Oceania Football Center

Raphael Lea’i and Velež Mostar proceeds to Bosnian Cup final

Raphael Lea’i’s club FK Velež Mostar is making waves in the Bosnian football scene after securing a place in the Bosnian Cup final. The team’s recent win against FK Željezničar in the semifinals was a thrilling and hard-fought match that saw Velež overcome the odds to secure a 2-1 victory away from home.

Although Velež conceded an early goal, the team showed remarkable resilience and managed to equalize soon after. In the second half, Nemanja Anđušić scored a crucial goal that ultimately gave Velež the win. While Raphael Lea’i came off the bench in the injury time of the second half, he did not have much time to make an impact on the game. Nonetheless, his presence on the pitch is a testament to his team’s depth and versatility. The Solomon Islands international is being constantly coming from the bench in the previous matches of his side – already contributing with one assist in his last game.

Lea’i (middle) and his teammates after the decisive match – *Sportsport.ba*

With this win, Velež now faces their city rivals, Zrinjski Mostar, in the final next month. This match is set to be a highly anticipated event, as it pits two of the biggest rivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina against each other. Velež, as the defending champions of the Bosnian Cup, will be looking to retain their title and make history by winning the cup for the second consecutive season.

Brian Kaltak features on Australia TV News: “Inspiring the new generation”

The Vanuatu national team captain Brian Kaltak is making the headlines in Australia one more time; the 29-year-old defender already featured on ABC Australia show and more recently at A-League’s KeepUp website. Now the former Auckland City man features on 9 News, another big media corporation in Australia.

This time the ‘Brick Wall of Gosford’, as he is known by the Central Coast Mariners fans, was pictured as an inspiration for the kids of the region, especially the case of Hendry, one 6-year-old born in Vanuatu, that was adopted and raised in Australia. It also spolights the case of the Fijian-born defender Dan Hall that is also a case of an adopted child from the Pacific Islands and raised in Australia that ultimately made it to professional football. The New Zealand international Storm Roux also is interviewed during the show.

Roy Krishna scores and helps Bengaluru to qualify for Hero Super Cup’s semifinal

Roy Krishna, the Fijian superstar, has been in excellent form for Bengaluru FC in the Hero Super Cup. In their recent match against Kerala Blasters, Krishna scored a brilliant goal at the 23rd minute to give his team the lead. Despite conceding a late goal, Bengaluru managed to secure a 1-1 draw which was enough to see them finish at the top of Group A and qualify for the semifinals of the competition.

Krishna’s goal was a testament to his incredible skills and scoring ability. He displayed excellent control of the ball and finished with precision to put Bengaluru in the lead. You can watch his goal by clicking here. Krishna has been a key player for Bengaluru this season, and his goal-scoring form has been instrumental in the team’s success.

After losing the grand final of the Indian Super League, Bengaluru is now looking to win the Hero Super Cup and end the season on a high note. The team will face Jamshedpur in the semifinals of the competition on Friday, 21st April. With Krishna in top form, Bengaluru will be hoping to secure a victory and book their place in the final.

Krishna’s performances this season have not gone unnoticed, and he has become a fan favorite in India. He has been a joy to watch and has played a pivotal role in Bengaluru’s success. With his talent and dedication, Krishna has established himself as one of the best players in the Indian Super League.

Vanuatu international Mitch Cooper returns to action in Australia

Vanuatu international Mitch Cooper made a welcome return to action for his NPL Victoria side Hume City in Australia after recovering from an injury that had kept him sidelined since February. The midfielder made his comeback on April 1st as a starter in a 5-2 victory over Moreland City.

Cooper’s return to the pitch was eagerly awaited by Hume City fans, who have missed his creative midfield play and ability to score goals. The 28-year-old is a key player for his side in the past seasons and his absence had been keenly felt by his team.

In the two most recent matches played by Hume City, Cooper came on as a substitute. In the second match, a 3-1 victory over Green Gully, Cooper once again came off the bench and made an impact on the game.

