Oceania Football Center

All White’s Max Mata scores a hattrick in Ireland Premier Division

New Zealand international Max Mata produced a remarkable performance for Sligo Rovers in the Irish Premier Division, scoring a hattrick in their second league match of the season against University College Dublin (UCD). Mata opened the scoring for Sligo in the 22nd minute of the match, slotting the ball past the UCD goalkeeper with a precise finish.

In the second half, Mata continued his impressive display – he confidently converted two penalty-kicks to complete his hattrick. His goals proved decisive, as Sligo Rovers went on to win the match 3-2, with Mata’s performance being the standout highlight of the game.

Max Mata (right) in action – *Sportsfile*

Mata’s teammate and compatriot Nando Pijnaker also had a strong start to the season, earning a spot in the ‘Team of the Week’ after Sligo’s 1-1 draw against Shamrock Rovers in the opening match. Playing alongside each other, Mata and Pijnaker have formed a formidable partnership for Sligo, contributing significantly to their early success in the league.

Mata’s hattrick against UCD highlights his immense talent and potential as a goal-scoring threat. Sligo Rovers will undoubtedly rely on him to continue his impressive form throughout the season as they aim for a successful campaign in the Irish Premier Division.

New Zealand’s Logan Rogerson scores first goal of the season in Finland

Logan Rogerson, the New Zealand international player and former Auckland City striker, scored his first goal of the season for FC Haka in a game against AC Oulu, valid for the Liigacup, the League Cup of Finland. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, but Rogerson’s contribution was a highlight of the game.

Rogerson joined FC Haka in 2021, and this is his second season with the team. After a slow start to the season, he finally found the back of the net in the 19th minute of the game against AC Oulu. Rogerson received a cross from the left and jumped to the ball to put it in the nets. You can watch the goal by clicking here.

Rogerson, a Wellington Phoenix academy product, has had a successful career so far. He has represented New Zealand at the youth level and has also played for the senior national team. In addition to New Zealand and Finland, Rogerson also had experiences on playing in Germany football.

Sairusi Nalaubu has a brilliant start of season as he scores a hattrick against Labasa

Sairusi Nalaubu, the Fijian international, made a spectacular start to the 2023 Digicel Fiji Premier League season with a stunning hattrick against Labasa on Saturday, 25th Feb. The Lautoka striker was in fine form, scoring one goal from the penalty spot in the first half, and then added two more in the second half.

The match against Labasa was the first of the season for both teams, and Nalaubu’s performance set the tone for the rest of the campaign. He showed his class by scoring three times, making him the top scorer of the day, and giving his team a vital victory over their opponents.

The hattrick was Nalaubu’s second in the Fijian top-tier league, and it was also the second time he achieved this feat against Labasa. He also scored three times against them in a match in 2020 while playing for Suva. Nalaubu’s remarkable performance on Saturday demonstrated why he is one of the most celebrated players in Fiji currently.

Nalaubu’s impressive goal-scoring record also includes the golden boot award for the 2022 season of the league, making him one of the most sought-after strikers in the league. His talent, skill, and dedication to the sport have made him a valuable asset to his team, and he has become a fan favorite due to his impressive performances on the field.

The match against Labasa also marked the debut of Lautoka’s new head coach, Ronil Kumar. Kumar will be hoping that Nalaubu’s performance is a sign of good things to come for the team as they aim to compete for the title this season.

Roy Krishna: “At one point many had written us off, but that only motivated us to work harder”

Bengaluru FC managed to qualify for the Indian Super League’s play-offs; with a thrilling eight-games winning streak, the team coached by Simon Grayson has 100% record in 2023- their last defeat was still in 2022. Roy Krishna, the Fijian national team captain, is one of the stars of the team; the striker did not impress in the first part of the season, but things changed as the 35-year-old star player found back his brilliance and helped his team to a fantastic comeback in the season. The striker scored a total of five goals in the season and also recorded five assists – including one on the last match of the regular season in a convicing 3-1 win over Goa FC.

