victory for Auckland City, who showed their experience and composure under pressure to secure a valuable win in the opening game of the tournament.

Micah Lea’alafa scores another in Australia

Solomon Islands’ international Micah Lea’alafa has been making waves in the Australian football scene, scoring his third goal of the season for his new club FK Beograd in the National Premier League (NPL) South Australia. The 31-year-old striker showed his skill and accuracy as he found the back of the net from a tight angle, showcasing his ability to score under pressure. You can watch the goal by clicking here.

Lea’alafa’s goal was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing result for Beograd, as they fell to the Modbury Jets in a thrilling match that ended 4-3. Despite the loss, Lea’alafa’s performance was impressive, and he has quickly become a fan favorite among Beograd supporters.

Micah Lea’alafa in action for Beograd – *Adam Butler*

Adding to the challenge of the match, Beograd played with 10-men for most of the game after a red card, making Lea’alafa’s contribution even more vital. His goal helped to keep the game within reach for Beograd, who fought hard until the final whistle.

Despite the loss, Beograd remains a strong team in the NPL South Australia, currently ranked fifth in the ladder. With Lea’alafa’s skill and determination, the team is sure to continue to make waves in the league, and perhaps even climb higher in the standings.

Erakor village in Vanuatu ready to support Brian Kaltak in A-League’s semifinals

Brian Kaltak is making history as the first professional player from Vanuatu to compete in Australia’s top-tier league, the A-League. The 29-year-old defender is currently playing for Central Coast Mariners and is set to represent them in the semifinals against Adelaide United on the 13th of May – when the first leg will be played.

Kaltak’s journey to becoming a professional football player has been a challenging one. He started playing football for Erakor Golden Star in his village of Erakor in Vanuatu. He then went on to play for various clubs in the South Pacific, including Solomon Warriors FC and Amicale FC.

Brian Kaltak in action – *A-League Media*

In 2022, Kaltak was scouted by Central Coast Mariners when playing for FK Beograd in NPL and offered a contract for the 2022-2023 season. He has been a key player for the team so far , showcasing his skills as a solid defender. His performance on the field has been exceptional, helping the Mariners reach the semifinals – finishing second in the regular season.

For Kaltak’s village of Erakor, his success has been a source of pride and inspiration. The community has come together to organize a viewing party for the semifinal match against Adelaide United, and everyone is expected to be cheering for Kaltak.

Kaltak’s story is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. He has worked his way up from playing football in his village to playing in Australia’s top-tier league. His success is not only a personal achievement but also a source of pride for his community and country.

As Kaltak takes the field in the semifinals, he will be representing not only Central Coast Mariners but also his village and Vanuatu. His performance will undoubtedly inspire young football players in his country and across the South Pacific to pursue their dreams of becoming professional players.

Raphael Lea’i makes history as he scores his first ever professional goal in his debut as starter in Europe

Raphael Lea’i, the 19-year-old star footballer from the Solomon Islands, has made history by becoming the first player from his country to play professional football in Europe. He made his debut as a starter for FK Velež Mostar in the m:tel Premier League, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s top-tier league, and made an immediate impact by scoring his side’s second goal and setting up the third in their 3-3 draw with FK Igman Konjic. You can watch Rafa‘s actions by clicking here.

Lea’i was included in the starting XI and showed no signs of nerves as he opened his account in the 33rd minute with a well-taken goal. He then turned provider eleven minutes later, setting up his teammate Dejanovic to score Velež’s third goal just before half-time. Lea’i’s performance earned him widespread praise and cemented his place in the team for future games. This was his first goal as a professional player and his second assist.

FK Velež Mostar currently sits fifth in the league table with 41 points and a chance to qualify for the play-off of the UEFA Conference League 2023/2024 season. Lea’i’s contribution to the team’s success has been invaluable, and his skill and potential have not gone unnoticed by football fans and experts alike.

Raphael Lea’i in the match against FK Igman – *SportSport.ba*

Lea’i’s achievement is significant not only for him and his team but also for football in the Solomon Islands and South Pacific. The country has a rich footballing history, with the national team enjoying success in regional competitions, but this is the first time a player from the country has played professionally in Europe. Lea’i’s success is sure to inspire a new generation of footballers in the Solomon Islands and raise the profile of the sport in the country.

