Jared Rongosulia, talented Solomon Islands’ player, made a significant impact at the Fiji FACT tournament in 2023. Representing Navua, Rongosulia’s outstanding performance on the field earned him the prestigious Golden Boot Award. Despite Navua not reaching the finals stage of the tournament, Jared’s exceptional goal-scoring ability was recognized and celebrated.
The former Laugu, Kossa and Waneagu United man back in his country, at 27 years old, Rongosulia has already established himself as a key figure in Navua’s team. His contributions have been instrumental in their campaign during the current season. Throughout the Fiji FACT tournament, Jared displayed his skills, determination, and lethal finishing in front of the goal. With three goals to his name, Rongosulia emerged as the top goalscorer of the competition.
Rongosulia (right) receiving his award – Fiji FA Media
Rongosulia has represented his country and club with honor – he is former youth international former youth. His success in the Fiji FACT tournament will undoubtedly inspire aspiring footballers from the Solomon Islands and serve as an example of what can be achieved through skill, determination, and perseverance.
Moving forward, Jared Rongosulia’s career is poised for further growth and success. His Golden Boot triumph at the Fiji FACT tournament is a stepping stone to greater achievements, and he will undoubtedly continue to make waves in the South Pacific football.
Vanuatu made history in the world of football with a remarkable victory over Mongolia in the Intercontinental Cup, securing their first-ever win against a non-OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) team. After valiantly battling against Lebanon and India, but falling short, Vanuatu’s national team finally tasted victory in a momentous encounter against Mongolia, winning by a narrow margin of 1-0.
The Intercontinental Cup, held in India, served as the backdrop for this extraordinary achievement. Vanuatu had long been striving to make their mark in international football. Its last friendly match against a non-OFC opposition was back in 2019 when they lost to Indonesia by 6-0, having now a much better performance in the invitational tournament in India.
The match against Mongolia was laden with significance for Vanuatu, not only because it marked their first win against a team outside the OFC but also because it provided an opportunity to showcase their progress and determination on a global stage. The players were well aware of the importance of this encounter and displayed an exceptional level of commitment and skill throughout the game.
From the opening whistle, Vanuatu demonstrated their intent to control the proceedings. They showcased their technical prowess and played with a sense of purpose, pressing forward to create scoring opportunities. The team’s cohesion and unity were evident as they moved the ball fluidly, combining precise passing with intelligent movement off the ball.
In the final moments of the match, Vanuatu showcased their defensive resilience, repelling any Mongolian attacks with composure and determination. The players exhibited unwavering focus and discipline to maintain their slender lead until the final whistle. As the referee signaled the end of the game, the Vanuatu team and their coaching staff celebrated the historic victory with unrestrained jubilation.
Vanuatu vs Mongolia – The Hindu
This triumph against Mongolia not only marked an important milestone for Vanuatu’s national team but also showcased the potential and talent that exists within their footballing community. The result served as a source of inspiration for aspiring young footballers in the country, reaffirming their belief in the pursuit of their dreams and the possibility of achieving success on the international stage.
Vanuatu’s journey in the Intercontinental Cup may have had its share of challenges, with defeats against Lebanon and India, but the win over Mongolia will forever be etched in the annals of the nation’s footballing history as a stepping stone for development. It stands as a testament progress of Vanuatu’s football and a source of immense pride for the people in the country.
Fiji international defender Scott Wara has made a significant move in his football career by signing with Irish club Finn Harps FC. The official announcement was made by Finn Harps FC on their social media platforms, welcoming Wara to the team.
Wara, who hails from Lautoka, Fiji, gained valuable experience in English football as a product of the Stoke City academy. However, after leaving Stoke City, he most recently played for non-league side Leek Town.
At 23 years old, Wara has already represented Fiji at the international level. He has earned one cap for the Fiji national team and also featured for the U-23 side of Fiji in the Olympic Qualifiers in 2019.
Finn Harps FC competes in the League of Ireland First Division, which is the second-tier of football in Ireland. This move presents an exciting opportunity for Wara to further his career and showcase his skills in a new league and environment.
Scott Wara – Finn Harps FC Media
Joining Finn Harps FC will provide Wara with a platform to develop as a player and contribute to the team’s objectives. Additionally, his ultimate goal may be to reclaim his spot in the Fijian national team, using this new chapter in his career as a stepping stone towards that aspiration.
