Oceania Football Center

Revenge is complete: Hekari United eliminates Lae City FC and takes OFC Champions League spot

Hekari United pulled off a stunning victory over more experienced opponents Lae City in the Papua New Guinea capital of Port Moresby, securing their spot in the OFC Champions League group stage. At Sir John Guise Stadium, the young squad of Hekari put on an impressive display, winning 2-0 thanks to goals from midfielder Yagi Yasasa and striker Joseph Joe.

Both sides had their chances throughout the game, but it was Hekari who managed to convert theirs into goals. In the late minutes of the second half, Yasasa and Joe scored the winning goals for the Port Moresby-based side, much to the delight of their fans in the stadium.

The win is a significant achievement for Hekari United, who eliminated Lae City FC, the national champions, from the OFC Champions League. Hekari United won the OFC Champions League back in the 2009/10 season, and they will undoubtedly be looking to replicate that success in the 2023 edition of the tournament.

Lae City (blue) and Hekari United (red) in action – *Soka PNG*

Despite being the more experienced team, Lae City FC lost both legs of the match, with Hekari United winning the first leg 2-1. The result seems to be devastating to the Morebeans that expected once again to take part of the OFC Champions League group stage after winning seven-titles in a row of the PNG National Soccer League.

Hekari United’s victory over Lae City means a lot for the team and its fans as they take revenge of the last national league grand final match that Lae City won in the penalty shootout. The young squad of Hekari led by the Kapuls defender Daniel Joe showed that they have what it takes to compete at the highest levels of regional football, and their place in the OFC Champions League group stage is well-deserved. With the tournament still to come, Hekari will undoubtedly be looking to build on their success and make a mark on the international football scene one more time.

O-League: Michael Tumua Leo’s show highlights strong performance as Lupe o le Soaga hammers Ilaoa & To’omata

Lupe o le Soaga from Samoa put on a stunning performance in their first match of the OFC Champions League qualifying stage, defeating Ilaoa & To’omata from American Samoa by 13-0. The team, coached by Paul Ualesi, were dominant from start to finish, with 20-year-old Michael Tumua Leo putting in a standout performance.

Leo was simply unstoppable on the day, scoring an incredible five goals and assisting twice in a display of pure class. However, he was not the only player to shine for Lupe o le Soaga, with Andrew Setefano, Jamie Mason, and Lapalapa Toni also putting in strong performances.

Setefano and Leo celebrate one of their team goals – *OFC Media*

The American Samoan team simply could not resist the attacking firepower of Lupe o le Soaga, and they were overrun by the pace and skill of their opponents. Lapalapa Toni scored two goals, while Dilo Tumua added another two to the scoreboard. Vaa Taualai, Jamie Mason, Harrison Bolton-Roberts, and Arona Matau also got in on the action, scoring one goal each to contribute to the massive victory. You can watch the highlights of the match by clicking here.

The win was not only a huge confidence booster for Lupe o le Soaga but also marked the biggest ever victory in an OFC tournament match for the team. The performance of Michael Tumua Leo was particularly impressive, and he will undoubtedly be a player to watch in the rest of the tournament.

OFC Champions League: Tupapa Maraerenga beats Veitongo in competition opener

In the opening game of the OFC Champions League qualifying stage, Veitongo FC from Tonga faced Tupapa Maraerenga from the Cook Islands. The match took place at the Apia, Samoa, and it was an intense encounter between the two teams. However, it was Tupapa Maraerenga who came out on top with a 1-0 victory.

The only goal of the match was scored by Taylor Saghabi, who is a Cook Islands football legend. He had come all the way from Australia to represent Tupapa in the tournament, and he proved to be a crucial player for his team. Saghabi scored from the spot kick at the 9th minute of play after a penalty conceded by Veitongo’s Siaki Huni. This early goal gave Tupapa the momentum they needed to control the game.

Veitongo tried to make a comeback and had their best chance from a free-kick taken by Tuia Falepapalangi, which was saved by Tupapa Maraerenga’s keeper Manaariki Pierre. However, Veitongo’s chances were reduced when Siaki Huni was sent off after receiving a second yellow card at the 50th minute of play. Veitongo played most of the second half with ten players, which made it difficult for them to create any real chances.