Raphael Lea’i’s debut as a starter in Europe has been a remarkable; his performance for FK Velež Mostar of his big potential and a proof that there is a lot of raw football talent to be cut in South Pacific. He has made history by becoming the first Solomon Islands player to play professionally in Europe and his success is sure to inspire many young footballers in his home country. It will be exciting to see what the future holds for this talented player.

OFC Champions League: Vanuatu’s John Alick to captain Solomon Warriors in his hometown

John Alick, the Vanuatu international, is set to captain the Solomon Islands’ champions Solomon Warriors in the upcoming OFC Champions League. The midfielder was a key member of the team and played a significant role in winning the last season’s Telekom S-League. He scored some crucial goals in the final matches of the top-tier league of the Solomon Islands.

The 32-year-old player, who hails from Luganville, will have the honor to captain his side in a special situation, as he will be playing in his hometown. Luganville is where he started his football career and first gained regional recognition playing for Malampa Revivors, a club where he had his first experience of the OFC Champions League. “The bonus is John Alick will be leading the team in his hometown we got a strong Solomon islands community here to support us plus the entire Luganvillie will be behind us“, said Theodore Inomae, Warriors’ media manager.

John Alick being welcomed in Vanuatu – *BREJ Pacific*

Alick is a versatile player and is known for his technical abilities and game intelligence. He is expected to lead the Solomon Warriors with his experience and inspire his team to perform at their best in the tournament.

The Solomon Warriors are in Group A of the OFC Champions League and will face some stiff competition from Auckland City, Lupe o le Soaga from Samoa, and Suva from Fiji. Their first match of the tournament is against the defending champions Auckland City this Sunday (14th May) at Soccer City Stadium.

As the captain of the Solomon Warriors, Alick will have the responsibility of leading his team to victory and making sure they put on a strong performance in front of their fans, especially in his hometown of Luganville. All eyes will be on him as he looks to guide his team to glory in the OFC Champions League.

OFC Champions League set to start in Vanuatu this weekend

The OFC Champions League is an annual football competition organized by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). It is the premier club competition in Oceania and features the best clubs from various countries in the region. The tournament has been held since 2007 and Auckland City from New Zealand has been the dominant team, winning the championship 10 times.

This year’s tournament is set to start on May 14th, with Group A matches to be hosted in Luganville, Espiritu Santo island. Auckland City, Lupe o le Soaga from Samoa, Suva from Fiji, and Solomon Warriors from the Solomon Islands are the teams participating in this group. Group B matches, on the other hand, will be hosted in Port Vila’s newly inaugurated Freshwater Stadium, and the teams are hosts Ifira Black Bird, Hekari United from Papua New Guinea, AS Pirae from Tahiti, and Tiga Sport from New Caledonia.

Auckland City celebrate their last title – *OFC Media*

The defending champions Auckland City are the heavy favorites to win the tournament again this year, given their impressive track record in the competition. However, they will face tough competition from other teams in their group, especially Solomon Warriors, who are expected to put up a good fight. In Group B, Hekari United, the 2009/10 champions, will be the team to watch out for, along with Tiga Sport, who will be participating in the tournament for the first time.

The tournament promises to be an exciting event for football fans in Oceania, with some of the best clubs from the region competing for the championship. The grand final, which is scheduled for May 27th, is expected to be a thrilling affair, with the best team of the tournament being crowned as the OFC Champions League winners for 2023.

Micah Lea’alafa keen on ‘opening the door’ for more Pacific Islanders to Australian football

The Solomon Islands’ international Micah Lea’alafa recently spoke to Front Page Football about his move to Australian football; the Bonitos captain is now playing in NPL South Australia’s side FK Beograd, under the coaching of former Vanuatu Football Federation technical director and advisor Joshua Smith. Lea’alafa spoke highly of Smith, who is just two years older than him, describing him as a good coach who pushes the team every training session and wants them to have a good game every week. The winger is eager to help Smith achieve his goals and contribute to the team’s success. “It is my first time playing under him (Josh Smith) and my first time playing under a young coach; he is just two years older than me! He is a good coach, pushes us every training session, and wants us to have a good game every week. I want to help him achieve his goals, and that is why I came,” Lea’alafa told FPF.