As he embarks on this new adventure with Finn Harps FC, Wara will be determined to make a positive impact on the pitch, contribute to the team’s success, and continue his personal growth as a professional footballer. The player will be available to debut after 1st July, when his transfer will be completed.
New Zealand’s powerhouse Auckland City FC and current OFC Champions League champions, have made significant moves for upcoming season. They have successfully secured the services of two talented Vanuatu internationals, Timothy Loic Boulet and Jordy Tasip, both of whom previously played for the Vanuatu club Ifira Black Bird FC.
The news of these transfers was officially announced on the social media page of Vanuatu media service company VBTC. The media company stated the players are set to join the New Zealand outfit by July if all process is done in time.
Both Timothy Loic Boulet and Jordy Tasip caught the attention of Auckland City FC through their impressive performances during the OFC Champions League 2023 competition. The duo showcased their skills, talent, and dedication on the field, leaving a lasting impact on both their opponents and scouts. Auckland City FC, recognizing their potential, wasted no time in securing their services for the new season. One Ifira Black Bird told to Oceania Football Center that the Navy Blues’ staff approached the players just before the semifinal clash between the both sides in the last edition of the OFC Champions League.
Timothy Loic Boulet, 24-years-old, is a Vanuatu international who possesses excellent defensive skills, being able to play both as central defender and wingback. Boulet has already represented Malampa Revivors before of his tenure in Ifira Black Bird.
Jordy Tasip, 22-years-old, is another talented Vanuatu international, brings versatility to the team with his ability to play in various positions upfront. He is known for his speed and skills on the ball. Tasip is a product of the traditional Tafea FC from Port Vila.
Timothy Boulet and Jordy Tasip
The signings of Timothy Loic Boulet and Jordy Tasip reflect Auckland City FC’s commitment to enhancing their squad and maintaining their position as one of the top clubs in the region. These acquisitions not only strengthen the team but also demonstrate the club’s willingness to tap into the talent pool in neighboring countries.
This is also great news for Vanuatu football as they show the development of players are paying dividends. Ifira Black Bird stated to VBTC that they are happy with the football development of the club and see its players are attracting interest from overseas.
The national champions of Papua New Guinea, Lae City FC, decided to pull out of the next edition National Premier League. The decision has been made due to the withdrawal of our sponsor, Lae Biscuit Company Ltd, who has been a pillar of support for the team since 2017.
Lae Biscuit Company Ltd entered the football arena with immense enthusiasm and has consistently shown their dedication to the sport. Their involvement in the code has been commendable, and they have contributed significantly to the development of the game in Papua New Guinea. Not only did they support Lae City FC, but they also sponsored the national team with a generous amount of K200,000.00 during the Pacific Games in Samoa back in 2019.
Throughout the partnership, Lae City, under the sponsorship of Lae Biscuit Company Ltd, has diligently fulfilled its financial obligations to the PNG Football Association (PNGFA). The company has consistently paid the club’s affiliation and registration fees, as well as other charges imposed by the PNGFA. The unwavering support of Lae Biscuit Company Ltd has been instrumental in our success on and off the field.
PNG Champions’ Lae City – PNGFA Media
This announcement comes in the wake of the Papua New Guinea national team’s 10-0 defeat against Malaysia in an international friendly, which brought immense embarrassment to the country. The performance received heavy criticism from fans and local clubs, and it appears that Lae City’s owner, Ian Chow, is dissatisfied with the current management of the PNG Football Association.
In light of several postponements of the competition’s start date and other organizational challenges, Mr. Chow has decided to voice his discontent by withdrawing Lae City FC from the National Premier League.
Lae City FC has a rich history, having secured the Papua New Guinea National Soccer League title seven times and participating in numerous editions of the OFC Champions League.
The announcement is one more setback to PNG Football; the governing body will not count on its current champions for the next edition of the national league, something that may cause issues on rebuilding the league as the PNG Football Association intends to do so.
This Tuesday (20th June), the Kapuls played their second international friendly in this FIFA window after a 2-2 draw against Singapore last week; this time they faced Malaysia at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium. The outcome was just unbelievable for the Papua New Guinean football fans: after a 1-0 result in the first half in favour of the local side, Papua New Guinea conceded nine goals in the second half – a harsh 10-0 result was the final say.
Safawi Rasid scored the first for the locals at stoppage time in the first half after a silly penalty conceded by Hekari United’s Solomon Rani. The Papua New Guinean goalkeeper Ronald Warisan made impressive stops through the first half, denying Malaysia to score until the deadlock was broken.