Hume City’s Mitch Cooper in action – *Hume City FC Media*

Cooper’s contribution to the win over Green Gully was particularly noteworthy. With Hume City drawing 1-1, Cooper came on in the second half and immediately caused problems for the opposition defense. His pressure led to a mistake by a Green Gully defender, who inadvertently put the ball into his own net, putting Hume ahead once again. Cooper’s skill and determination had played a crucial role in securing the win for his team.

It is great news for Hume City fans and Vanuatu fotoball to see Mitch Cooper back in action for Hume City after his injury layoff. His return will be a huge boost for the team as they look to continue their good form and push for a high finish in the NPL Victoria table – where they sit 7th now. Cooper’s ability to create chances and score goals will be vital to Hume City’s success, and his presence on the field will no doubt be welcomed by both his teammates and the club’s supporters.

Vanuatu’s Brian Kaltak continues in great form in A-League

Brian Kaltak, Central Coast Mariners defender and Vanuatu national team captain, is currently on a hot streak in his football career. Since he returned to action for the Mariners in the A-League as a starter, the team has not suffered any defeats. With two wins and two draws, including a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the top-placed side Melbourne City in their last weekend fixture, Kaltak’s contribution to the Mariners’ success cannot be overlooked.

Playing all minutes in his last three games, the Vanuatu international has been a rock at the back for the Mariners, helping them to cement their third place spot in the A-League ladder as they head for the playoffs. With only two matches left in the regular season, the Mariners will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run with Kaltak leading the way.

Brian Kaltak against Melbourne City – *CCM Media*

Kaltak’s performances have been nothing short of impressive, showcasing his leadership skills and defensive prowess on the pitch. His ability to read the game, make crucial tackles and interceptions, and organize his defense has been key to the Mariners’ recent success. In the past match against City, the central back reached 37.04km/h in a defensive run to cover a counter-attack after a set-piece.

Brian Kaltak is in the midst of a good moment in his football career, playing a vital role in the success of the Central Coast Mariners. With his leadership, defensive skills, and international experience, he has become a key figure in the Mariners’ quest for glory in the A-League playoffs.

Alwin Komolong undergoes knee surgery: “Road to Recovery for Pacific Games 2023 begins”

The Lae City FC and Papua New Guinea national team defender Alwin Komolong recently underwent a knee surgery in Qatar, by the hands of Dr. Emmanouil Papakostas, a Greek surgeon with vast experience in sports. The player had been battling with an injury in his knee in the past months and needed a surgery in order to fully recover.

Last year, Komolong helped the Kapuls to win the MSG Prime Minister Cup in Port Vila, Vanuatu and earlier this year was one of the responsibles for the PNG National Soccer League title of his Lae City FC. The strong-defender sustained the injury in his knee that unfortunately forced him to undergo surgery overseas.

The player needed to start a fundraising to collet all money necessary for his treatment; the issue raised a big debate around PNG sports’ community, showing the lack of healthcare for athletes – Komolong needed to organise it all by himself. The defender succesfully achieved his first goal to travel to Qatar to have his surgery that happened this week. “Surgery went very well. Spent the night in Hospital. Upon my checkup with the doctor and physio who will begin drawing up plans for rehabilitation and I will be discharged“, said the player in a social media post.

The player major goal for him is to finish his rehab and return to football actions, as he aims to captain Papua New Guinea team in the upcoming Pacific Games to be played still this year in Honiara, Solomon Islands – “Road to Recovery for Pacific Games 2023 begins now“, stated Komolong.

Solomon Islands’ Kurukuru are champions of Melanesian Futsal Cup

The Solomon Islands national futsal team, also known as the Kurukuru, emerged victorious in the recently held Melanesian Futsal Cup in Suva, Fiji. The Kurukuru dominated the tournament, winning all their matches and finishing at the top of the table in the group stage.

In the grand final, Solomon Islands faced off against Vanuatu, who had also put in a strong showing in the tournament. However, the Kurukuru proved too strong for their opponents, winning the match by a comfortable 5-1 margin. Calvin Do’oro was the standout player for Solomon Islands, scoring two goals to secure their victory.