Tupapa Maraerenga also had some good chances, especially from the feet of Ngametua Tuakana, who missed a clear chance just in front of Veitongo’s goalkeeper Semisi Otukolo. Grover Harmon, Tupapa midfielder, played a major role for his team in securing the 1-0 win for his side. You can watch the highlights of the match by clicking here.

Veitongo and Tupapa Maraerenga took the field in Samoa – *OFC Media*

Veitongo missed their most important player Hemaloto Polovili, who was unable to play due to illness. This absence could have been a factor in their defeat, but they will have a chance to bounce back in their next match.

In conclusion, the match between Veitongo FC and Tupapa Maraerenga was an exciting one, with both teams showing great determination and skill. However, it was Tupapa who emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, thanks to Taylor Saghabi’s goal from the penalty spot. Tupapa’s victory puts them in a good position to progress to the next stage of the tournament, while Veitongo will need to regroup and come back stronger in their next match.

New postponement: Digicel Fiji Premier League 2023 start is delayed

The Fijian Premier League – Digicel Premier League (DPL) for sponsorship reasons – is the top-tier football league in Fiji. It is organized by the Fiji Football Association and features the best clubs from across the country.

Unfortunately, the league’s start has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Heavy rains have been hitting Fiji, making it impossible for the matches to take place as scheduled. The league was set to kick off on February 19th, with Tailevu Naitasiri facing Ba at Ratu Cakobau Park, Navua playing Nadi at Uprising Resort Ground, Rewa playing Labasa at Ratu Cakobau Park, Tavua playing Suva at Garvey Park, and Nadroga playing Lautoka at Lawaqa Park.

The ‘CVC’ series was also postponed due heavy rain – *Fiji FA Media*

The Fiji Football Association has not yet announced a new date for the postponed matches, but it is expected that they will be rescheduled soon. The delay is undoubtedly frustrating for players, coaches, and fans who were eagerly anticipating the start of the new season, but safety must come first.

This is the second time in nearly two-weeks Fijian football is hit by adverse weather conditions – the Champion vs Champion series first-leg match between Suva and Rewa was forced to be interrupted – the match was later abandoned and the half-time result of 0-0 was taken as final result.

Overall, while the delay of the national league is disappointing, it is important to prioritize the safety of everyone involved as well the quality of the game as most of the pitch surfarces are not in good conditions for the practice of football. Fans will have to wait a little longer to see their favorite teams in action, but hopefully, the matches will be rescheduled soon, and the league can get underway.

OFC Champions League qualifying stage set to start in Samoa

The OFC Champions League qualifying stage is set to commence this weekend, on 17th February, in Apia, Samoa. Four teams from across the Pacific will participate in this tournament, including Veitongo FC from Tonga, Tupapa Maraerenga from Cook Islands, Ilaoa & To’omata from American Samoa, and the hosts of Samoa Lupe o le Soaga. The teams will face each other in a round-robin format, and the winner of the group will proceed to the OFC Champions League group stage.

The tournament promises to be an exciting affair, with each team bringing its unique set of skills and talents to the table. Veitongo FC from Tonga is a team with a lot of experience and has a good track record in domestic competitions. They will be looking to carry their domestic form into this tournament and make it to the group stage. The team coached by Timote Moleni will rely on mostly in the attacking force of its star striker Hemaloto Polovili. Veitongo, that will count on many young players, will also have the addition of Tuia Falepapalangi to its team – another Tongan national players will be available such as Sione Tu’ifangaloka, Vai Lutu and the veteran Kamaliele Papani.

Tupapa Maraerenga from the Cook Islands is another team that cannot be taken lightly – with a record of taking part of various Champions League editions. Grover Harmon, the president and midfielder of Tupapa, is one of the most celebrated players from Cook Islands and is a highlight for current Cook Islands’ champions. Avi Enoka might be one of the defensive pillars for Tupapa in the tournament.

Ilaoa & To’omata from American Samoa is a relatively unknown team, but they cannot be underestimated. Recently, the American Samoan teams could not do that well in the OFC tournaments, but this is the first time the team will be participating in the competition and can bring something new for the tournament. Only five of the squad members of Ilaoa & To’omata have already played before in international tournaments.