The second half was tremendous for Malaysia, atrocious for the Kapuls: the Brazilian-born striker Paulo Josué scored at the 52th minute to double the lead- then, the downhill for Papua New Guinea had started: Arif Aiman scored his first in the game four minutes later. At the 59th Muhammad Faisal scored the third, one minute later Arif Aiman scored his second and Paulo Josué scored his second at the 64th and his hattrick at the 70th.
Daniel Ting, after a corner, scored the 8th for Malaysia and Arif Aiman, in the dying minutes of the game, added another two to his tally: 10-0 – the biggest ever registered defeat for the Papua New Guinea men’s national team.
Ronald Warisan tries to stop another Malaysian attempt
It was not expected from the Kapuls they could have a great game against a tough opposition such as Malaysia – who qualified for the 2024 Asian Cup edition. But, anyway, the scoreline represents much more than the gap between the two sides, but also the lack of preparation for the match and questionable team selection.
The first friendly against Singapore – 2-2 – gave hopes to the Kapuls‘ fans, although the performance was not there and goalkeeper Warisan made a number of stops to save Papua New Guinea from another defeat. Malaysia, a stronger team that Singapore – counting on several naturalised players posed a significant threat to the Kapuls, but the team coached by Harrison Kamake did not seem prepared to take this challenge and collapsed in the second half.
In a highly unusual turn of events, the match between New Zealand and Qatar on Monday, June 19th, played in Austria, came to an abrupt end after only 45 minutes. The All Whites made a collective decision to abandon the game after one of their players, defender Michael Boxall, was subjected to a racial slur by an undisclosed member of the Qatari team.
The incident occurred in the 40th minute of the match when Boxall and a Qatari player engaged in a confrontation. During the heated exchange, a Qatari player directed a racial slur towards Boxall, which was heard by several New Zealand players, including the defender himself. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the players reported the incident to the appropriate authorities.
Stuff
However, to the dismay of the New Zealand team, no official action was taken in response to the racial slur. Frustrated by the lack of action and unwilling to continue playing under such circumstances, the All Whites made a collective decision at halftime. Despite leading 1-0 in the fixture, courtesy of a goal by Marko Stamenic at the 17th minute, they resolved that they would not proceed with the match.
The stance taken by the New Zealand team was supported by New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell, who emphasized that there is no place for racism in football or anywhere else. Standing by the side of the players, Pragnell echoed their sentiment, making it clear that racial abuse would not be tolerated in the sport.
The decision to abandon the match serves as a powerful statement against racism in football, highlighting the importance of taking a stand against discriminatory behavior. While the outcome may have been disappointing for both teams and the spectators, the New Zealand side’s refusal to accept racial abuse demonstrates their commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment in the world of football.
The incident serves as a reminder that combating racism is an ongoing battle that requires vigilance and decisive action. It is hoped that the incident will prompt further discussions and measures to address and eradicate racial discrimination in sports, emphasizing the need for accountability and education to ensure a more inclusive and diverse future for the beautiful game.
Still no disciplinary actions or investigations took place about this particular case; it can be expected more debate in the coming days and it seems New Zealand Football will not let it go as they will look to continue with their strong statement against racism hoping the proper legal actions might be taken against the responsibles for this unacceptable behaviour.
In the recent international matches against Malaysia and Singapore, the Marist FC duo, Norman Ngafu and Calvin Ohasio, made their debut for the Solomon Islands national team, showcasing their talent and potential on the international stage.
Calvin Ohasio, the left back for Marist FC, was given the opportunity to start in the match against Malaysia. With his solid defensive skills and attacking prowess, Ohasio proved to be a valuable asset for the team. Throughout the game, he displayed excellent positioning and the ability to make key interceptions, frustrating the Malaysian attackers.
In the subsequent match against Singapore, Calvin Ohasio started on the bench but was brought on as a second-half substitute. Despite limited playing time, Ohasio’s performance as a substitute highlighted his versatility and ability to adapt to different game situations, as he helped Solomon Islands to fight back in the game and find an equaliser.
Ohasio and Ngafu
Norman Ngafu, the talented striker for Marist FC, has been in exceptional form in the Telekom S-League leading up to his national team debut. Ngafu’s impressive goal-scoring ability and agile movement caught the attention of the national team selectors, earning him a place in the squad. In the match against Singapore, Ngafu entered the game as a second-half substitute, injecting pace and dynamism into the team’s attacking lineup. His presence upfront created problems for the Singaporean defenders, as he constantly threatened their backline with his runs and intelligent positioning.The striker had a chance to score through a header, but it was denied by Singapore’s goalkeeper. Ngafu’s contributions paid off when he played a crucial role in the team’s pursuit of an equaliser, ultimately helping secure a 1-1 draw for the Solomon Islands.
