Leon Kofana, the 22-year-old central back from the Solomon Islands, has not returned to Fiji to rejoin his club, Rewa FC. Oceania Football Center reached out to some of his teammates, who expressed their surprise and lack of knowledge about the reasons behind his prolonged absence.
Rewa FC has already played two games in the Digicel Fiji Premier League without their key defender. Kofana, who represented the Solomon Islands in the OFC Nations Cup held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, has yet to make his return to Fiji post-tournament.
Leon Kofana – Fiji FA Media
The reasons for Kofana’s absence remain unclear, leaving Rewa FC and their supporters in uncertainty. Oceania Football Center will continue to monitor the situation closely as more information becomes available.
In a commanding display, Ifira Black Bird secured their third consecutive PVFA Premier League title with a resounding 3-0 win against Erakor Golden Star. The triumph was marked by goals from Kerry Iawak, Tonly Kalotang, and Alphonse Lency, solidifying Ifira Black Bird’s dominance in the league.
Under the guidance of coach Jean-Robert Yelou, Ifira Black Bird has been a formidable force throughout the season. With one match remaining against Galaxy, the team has already established an unassailable five-point lead at the top of the table, making it impossible for any contenders to catch up.
Ifira players before the match – Ifira Black Bird Media
“Blackbird boys have gained another +3 points today with a 3-0 win over a strong Erakor side. With this win, we have reclaimed the Championship title for the 3rd time! WE ARE PVFA CHAMPIONS,” stated the club social media.
The final match against Galaxy will serve as a celebratory conclusion to an outstanding season, with Ifira Black Bird proudly holding their title as the reigning champions of the PVFA Premier League.
The anticipation is building as the semifinals of the OFC U19 Men’s Championship approach, with New Caledonia set to face Solomon Islands and New Zealand preparing to clash with Fiji. These critical matches not only determine the finalists of the tournament but also secure spots in the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile for the winners.
Solomon Islands have emerged as formidable contenders, topping their group with standout performances from talented players such as Gordon Iro, Paul Francis, and James Laena. Their journey has been marked by skillful play and strong teamwork, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal against New Caledonia. New Caledonia, having finished second in their group behind New Zealand, will be looking to upset the Solomon Islanders and secure their place in the global tournament.
New Caledonia and Solomon Islands will battle for a spot at U20 FIFA World Cup – OFC Media
New Zealand, the clear favorites and perennial powerhouses, dominated their group and are now set to face Fiji in the second semifinal. Fiji, who finished second in their group, will be eager to replicate their previous success, as both Fiji and New Zealand reached the final of the last edition of the competition and represented the region in the last U20 FIFA World Cup.
With so much at stake, the upcoming semifinals promise intense competition and high drama as these young athletes vie for the chance to showcase their talents on the world stage in Chile next year.
Fijian football is abuzz with the exciting news that Thomas Dunn, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, is trialing with Australian A-League professional side Sydney FC. Dunn’s remarkable performances at the recent OFC Nations Cup have evidently caught the attention of the Australian club, earning him this prestigious opportunity. Dunn is currently attached to Navua FC of Digicel Fiji Premier League.
Dunn, known for his agility, vision, and goal-scoring prowess, has been a standout player in the Fijian football scene. His exploits at the OFC Nations Cup showcased his immense talent and potential, making him a hot prospect for clubs seeking to bolster their midfield. His ability to control the game, create scoring opportunities, and his keen eye for goal have set him apart as one of the most promising young players in Oceania.
The trial with Sydney FC represents a significant step in Dunn’s burgeoning career. Should he secure a contract, it would not only elevate his career but also serve as an inspiration to many young footballers in Fiji. Sydney FC, a club with a rich history and a strong presence in the A-League, offers an excellent platform for Dunn to develop his skills further and compete at a higher level.
Thomas Dunn training with Sydney FC squad
As Dunn embarks on this new chapter, the Fijian football community watches with bated breath, hopeful that their young star will shine brightly in the Australian A-League. His journey serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring footballers in the region, proving that talent combined with hard work can open doors to international opportunities.
Vanuatu’s international football player Joe Moses, affiliated with Galaxy FC, is set to join Suva FC in Fiji for the upcoming season. Local news sources confirmed that Moses is expected to leave for Fiji tomorrow to begin his stint with the Fijian outfit.
The recently concluded OFC Nations Cup in Port Vila has sparked interest among club bosses, leading Suva FC to sign the national attacker during the open transfer window.
“I was so happy when they (Suva FC) messaged me and asked me to go and play for them. It is a dream come true for me,” Moses told the Daily Post.
