Oceania Football Center

New Zealand dominates New Caledonia to claim OFC U-19 Men’s Championship Title

New Zealand triumphed in the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, securing a commanding 4-0 win against New Caledonia in the grand final held in Apia.

Lachlan Candy’s goal late in the first half proved pivotal in a match where both teams initially struggled to assert themselves. Despite their efforts, they found it challenging to maintain consistent pressure on the front foot.

Chris Greenacre’s New Zealand side, which had not conceded a goal throughout the tournament, faced early pressure from New Caledonia. Jythrim Upa found space in the box but his low effort lacked the power to trouble New Zealand’s goalkeeper, Alby Kelly-Heald.

The Kiwis had their first real chance when James Bulkeley’s header from a Nathan Walker free-kick drifted over the bar. Louis Brunet, a standout for New Caledonia during the tournament, came close with a well-struck effort that narrowly missed the target, with Kelly-Heald scrambling to cover.

As the first half progressed, New Zealand began to find their rhythm. Lachlan Candy had a prime opportunity from a central position in the box but his shot bobbled wide. However, Candy soon redeemed himself. Stipe Ukich’s cross found Luke Supyk, whose cutback was neatly finished by Candy to break the deadlock.

New Zealand players celebrate one of their goals against New Caledonia – *OFC Media*

Candy had another chance to extend New Zealand’s lead with a free-kick, but New Caledonia’s goalkeeper, Ryan Saulia, punched the ball clear.

The second half saw two quick goals from New Zealand forward Luke Supyk, which proved decisive. Supyk’s first goal was a powerful near-post header from a Nathan Walker free-kick, doubling New Zealand’s lead. Moments later, Supyk was awarded a penalty after New Caledonia defender Wadria Hanye was dismissed for a second bookable offense. Supyk confidently converted the penalty, making it 3-0 and leaving New Caledonia with a steep uphill battle.

The task became even more daunting for New Caledonia as the match entered its final quarter. James Bulkeley headed home from close range, with Saulia unable to prevent the ball from slipping through his grasp.

Multiple substitutions in the latter stages of the match took the sting out of the contest. New Caledonia searched for a consolation goal, while New Zealand focused on maintaining their lead.

This victory marks a perfect end to a flawless campaign for New Zealand, who lifted the trophy without conceding a single goal. New Caledonia, despite the loss, can take pride in their strong performance in Samoa and look forward to competing in next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Paul Francis shines with Hattrick as Solomon Islands secure third place at OFC U-19 Championship

Solomon Islands secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Fiji to clinch third place at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, with rising star Paul Francis delivering a standout performance with a hat-trick.

Both teams entered the match looking to rebound from narrow semi-final losses. Solomon Islands had conceded late in their 3-2 defeat to New Caledonia, while Fiji missed a crucial penalty in their 1-0 loss to New Zealand.

The first half saw high intensity but few scoring opportunities. Fiji controlled possession but failed to create clear chances. William Khan had the best opportunity, but his header from a free-kick went over the bar. As halftime approached, Eparama Moraica’s angled shot was well saved by George Harrison Rioa.

The second half, however, was a thrilling spectacle. Paul Francis, introduced at halftime, opened the scoring with a low, curling free-kick that beat Fiji’s goalkeeper Ilisoni Koro. Fiji quickly responded when captain Penisoni Tirau was fouled in the box, and Khan converted the resulting penalty. Francis continued to shine, capitalizing on a defensive error to put Solomon Islands back in front. The lead was extended in the 83rd minute when James Laena’s run down the right set up Besa Zopoa for an easy finish.

Solomon Islands’ Paul Francis celebrating his goal with his teammates – *OFC Media*

Fiji fought back with Tirau scoring to reduce the deficit, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in stoppage time. Francis completed his hat-trick, placing a left-footed shot in off the post after the referee played advantage.

This victory marked a successful conclusion to the tournament for Solomon Islands, highlighting Francis’s talent and promising future in the Telekom S-League with Real Kakamora.