“At one point many had written us off, but that only motivated us to work harder and give our all. While it’s not over yet, the fact that we’ve come this far means a team that’s passionate and doesn’t give up can overcome any obstacle that comes their way. Thank you all for being part of our team and for your faith in us“, said the Fijian superstar in a social media post after confirm their eight-win streak and getting a spot in the play-offs.

This Friday (03rd Mar) Bengaluru will return to the pitch to face Kerala Blasters at home ground – a team they have beaten in their eight-win streak thanks a goal of the Fijian striker. This match will seal a spot for the Indian Super League 2022/23 season semifinal stage. After the fantastic comeback regular season, Bengaluru that was once at the bottom-ranked places in the the league, finished ranked third in the process.

Krishna and his teammates warms up for one more match, expecting to keep their tremendous moment. This time no more mistakes are allowed, if they are unable to surpass Blasters, this will be their final say of the season.

Fiji: Suva beats Rewa and confirm OFC Champions League’s berth

In a thrilling encounter at the OFC Champions League national play-offs, Suva secured a place in the group stage with a 2-1 win over Rewa. The match took place in Suva, Fiji, and saw both teams battle it out for a coveted spot in the upcoming tournament.

Suva took the lead early in the second half when Solomon Islands’ attacker Marlon Tahioa found the back of the net in the 48th minute. The goal was a much-needed boost for Suva, who had struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half.

Suva doubled their lead in the 78th minute when Iowane Matanisiga scored an own goal in favor of Suva after deflection on a finish of Merril Nand. The goal was a harsh blow for Rewa, who had fought hard to keep the scoreline level up to that point.

Despite being two goals down, Rewa refused to give up and continued to push for a way back into the game. Their efforts were rewarded in stoppage time when Iosefo Verevou scored a consolation goal for his team. However, it was too little too late for Rewa, and the final whistle blew with Suva emerging victorious. You can watch the highlights of the match by clicking here.

Suva celebrate its qualification – *Fiji FA Media*

The first leg between the two teams had ended in a 1-1 draw earlier in the week, making the second leg a winner-takes-all affair. Suva, who is coached by Babs Khan, put in a strong performance to secure their place in the upcoming OFC Champions League group stage.

The tournament is set to take place in Vanuatu this May, and Suva will be looking to build on their recent success as they prepare to face some of the best teams in the region. The win over Rewa will undoubtedly give Suva a confidence boost as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting and challenging tournament.

Eddy Kaspard taking his opportunities in French football

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Eddy Kaspard is one of the good players who played the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup for Tahiti, alongside players as Samuel Liparo, Kalahani Beaumert, Terai Bremond – all of them playing in the French football system by that time. From the players mentioned Kaspard was the only that managed to stay in the top five divisions of France after the tournament – but with very little game time for Trelissac. The situation had changed when in early December, 2022 he moved to Pouzauges FC – club where Tahitian national team defender François Hapipi also plays.

Since his arrival Kaspard has played seven matches out of a possible 12, having sat out two matches serving a suspension after being sent off against Poiré-sur-Vie with only eight minutes to play. The 21-year-old Tahitian has scored one goal so far, on his debut in a 3-2 defeat against La Roche Vendée.

Eddy Kaspard playing for Pouzauges – *Happy Zoom*

An interesting change has been Kaspard’s switch from attack to a more defensive role, playing mostly as a full-back. In contrast to Kaspard who has been gaining space and minutes, Francois Hapipi has only played three matches in the competition, and most of the time he was not even listed with the squad for the match. It is still unknown the reasons why the central defender has not been used regurarly by the team.

Paolo Hausner is ready for Tahiti national team call up

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A few Tahitian players have managed to play at professional level in France like Marama Vahirua and Nicolas Vallar, althought it is still rare to see Tahitians playing in European football scenario. This is the case of Paolo Hausner, the left wing of FC Metropole Troyenne in Regional 1 – the fifth tier of French football. The Troyes’ team currently leads its group and remains strong in its mission to return to National 3. Before signing with Metropole Troyenne, the 21-year-old Tahitian played for Auxerre’s youth teams playing for the U-15, U-17 and U-19 teams.

Paolo Hausner playing for Metropole Troyenne

Hausner was born in the Dominican Republic and moved early to French Polynesia where he spent 14 years of his life until he traveled to France to follow his dream of playing professional football.