Finally, the hosts of Samoa Lupe o le Soaga will have the advantage of playing on home soil, and the support of the local fans could prove to be a crucial factor in their performances. Lupe will count on the former Hekari United player Andrew Setefano – Vaa Taualai and Michael Tumua Leo are other important players of the squad. Lupe o le Soaga will also bring three foreign players for the tournament: the New Zealand-based striker Jamie Mason, that played previously for Lupe in an OFC Champions League edition, and the also New Zealander Harisson Bolton-Roberts, a defender. The English striker Jason Cunniff will also represent the Samoan side in the competition. The current Samoan champions already achieved an important milestone in the regional tournament, when they made history for their country as they won Ba from Fiji, the first ever win in the OFC Champions League for a team coming from Samoa.

Veitongo (red) and Tupapa (black and white) enter in the field of play in 2020 OFC Champions League qualifying stage – *OFC Media*

The tournament will be a great opportunity for the teams to test their skills against each other and showcase their talents. The winner of the group will proceed to the OFC Champions League group stage, where they will face off against some of the best teams in the Pacific.

The qualifying stage of the OFC Champions League is going to be played for the first time since 2020 – when COVID-19 major hit in Oceania started. It will be interesting to see which team will emerge as the winner and earn a place in the group stage of the tournament.

Ba adds Argentinian forward for upcoming season in Fiji

Carlos Raffa is a talented Argentinian forward who recently signed with Ba, the most successful club in Fiji. At just 23 years old, Raffa has already made a name for himself as an exciting young talent with a bright future ahead of him.

Raffa caught the attention of Ba’s board when he represented the team in last year’s Pacific Cup. Despite being relatively unknown at the time, Raffa quickly made a big impression on the field with his impressive speed, agility, and skill on the ball. His performance in the tournament not only helped Ba to reach the final and lift the trophy but also earned him a lot of praise from coaches, teammates, and fans alike. Before his experience with Ba, Raffa played in Argentina’s regional side Hurácan de Trelew, that plays at Liga del Valle del Chubut, a league that composes the fifth tier of Argentinian football.

Carlos Raffa – *Canal 12 – Flux – Chubut*

Impressed by Raffa’s talent and potential, the Ba board wasted no time in offering him a contract for the entire 2023 season in Fiji. Raffa seems thrilled at the opportunity to play for one of the most successful clubs in Fiji and to showcase his skills in the Fijian Premier League – this will be the first experience for the Argentinian at senior football.

Raffa’s signing is also an exciting development for Ba’s fans, who are eager to see what the young Argentinian will bring to the team. With his speed, skill, and attacking prowess, Raffa has the potential to be a major asset to Ba’s forward line and to help the team achieve their goals in the upcoming season.

The addition of the forward to Ba also represents a very interesting feature to Fijian football, as Raffa hails from the current FIFA World Cup champions nation – something of course very attractive to note in the Fijian Premier League this season.

Rewa adds celebrated Nigerian striker Sanni Issa

Exciting news for Rewa FC and Fiji football fans – Sanni Issa, who won bronze medal at FIFA Club World Cup in 2014 for Auckland City, scoring the winning penalty in the shootout against Mexican Cruz Azul, has now signed with Rewa FC for their 2023 upcoming season.

Issa also brings vast experience in national and international competitions to the Fijian outfit, having competed in Australia and New Zealand football leagues – Issa, a 31-year-old striker, played a number of OFC Champions League editions and most recently he was playing in New Zealand Southern League side Christchurch United. The Nigerian scored 11 goals in ten games in the past season in New Zealand. His addition to Rewa FC for the upcoming season is certain to bring plenty of excitement and anticipation to Fijian football fans across the country.

In the 2012/13 OFC Champions League, Issa scored nine goals in eight matches when playing for another Fijian team, Ba. In that edition, the striker helped Ba to reach the semifinal stage – they ended up being knocked-out by Auckland City.

The Nigerian has a succesful story in Oceania football; playing OFC Champions League editions for both Ba and also former Vanuatu’s powerhouse Amicale. In New Zealand Issa played for a number of clubs, including Manukau United, Waitakere United and Coastal Spirit.

Issa is so far the highest profile player signed for Rewa this season; the biggest challenge for the current Fiji national champions is the OFC Champions League as they will meet Suva in the national round play-offs to decide which team from Fiji will participate in the regional tournament.

Koloale celebrates Solrais Women’s Premier League in Solomon Islands

Koloale FC’s women’s team won the Solrais Women’s Premier League of Solomon Islands after beating Ha’arosia FC 3-0 on the final matchday of the league. The win confirmed their status as champions, and they will represent Solomon Islands in the inaugural edition of the OFC Women’s Champions League.