Fiji, while not being able to finish with the third place, can look back to their performances and take good notes. Players like Sterling Vasconcellos, Penisoni Tirau and Eperama Moraica shown good prospects throughout the tournament and can be a foundation for a bright future.

Solomon Islands star Leon Kofana amidst turmoil, eyes potential Telekom S-League return

Solomon Islands national team defender Leon Kofana is heavily linked to be on the verge of signing with Telekom S-League side Real Kakamora. The 22-year-old, who did not return to Fiji to rejoin his club Rewa after the OFC Nations Cup in Vanuatu, has been training with Kakamora, according to multiple sources in Honiara and Makira Ulawa FA, which is linked to the club.

Oceania Football Center previously reported Kofana’s absence from Rewa, with no details provided regarding his decision. His potential move to Real Kakamora comes as the transfer window in the Solomon Islands closes on July 19, leaving limited time to finalize the deal.

Leon Kofana in action for Solomon Islands at OFC Nations Cup – *OFC Media*

Sources in Fiji have indicated that Rewa’s management was unhappy with Kofana’s behavior before he left for the OFC Nations Cup, leading to his unannounced non-return to the club. The situation has now opened the door for Kofana to continue his career with Real Kakamora, where he is keen on making an impact if there’s still time to complete the move before the Telekom S-League transfer window comes to a close.

Tonga’s football star Ata Inia signs for a new club in Thailand

Ata Inia, the 24-year-old Tongan winger, has signed a one-year contract with Chanthaburi, a club in Thailand’s second-tier football league. Inia, who played for Navy FC, Chainat FC, and Phrae United last season, continues his professional journey in Thailand with this new move.

In the previous season, Inia played 29 matches for Phrae United, scoring twice and providing three assists, showcasing his capability as a valuable team player.

Inia stands out as the only professional player from Tonga, a status that brings significant attention to his career. He is expected to represent his country in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers this September. Despite not yet making his debut for the national team, Inia has committed to representing the Kingdom of Tonga on the international stage.

Starting his senior career with Melbourne Knights in Australia’s NPL, Inia’s path to representing Tonga has been marked by several bureaucratic challenges. However, he is now set to be cleared to play for his country.

As Inia prepares for his debut with Chanthaburi, fans and followers of Tongan football eagerly await his contributions both at the club level and in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

“We gave away the game” says Solomon Islands’ Gordon Iro on New Caledonia’s decisive clash at OFC U19 Championship

Gordon Iro, the 19-year-old central defender from the Solomon Islands, has been a standout player for Real Kakamora in the Telekom S-League (TSL) and recently represented his country in the OFC Men’s U19 Championship. Despite his team’s valiant effort, Solomon Islands fell just short of qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile in 2025, succumbing to a 3-2 extra-time defeat against New Caledonia. Despite even scoring in the match, Iro and his teammates had a downfall of performance in the decisive parts of the match that lead to a disappointing defeat.

Reflecting on his season with Real Kakamora, Iro shared his thoughts on his development and aspirations. “Yes, it’s been a good season, but I’m just starting. Playing in the TSL this year has been a great experience,” he remarked, underscoring his positive outlook on his current progress.

Iro, who previously played for Central Coast FC U19, is determined to gain more experience beyond the TSL. “It’s been good, but I want to build up my experience and confidence more outside the country. I really need to play out of the TSL league,” he expressed, highlighting his ambition to broaden his horizons and enhance his skills on an international level.

The recent match against New Caledonia was a tough pill to swallow for Iro and his teammates. He candidly shared his feelings about the loss: “I’m not sure what to say about the game against New Caledonia because I think we gave away the game.” Despite the disappointment, Iro remains steadfast in his long-term goals.

“My aim is to take our beautiful nation to the World Cup, even though we lost yesterday. Despite that, maybe not today or tomorrow, but one fine day, I will play in the World Cup,” he said with determination.