Both Norman Ngafu and Calvin Ohasio, at the ages of 25 and 23 respectively, have shown great promise and potential for the future of Solomon Islands’ national team. Their performances in these international matches have proven their worth and put them on the radar of future selection processes. As the national team prepares for upcoming international call-ups, Ngafu and Ohasio are set to battle for a spot in the starting lineup, adding healthy competition and depth to the team’s roster. With their skills, determination, and continued development, these two players are certainly ones to watch in the years to come, bringing excitement and optimism to Solomon Islands’ football landscape.
In a thrilling final match of the prestigious Fiji FACT, Lautoka emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Rewa. The grand final took place on Sunday, June 19th, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, where two of the country’s best teams clashed in an exciting encounter that extended into extra time.
Both Lautoka and Rewa had reached the final through impressive victories in their respective semi-final matches. Rewa secured their spot in the final by defeating Ba in a thrilling encounter that ended 3-2 in extra time on Saturday, June 17th. Lautoka, on the other hand, booked their place in the final with a 2-1 win over Labasa.
The final itself proved to be an enthralling affair, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination to claim the coveted Fiji FACT title. Lautoka drew first blood in regulation time, as Afraz Ali found the back of the net, sending his team and their passionate supporters into jubilation.
However, Rewa’s young talent, Josaia Sela, had different plans. Showing great composure and skill, Sela managed to level the score, giving his team hope and setting the stage for a captivating battle.
As the match entered extra time, the quality and experience of Lautoka’s Saula Waqa shone through. Waqa displayed his prowess on the pitch and managed to break the deadlock, propelling Lautoka into the lead once again. His crucial goal proved to be the difference-maker, as Lautoka held onto their advantage until the final whistle.
Waqa and Ali, the goalscorers, with FACT trophy – Fiji FA Media
The victory was particularly significant for Lautoka, as it marked their first Fiji FACT title in 21 years, a remarkable achievement for the Sugar City team. The players and fans alike celebrated the hard-fought win, basking in the glory of their success.
The 2-1 triumph of Lautoka against Rewa in the Fiji FACT final will undoubtedly be remembered as a memorable for Lautoka fans and a thrilling match in Fijian football history.
Last Friday, on the 16th of June, Singapore faced Papua New Guinea in a highly anticipated friendly match. The Papua New Guinea national team, the Kapuls, opted for a different lineup, granting Ferdahlas Namuesh and Bruce Tiampo a starting position. Additionally, they deployed Kolu Kepo as a central defender alongside Daniel Joe. On the other hand, Singapore relied on their trademark pace to create problems for their opponents, putting goalkeeper Ronald Warisan under pressure from the beginning.
Despite the early challenges faced by the PNG Kapuls, it was Singapore who took the lead in the 22nd minute through a goal by Adam Swandi, capitalizing on a well-executed set piece. The home side’s advantage, however, was short-lived. As the first half was drawing to a close, Ati Kepo, the star player from Hekari United, unleashed a magnificent strike from long range at the 41st minute, equalizing the scoreline. The momentum continued in favor of Singapore, as Hariss Harun found a way past the defense and goalkeeper Warisan just a minute later, putting Singapore back in the lead.
FA Singapore Media
As the game entered stoppage time before the half-time whistle, an unexpected turn of events occurred. Raymond Gunemba seized an opportunity during a chaotic play and managed to block a defender’s clearance, directing the ball into the goal. This stroke of luck allowed Papua New Guinea to level the game once again, leaving both teams on equal footing heading into the second half.
The second half witnessed several scoring opportunities for Singapore, but their lack of clinical finishing, coupled with the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Ronald Warisan, thwarted their attempts to secure a decisive lead. Despite their relentless efforts, Singapore was unable to capitalize on these chances, and the game ultimately concluded with a 2-2 draw.
Following this result, Papua New Guinea now regroups and prepares to face Malaysia, a formidable opponent, in an upcoming international friendly. The match is viewed as a significant challenge for the PNG Kapuls, and they will need to regather their strength and refine their strategies to put up a good performance against their stronger adversaries.