The match against Ha’arosia FC was a dominant performance by Koloale, with goals from Ileen Pegi, Wendy Basil, and Messalyn Saepio securing the victory. The win was the culmination of an impressive season for Koloale, in which they showed consistency and determination to come out on top.

Koloale FC is a well-known football club in Solomon Islands, with a strong record of success in both the men’s and women’s game. Their women’s team has shown great progress in recent years, and this win will undoubtedly boost their confidence going forward.

As the season finished, Jeremina David of Frigates United collected the golden boot award as she scored an impressive 39 goals throughout the season. The season night awards’ will be on 18th February and David will receive her prize alongside other players to be highlighted by the league’s commitee.

Overall, Koloale’s win of the Solrais Women’s Premier League is a significant achievement for the team and the women’s game in Solomon Islands. Their success will undoubtedly inspire more girls and women to take up football as they progress to an even bigger stage as they are set to represent Solomon Islands in the historical first edition of the OFC Women’s Champions League.

OFC Women’s Champions League has new dates set

The OFC Women’s Champions League, which was originally scheduled to take place from March 9-18, has been rescheduled to June 1-10. This is the first-ever tournament of its kind in Oceania and is set to take place in Papua New Guinea. The tournament will feature six teams from across the region, including Labasa from Fiji, AS Academy from New Caledonia, Eastern Suburbs from New Zealand, Hekari United from Papua New Guinea, Kiwi FC from Samoa, and Koloale from the Solomon Islands.

The rescheduling of the tournament has been done as the OFC and the PNG Football Association recognizes that more time is needed to prepare for the upcoming tournament so now they have deferred the OFC Women’s Champions League 2023 to June 2023; the tournament is still eagerly anticipated and is seen as a significant step forward for women’s football in the region.

Solrais Women’s Premier League in Solomon Islands – *SWPL Media*

The OFC Women’s Champions League is part of a broader effort by the Oceania Football Confederation to promote women’s football in the South Pacific. The tournament provides an opportunity for teams from across the region to compete at a high level and showcase the talent and potential of women’s football in the area.

The participating teams have worked hard to qualify for the tournament and will be looking to make their mark on the international stage. The tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of women’s football in the region, and the event will provide a platform for players to demonstrate their skills and abilities to a wider audience.

As the first-ever OFC Women’s Champions League, the tournament is a significant moment in the development of women’s football in the South Pacific. It is hoped that the event will inspire more women and girls to get involved in the sport, and that it will pave the way for further growth and development in the future.

Fiji U-20 squad for invitational tournament in Indonesia is announced

Recently, Oceania Football Center confirmed the participation of the Junior Bula Boys in an invitational tournament in Indonesia in order to prepare for the FIFA U-20 World Cup; in the friendly tournament, Fiji will be playing against Guatemala, New Zealand and the hosts Indonesia.

Fiji FA announced the final squad for the tournament; the following player will be coached by the Argentinian Rodolfo Zapata in the next three friendly games:

GOALKEEPERS
🇫🇯 Isikeli Sevanaia – Nadroga
🇫🇯 Aydin Mustahib – Auckland United (NZL)
🇫🇯 Joji Vakawaletabua – Labasa

DEFENDERS
🇫🇯 Samuela Navoce -Suva
🇫🇯 Geary Kubu – Nasinu
🇫🇯 Sailosi Tawake – Labasa
🇫🇯 Mohammed Raheem – Ba
🇫🇯 Sailasa Ratu – Tavua
🇫🇯 Epeli Bobo – Suva
🇫🇯 Peter Ravitisai – Rewa
🇫🇯 Sterling Vasconcellos – Lautoka

MIDFIELDERS
🇫🇯 Abdullah Aiyas – Bonnyrigg White Eagles (AUS)
🇫🇯 Clarence Hussain – Labasa
🇫🇯 Nabil Begg – Ba
🇫🇯 Pawan Singh – Labasa
🇫🇯 Thomas Dunn – Navua
🇫🇯 Mohammed Mustafa – Brisbane Roar (AUS)

FORWARDS
🇫🇯 Melvin Mani – Navua
🇫🇯 Junior Dekedeke – Lautoka
🇫🇯 Gulam Razool – Ba
🇫🇯 Faazil Ali – Ba
🇫🇯 Peniasi Rotidara – Suva