Iro (center) celebrates his goal against New Caledonia – *OFC Media*

Iro’s resilience and drive to succeed reflect the spirit of his team and nation. As he continues to grow and seek opportunities beyond the TSL, his aspirations of representing Solomon Islands on the world stage remain as strong as ever.

Solomon Islands U19 side still has Fiji in front of them in their final match at OFC Men’s U19 Championship as both sides will look to finish the tournament with the pride of earning the 3rd place that will be in contention.

Quiet game for Raphael Lea’i as Adelaide City falls to NPL South Australia leaders Modbury Jets

Raphael Lea’i, Solomon Islands’ brightest football talent, had a subdued performance in his second match for Adelaide City, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Modbury Jets on Saturday, July 13th, in the NPL South Australia. The 20-year-old forward was introduced into the attack at the 57th minute, but despite his presence on the pitch, he was unable to influence the outcome and help his team avoid a home loss.

Lea’i, who recently joined Adelaide City from FK Velež Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, carries the hopes and expectations of many from his home country. His move to Australia has generated significant interest, given his reputation as the most prominent football figure from the Solomon Islands. However, in his second consecutive appearance coming off the bench, Lea’i found it challenging to make an impact against a formidable Modbury Jets side.

Raphael Lea’i in action during the match against Modbury Jets – *Adelaide City FC Media*

Adelaide City’s position in the league table has them currently in 5th place, trailing the 4th placed side by three points, which is crucial for securing a spot in the qualification playoffs. The team and its supporters are hopeful that Lea’i will soon find his rhythm and deliver performances that can help propel Adelaide City into playoff contention.

With the pressure of high expectations and the transition to a new league, Raphael Lea’i will be looking to turn things around in the upcoming matches, aiming to showcase the talent that made him a standout in his previous club and a key figure in Solomon Islands football.

Gagame Feni’s homecoming debut: Suva falls short against Labasa

In the latest match of the Digicel Fiji Premier League, Solomon Islands’ striker Gagame Feni made his much-anticipated debut for Suva after rejoining the club. Wearing the number 10 jersey, Feni came off the bench in the second half but could not prevent his team’s 1-0 defeat to Labasa.

Feni’s compatriot, Jaygray Sipakana, also featured prominently in the match. Sipakana, who made his debut for Suva as a starter in this match, had previously come off the bench in Suva’s 1-1 draw against Rewa. Both players are significant signings for Suva as they aim to turn around their challenging season.

Suva, which finished as runners-up in the 2023 OFC Champions League, has struggled to find form this season. The club hopes that the addition of Feni and Sipakana, known for their attacking prowess, will bolster their performance in the league and upcoming tournaments such as the Battle of Giants.

Feni, who previously played for Suva and became a fan favorite, is expected to bring experience and quality to the team. His return is seen as a potential turning point for the club as they look to climb back to the top of Fijian football.

New Zealand edges out Fiji to secure spot in FIFA U20 World Cup

New Zealand will face New Caledonia in the final of the OFC U19 Men’s Championship 2024 after a narrow 1-0 semi-final victory over Fiji in Apia. The win also secured New Zealand’s qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

The semi-final match was slow to start, with Fiji dominating possession and creating early chances. Ibraheem Afazal was particularly threatening on the right flank, coming close to giving Fiji the lead with a powerful shot that was well saved by New Zealand’s goalkeeper, Alby Kelly-Heald. Afazal had another chance just before halftime with a free-kick that went over the bar, leaving the score 0-0 at the break.

The second half began with a bang. New Zealand quickly capitalized on a defensive error by Fiji, allowing Ryan Watson to score from inside the box following a corner. Fiji had an immediate chance to equalize when they were awarded a penalty for a handball in the New Zealand box. However, Aidan Malakai Singh’s penalty was saved by Kelly-Heald, who dove to his right to make the stop.