This move to Suva FC marks Moses’ first international club stint. The 21-year-old is eager to gain invaluable experience and make both his family and nation proud. Moses looks forward to supporting his mother in paying for his younger sister’s school fees, a responsibility he cherishes deeply despite his own educational pursuits being side-tracked by his passion for football.
Joe Moses – OFC Media
Suva FC Coach Babs Khan expressed his excitement about the transfer. “The boy has great possession skills, and he will fit well into our system,” he said.
Moses will be contracted for six months, with a possibility of renewal. During his time with Suva FC, he will reside at Taramati Street in Suva.
However, the transfer has not been without controversy. Galaxy FC coach Richard Anisua has yet to officially bless the move, citing a lack of communication with Suva FC. Despite this, the open transfer window allowed Suva FC to negotiate directly with Moses, facilitating the transfer.
The final matchday of Group A at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Apia saw the Solomon Islands and Fiji secure their places in the semi-finals with commanding performances. Solomon Islands topped the group with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tahiti, while Fiji overcame an early setback to trounce Vanuatu 6-1.
In a match where both teams knew the stakes, the Solomon Islands faced Tahiti with a clear objective: avoid defeat to advance. The Solomon Islands’ attacking prowess was evident early on, with Jimson Abana twice finding himself in scoring positions, though he couldn’t convert. The Solomon Islands appeared to take the lead in the 22nd minute, but Abana’s effort was ruled out for handball.
Tahiti responded towards the end of the first half, with Iliwai Resopawiro showcasing his dribbling skills, only to see his shot narrowly miss the target. Franck Papaura’s stunning 60-meter run also ended in disappointment as his chip shot was easily saved by Gideon Abidan.
The breakthrough came shortly after the second half began. Hitimoana Teuira’s error in Tahiti’s penalty area allowed Abana to dispossess him and set up James Laena, who smashed the ball past Keahinui Heinis to give the Solomon Islands the lead. Abana continued to threaten but was unable to add to the tally as Tahiti’s defense held firm. With this victory, the Solomon Islands finished the group stage with a perfect record, not conceding a single goal, and now await their semi-final opponent.
In the other Group A match, Fiji displayed resilience and attacking flair to secure their place in the semi-finals with a 6-1 victory over Vanuatu. Vanuatu started brightly, taking the lead in the fourth minute when Glen Maki finished off a move initiated by Ronn Tasarur. However, Fiji’s response was swift. Co-captain Penisoni Tirau equalized with a header from an Ibraheem Afazal free-kick.
Fiji then took control of the match. Eparama Moraica’s strong run and assist allowed Afazal to score into an empty net, giving Fiji the lead. Afazal continued his impressive performance with a long-range strike to make it 3-1. Sterling Vasconcellos added a fourth with a header from an Afazal corner.
Fiji and Solomon Islands players celebrate – OFC Media
Vanuatu, seeking a way back into the match, left gaps in their defense that Fiji exploited. Another set-piece saw Vasconcellos score his second goal with a close-range header. William Khan completed the rout with a header from a corner in the final moments, marking his first goal for Fiji.
Fiji’s dominant performance saw them finish the group stage with six points, securing their spot in the semi-finals and relegating Vanuatu to the play-off for seventh place after three defeats. Vanuatu showed determination but ultimately couldn’t match Fiji’s firepower.
As the tournament progresses, both the Solomon Islands and Fiji will look to build on their impressive group stage performances. The Solomon Islands’ defensive solidity and Fiji’s attacking prowess make them formidable contenders in the knockout stages. The anticipation now shifts to Group B’s results to determine their semi-final matchups.
The U19 OFC Men’s Championship has been a stage for young talents to shine, and for the Solomon Islands, two standout players have emerged as key figures in their successful campaign. Gordon Iro and Paul Francis, both from Real Kakamora, have proven instrumental in their national team’s impressive performances.
Defender Gordon Iro showcased his defensive prowess in the opening match against Vanuatu, earning the Man of the Match title for his stellar performance. His resolute defending and tactical awareness were crucial in securing the Solomon Islands’ first victory in the tournament.
Paul Francis, the team captain, has also been a vital player for the U19 squad. In the same match against Vanuatu, Francis provided a crucial assist for the winning goal, demonstrating his playmaking abilities and leadership on the field. His influence extended into the second match, where both he and Iro played key roles in a dominant 3-0 victory over Fiji, solidifying the Solomon Islands’ place in the knockout stage.
Iro and Francis pictured – OFC Media
Their performances for the national team mirror their impact at Real Kakamora in the Telekom S-League. Both players have been pivotal in their club’s surprising campaign, where they currently battle at the top of the table. Their experiences and form at the club level have seamlessly translated into international success, highlighting their importance to the U19 squad.