Solomon Islands’ players celebrate their victory – *Fiji FA Media*

The Melanesian Futsal Cup also featured two other teams, the hosts Fiji and New Caledonia. Fiji and New Caledonia faced off in the 3rd place match, with New Caledonia emerging as the winners with a 2-0 scoreline.

This tournament marked the first official matches for the Kurukuru under the guidance of their new head coach, Damon Shaw from England. The team’s impressive performance in the tournament bodes well for their upcoming campaign in the OFC Futsal Nations Cup, which will take place later this year. The winner of that tournament will earn a spot in the FIFA Futsal World Cup, so all the teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting competition.

Vanuatu, although finishing as runners-up, can be pleased with their performance in the tournament and will be looking to build on this in future competitions. All in all, the Melanesian Futsal Cup provided a great platform for the national teams to showcase their talents and prepare for the upcoming OFC Futsal Nations Cup.

Papua New Guinea’s Tommy Semmy continues his great form in Australia

Tommy Semmy, Papua New Guinea international striker, continues to impress with his performances for Altona Magic in the Australian National Premier League. In their latest match on 14th April, 2023, Semmy scored his third goal of the season, which was also his third goal in a row.

In the previous matches, Semmy had scored hist first goal of the season against Dandenong Thunder and put another in the following match against Heidelberg United, and now he has added St Albans Saints to his list of victims. The match was won comfortably by Altona Magic with a score of 5-1, which has helped the team climb up to the sixth position on the table. You can watch Semmy’s goal by clicking here.

The goal scored by Semmy was a perfect display of his pace and finishing skills – as known by fans of his former Hamilton Wanderers and Hekari United, for example. His team has certainly benefited from Semmy’s past performances, and he has become one of their star players.

The fact that Semmy has scored in three consecutive matches is a testament to his improving form, and it’s great news for Altona Magic. They will be hoping that he continues to perform well in the remaining matches of the NPL Victoria season.

Recovered: Solomon Islands’ star Micah Lea’alafa showcases his class in Australia

Micah Lea’alafa, the Solomon Islands national team player, has made a successful return to FK Beograd after an injury that sidelined him for a while. The 31-year-old forward has already played two matches for the team in the NPL South Australia, both of them as a starter.

Lea’alafa showed his class and skills in his last match against South Adelaide Panthers on April 8th, where his team won convincingly by 4-1. He was a constant threat to the opposition defense, using his pace and technique to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. He was also able to provide one assist during the match, demonstrating his ability to create chances for his team. You can watch all action of Lea’alafa during the match by clicking here.

FK Beograd signed Lea’alafa as one of their most important players for the season, and he has lived up to expectations, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Beograd is currently in the 6th place in the league, the team has shown improvement and consistency, and Lea’alafa’s performances have been a key factor in the recent wins.

Lea’alafa’s return to the team has been a significant boost for FK Beograd, and he will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the remainder of the season. With his impressive performances, the Solomon Islands national team player has proven to be a valuable asset to the team and a talented player in the NPL South Australia.

Digicel Fiji Premier League: Labasa thrashes Ba at Subrail Park

Labasa’s impressive victory over Ba in their recent Digicel Premier League match showcased the team’s class and determination. The Babasiga Lions managed to secure a convincing 3-0 win over Ba, who had not conceded any goals prior to the match.

Despite Ba’s claim that they were without five key players who were training with the Fiji U-20 team for the upcoming World Cup, Labasa’s victory was a testament to their skill and strategy on the field. The win marked Labasa’s second victory in the Digicel Fiji Premier League, while Ba suffered their first defeat of the season.

Labasa players elebrate one of the goals

The match took place at Subrail Park, Labasa’s home ground, where Labasa took control of the game early on, scoring two goals in the first half. Lekima Gonerau and Rusiate Doidoi were the three players who managed to score for Labasa, ensuring that the team headed into half time with a comfortable 2-0 lead. In the second half Akeimi Ralulu compeleted the scoreline for Labasa with another goal.

Labasa’s impressive win over Ba is a very positive sign for the Lions as they were failling to record wins so far in the season – they got their second inr a row. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out for both teams as they continue to compete in the Digicel Premier League. This Sunday (16th April) more matches will be played in the country for the national league.