Fiji continued to press and even had the ball in the net through Eparama Moraica, but the goal was disallowed for offside. As the game progressed, New Zealand grew more confident, controlling possession and stifling Fiji’s attempts to get back into the game. Nathan Walker almost doubled New Zealand’s lead late on with a solo run and shot that was saved by Fiji’s Ilisoni Koro.

Fiji’s Delon Shankar as New Zealand’s Fergus Gillion battle for the ball – *OFC Media*

In the final moments, Fiji had a golden opportunity to equalize from a set-piece, but William Khan headed over from close range. New Zealand held on to their slender lead, securing a place in the final against New Caledonia and a spot in the FIFA U20 World Cup 2025.

Fiji, who narrowly missed out on back-to-back FIFA U20 World Cup appearances following their participation in the 2023 edition in Argentina, will now face Solomon Islands in the third-place playoff.

Solomon Islands second half’s downfall ends U20 World Cup dreams

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Solomon Islands’ dream of qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup was dashed in the semifinal of the OFC U19 Men’s Championship. They surrendered a last-minute goal in extra time, losing 3-2 to New Caledonia after a dissapointing second half and extra time performance.

New Caledonia pulled ahead early in the first half, but Solomon Islands, under the guidance of local football legend Batram Suri, mounted a strong comeback. Goals from Gordon Iro and Jimson Abana saw them take a 2-1 lead into halftime. However, their performance waned in the second half as they struggled to maintain possession against an increasingly physical New Caledonia side.

Solomon Islands could not resist to New Caledonia – *OFC Media*

In the dying moments of regulation time, Solomon Islands conceded a crucial equalizer, failing to defend a long ball free-kick taken by New Caledonia’s keeper. The extra time period saw a continuation of their struggles, culminating in a late goal that sealed their fate and ended their historic run.

Despite the valiant effort, the young team could not secure what would have been their first-ever qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup, and only their second participation in a FIFA football tournament, following their appearance in the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup. Notable performers Paul Francis and James Laena were unable to make a significant impact on the day, underscoring the challenging nature of the match for the Solomon Islands U19 side.

Solomon Islands surrender last-minute goal as New Caledonia clinches FIFA U20 World Cup spot

In a thrilling semi-final at the OFC U19 Men’s Championship, New Caledonia secured their place in the final and a coveted spot in the FIFA U20 World Cup 2025 in Chile with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Solomon Islands.

New Caledonia started the match strongly, with early attempts from Paul Qaeze and Louis Brunet keeping Solomon Islands’ goalkeeper Gideon Abidan busy. Qaeze, one of the standout players of the tournament, opened the scoring with a stunning strike from the left-hand side of the penalty area, leaving Abidan with no chance.

Despite their early lead, New Caledonia’s advantage was short-lived. Solomon Islands equalized just ten minutes later when a corner found defender Gordon Iro, whose header deflected past goalkeeper Gabin Rachel. Solomon Islands then took the lead just before halftime when another corner caused confusion in New Caledonia’s defense, allowing Jimson Abana to score from 12 yards out.

The second half saw Solomon Islands nearly extend their lead, with Paul Francis’ effort hitting the crossbar. The match grew increasingly physical, with both teams matching each other’s intensity. New Caledonia’s persistent pressure paid off with just two minutes of regular time remaining, as Antoine Simane capitalized on a loose ball in the area to level the score at 2-2, sending the match into extra time.

New Caledonia players celebrate – *OFC Media*

As fatigue set in during extra time, both teams adopted a more direct approach. With penalties looming, New Caledonia found the decisive goal two minutes before the end of extra time. Kapone Xulue struck to clinch a dramatic 3-2 victory, securing New Caledonia’s place in the final and their qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

The Solomon Islands’ level of play dropped in the second half and extra time, allowing New Caledonia’s high balls to be effective. Despite a strong start and a lead at halftime, they couldn’t hold off the resilient New Caledonia side, who ultimately emerged victorious.