As the Solomon Islands prepare for their final pool match against Tahiti, they aim to cement their strong campaign and carry their momentum into the knockout stages. With the leadership of Paul Francis and the defensive solidity provided by Gordon Iro, the team is well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament. Their journey so far is a testament to the talent and potential within the Solomon Islands’ youth football ranks.
Standout Phoenix midfielder Ben Old will leave the A-League club after signing a life-changing deal with French Ligue 1 club AS Saint-Étienne. Old becomes the second Phoenix player in the space of a month to advance through the club’s academy all the way to a top European league, after Alex Paulsen joined Bournemouth in England’s Premier League.
Old will shift to South East France to link with 10-time French champions AS Saint-Étienne, who have recently won promotion back to Ligue 1, after the Phoenix accepted an undisclosed transfer fee.
“This move means so much to me,” Old said. “All of us young players aspire to go to Europe and see how far we can go in the game. One of my biggest goals is to play in the top five leagues for a long period of time. I honestly didn’t think it would be happening this early in my career but when Saint-Étienne came to my agent, and I was able to speak to them for the first time I was instantly hooked. Saint-Étienne are the second most successful club in French history and the fans are amazing so I can’t wait for it all to get started.”
Old, 21, was one of the breakout stars of the Phoenix’s 2023-24 campaign, which ended in the semi-finals. He featured in all 29 of the team’s matches, scoring five goals, one of which was voted the team’s goal of the season, and contributing four assists. His performances saw him selected in the A-Leagues All Stars squad in May, and he scored the opening goal in their 8-0 demolition of Newcastle United.
Ben Old – Phototek
Old was also recalled to the All Whites this year after an 18-month absence and started all four of New Zealand’s matches on their way to winning the recent OFC Nations Cup, scoring his maiden senior international goal against hosts Vanuatu in pool play. New Zealand clinched the title in Port Vila, Vanuatu, defeating the hosts in the grand final.
The move brings an end to Old’s six years at the Phoenix, having joined the academy as a teenager in 2018. Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano was thrilled for Old.
“I always knew Oldie had the ability to get to the next level,” Italiano said. “It was more about getting his body right and making sure we built up his minutes so he could showcase his talent. He made the most of his chances, the right people were watching at the right time, and he deserves the move. When I took over one of the big strategies of the club was to make sure that we give these young players an opportunity to come into the environment and succeed. Oldie’s move aligns with everything that we’re doing and shows we’re on the right path.”
The Papua New Guinea Premier Soccer League (PSL) kicked off its season over the weekend with all eight teams in action across four matches.
In Port Moresby, Hekari United FC secured a 2-0 victory against newcomers Admiralty Island FC. Pala Paul and Nathaniel Eddie were the standout performers, each scoring to ensure Hekari United began their campaign with a win at PNG Football Stadium.
Also in Port Moresby, the Port Moresby Strikers and United Highlands FC played to a thrilling 2-2 draw. United Highlands, under new coach Percy Mataio, started strong with goals from Logan Biwa and captain Koriap Upaiga, establishing a 2-0 lead. However, the Strikers fought back, with Aron Tatting scoring just before halftime. In the second half, Bruce Tiampo leveled the score, and the match concluded with both teams sharing the points.
Gulf Komara’s Emmanuel Simon with the ball against FC Morobe Wawens – PNGFA Media
In Lae, at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, Lae City FC triumphed over Lae City Dwellers FC with a narrow 1-0 victory. Meanwhile, Gulf Komara FC edged out FC Morobe Wawens with a 2-1 win.
The opening weekend of the PSL showcased exciting football, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive season in Papua New Guinea’s top-tier league.
Junior Fordney, the recent signing of Labasa FC, made an immediate impact by scoring the winning goal in a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Nadroga. The Solomon Islands international, who previously played for Central Coast FC back in his country and Nadi in the Digicel Fiji Premier League, couldn’t have asked for a better start with his new club.
In an exclusive interview with Oceania Football Center, the 24-year-old shared his thoughts on his debut and the crucial goal that secured the win for his team.
“To score the winning goal, I am so happy as it’s my debut for the club,” said Fordney. His joy was evident as he discussed his contribution to Labasa’s success in the match.
Junior Fordney after the match with Labasa fans
When asked about the team’s prospects in the national league, given that Labasa is currently second on the table with the same number of points as the leader Rewa, Fordney emphasized a measured approach.
“Everyone wants to win, but we take one game at a time,” he stated, reflecting the team’s focus and determination.
Fordney’s positive attitude and impressive performance bode well for Labasa as they continue their campaign in the Digicel Fiji Premier League. Fans and teammates alike will be looking forward to seeing more from this talented forward as the season progresses.
Oceania Football Center 