Theplayer Oceania Football Center that the FTF – the governing football entity from Tahiti – has already contacted him and that he will probably be in Samuel Garcia’s squad that will travel to the Solomon Islands for the Pacific Games in Honiara this year.

Micah Lea’alafa debuts for FK Beograd in Australia

In Adelaide, this Saturday (25th Feb), Solomon Islands international Micah Lea’alafa made his debut for National Premier League side FK Beograd, and it turned out to be a memorable one. FK Beograd had signed the former Auckland City striker and current Solomon Islands national team captain for the season, and his first appearance came in their second match of the season, away from home against MetroStars.

The match was crucial for FK Beograd as they were looking for their first win of the season after drawing their opening game, and Lea’alafa’s presence in the team brought renewed hope and excitement. As the game kicked off, the fans eagerly waited to see what the new signing had to offer.

Lea’alafa wasted no time in making his mark, as he showed off his impressive ball control and dribbling skills. He also showed great awareness and positioning, constantly putting pressure on the opposition defenders.

As the game progressed, FK Beograd’s hard work paid off as they scored two goals, one in each half. Beograd took the lead at 10th minue of play, suffered an equaliser in the second half but in the late stage of the came striker Joshua Mori came in the rescure to score the winner for Beograd.

Lea’alafa skills and experience make him a potential player to have success in the league; FK Beograd coach Joshua Smith talked to Oceania Football Center and told he is keen on taking the best of the player to play a great season for his new club.

Ifira Black Bird will represent Vanuatu at OFC Champions League after beating Siaraga

The Ifira Black Bird football team has secured their spot in the OFC Champions League group stage after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Siaraga in the second leg of the national play-off held in Luganville, Vanuatu. This is a significant achievement for the Port Vila champions, who are returning to the regional tournament after a long absence.

In this game, the playmaker Godine Tenene proved to be the difference maker for Ifira, scoring the game-winning goal at the 2nd minute of play. His shot sailed past the Siaraga goalkeeper and into the net, giving Ifira the early lead they needed to hold on for the win.

Godine Tenene scored the winner for Ifira BB – *PVFA Media*

Ifira had previously dominated Siaraga with an impressive 3-0 win in Port Vila during the midweek, and they carried that momentum with them into the second leg of the playoff. Their defense was solid throughout the match, preventing any attempts on goal by the Siaraga side.

The win was a testament to the skill and determination of the Ifira Black Bird team, who were coached by Robert Yelou. Their return to the regional tournament is a cause for celebration among their fans, who have been eagerly waiting for this moment. You can watch the highlights of the match by cliking here.

The OFC Champions League group stage will also be played in Vanuatu this coming May, and Ifira will undoubtedly be looking to make a splash on their home turf. With players like Godine Tenene and Tonly Kalotang leading the way, Ifira is a team to watch out for in the upcoming tournament.

Football Ferns in dire straits as FIFA Women’s World Cup looms

The New Zealand women’s football team has always been one of the greatest prides of Oceania, managing to compete at a high level with teams such as Brazil, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and other powers of the sport.

Just a few months before the World Cup where New Zealand will be one of the hosts alongside Australia, the Football Ferns have five losses in 2023, with two 5-0 losses to the United States, the reigning World champions, and to the Portugal, that just qualified for its first women’s World Cup. In the past weeks they lost again and could not even score a goal after two matches against Argentina, the performances have led to much criticism from the local media and also the Czech coach Jitka Klimková who has been in charge of the Ferns since 2021.

New Zealand non-winning streak reached eight matches – with no goals scored – with seven losses and a draw with South Korea in the period. New Zealand’s last win came against the Philippines by 2-1 – they are to meet again in the FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage.

If we extend the record to 2022 the situation is even worse, only two wins against Mexico and the Philippines, two draws against Wales and South Korea, and defeats to Australia (twice), Norway, Japan, South Korea, the United States (twice), Portugal and Argentina (twice). In the period there were only 6 goals scored and 28 goals conceded.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup is just around the corner and the red alert is on for the Football Ferns; the team has to improve considerably if they want to make a good showing in front of their own fans.