Lea’alafa had previously helped Wynnum Wolves gain promotion from the Football Queensland Premier League 2 to FQPL1, and the club was keen to re-sign him. However, after receiving a call from Smith, whom he had known since he was 16, he decided to embark on a new adventure in South Australia.

Since joining the team, Lea’alafa has been slowly integrated into the starting lineup and has already shown his value, scoring two crucial goals in 2023. He scored a tap-in against Croydon FC and a goal-of-the-season contender in a win against defending champions Adelaide City. As a senior international player, Lea’alafa is aware of the expectations placed on him and is relieved to have found the back of the net to help his team pick up points.

Smith was also responsible for bringing more Pacific Islands footballers to Australia, being one of them the now Central Coast Mariners star defender Brian Kaltak. Lea’alafa understands the hardships faced by footballers from the Pacific Islands in their quest to become professionals. He had to return home after an injury while playing for South African side Maritzburg United in 2019, leading to a release from his contract in early 2020 and keeping him on the sidelines. However, he doesn’t take the privilege of playing football in Australia for granted and feels he is carrying the flag for Solomon Islands’ football community in Australia. “For us (Pacific Island footballers), it’s hard to get a visa and to play in Australia, it’s difficult. We just want to thank Josh (Smith) for this; that guy loves [Pacific] Island players. It is because of him that we came to Australia, and Brian (Kaltak) is in the A-League,” Lea’alafa said.

Smith and Lea’alafa’s Beograd is currently sitting 4th in the process in South Australia’s top-tier league and the former Auckland City man is proving to be influential for the good run his is currently enjoying.

Fiji releases 21-men squad for U-20 World Cup in Argentina

The Junior Bula Boys have received their call up for the U-20 World Cup, which will be held in Argentina this month. The Fiji side will be led by English coach Robert Mimms, and the team is looking strong with a mix of rising stars of local football and players based overseas.

Some of the local talents in the squad include Nabil Begg, Peter Ravitisai, Junior Dekedeke, and Sterling Vasconcellos. These players have been making waves in the local football scene and are expected to showcase their skills on a global stage.

Meanwhile, the team also boasts players based overseas such as Aydin Mustahib, the goalkeeper of Auckland United in New Zealand, Abdullah Aiyas of Bonnyrig Eagles in Australia, and Josh Laqeretabua, who plays for Charlton in England. Laqeretabua is the highest profile player in the team and is expected to bring a lot of experience to the squad. You can check the full call-up by clicking here.

Fijian squad and staff in meeting with Fiji president Ratu Wiliame Katonivere – *Fiji FA Media*

The Junior Bula Boys have been placed in a challenging group alongside the United States, Ecuador, and Slovakia. Their debut match will be against Slovakia on 20th May, and they will be looking to start their campaign on a positive note.

To prepare for the tournament, the squad has been training in Australia and playing friendly matches against local teams. This has helped the team to fine-tune their strategies and tactics, and they are ready to give their best performance in the competition.

This will be Fiji’s second appearance in the U-20 World Cup, and the team is determined to make an impact. With the support of their fans back home, the Junior Bula Boys are looking to make Fiji proud by delivering an impressive performance in Argentina.

2023 Fiji FACT groups are revealed

The 2023 Fiji FACT draw was released this week with the presence of Fijian national team captain Roy Krishna. The Fiji FACT is one of the most traditional tournaments in Fiji and is highly anticipated by football fans across the country. This year’s tournament will feature the top eight teams of the Digicel Fiji Premier League as of the 7th round of the national league.

The teams have been divided into two groups with Group A consisting of Suva, Lautoka, Ba, and Navua. Group B comprises of Labasa, Rewa, Nadi, and Tailevu Naitasiri. The draw has created an exciting prospect for football fans as they eagerly anticipate the matches. The defending champions is Suva.

The tournament is set to take place this June, although the venue is still to be confirmed. However, it is highly likely that the tournament will be hosted in Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium, which has a capacity of 15,000 spectators.

Football fans across Fiji are expected to attend the tournament to cheer on their respective teams. The Fiji FACT is an important tournament for teams to showcase their skills and players to showcase their talents. With the tournament set to take place in just a few weeks, fans cannot wait to see which team will come out on top and be crowned the champions of the 2023 Fiji FACT.