Oceania Football Center

New Zealand starts U-20 World Cup preparation with a loss to Guatemala

The New Zealand U-20 side suffered a disappointing defeat against the Guatemala U-20 side in an invitational tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia. The match was an important preparation for the U-20 World Cup, which is also being held in Indonesia later this year. The loss against Guatemala followed a defeat suffered by another Oceania Football Confederation member, Fiji, who lost to the host team.

New Zealand started the match on a positive note, with Melville United’s Olliver Colloty scoring an early goal. However, the team’s fortunes took a turn for the worse in the second half, as they conceded three goals to Guatemala. The Guatemalan goals were scored by Daniel Cardoza, Jefrey Bantes, and Luca Avendendo at the 54th, 60th, and 81st minutes, respectively. You can watch the highlights by clicking here.

The defeat was a tough blow for New Zealand, as they had hoped to start the tournament on a winning note. However, they still have two more games to play in Jakarta, against Indonesia and Fiji. It is hoped that the team will be able to bounce back and put up a better performance in their upcoming matches.

One factor that may have contributed to New Zealand’s defeat was the fact that nine players were still to join the squad and had not yet arrived in Jakarta due to travel delays. This meant that the team only had three substitutes on the match. However, despite this setback, the team coach, Darren Bazeley, remained optimistic and praised the players for their effort.

The defeat against Guatemala highlights the challenges faced by the New Zealand U-20 side as they prepare for the upcoming U-20 World Cup. It is clear that the team will need to work hard and iron out any weaknesses if they hope to compete against the best teams in the world. Nonetheless, with the talent and dedication of the players, there is still hope that New Zealand will be able to put up a strong performance in the tournament.

Fiji U-20 side suffers heavy loss to Indonesia as three players are sent-off

In their first match of the invitational tournament in Jakarta, the Fiji U-20 side suffered a heavy defeat against Indonesia U-20. Despite managing to keep the scoreline at 1-0 in the first half, thanks to a goal scored by Arkham at the 35th minute, Fiji was totally dominated by the local team. In the second half, Indonesia added three more goals to seal a 4-0 victory – Kakang at the 50th, Resa at the 60th and Hokky at the 86th minute of play.

Fiji, coached by Argentinian Rodolfo Zapata, struggled to create any clear-cut chances and Nabil Begg of Ba was the only player who managed to pose some threat to the Indonesian side with a few shots on goal. However, none of his attempts really troubled the local team.

To make matters worse, Fiji had three players sent off during the match. Melvin Mani received two yellow cards for two reckless challenges, Thomas Dunn was also sent off, and Pawan Singh was shown a red card at the 88th minute after an aggression against an Indonesian player. Singh hit the opposing player with a punch to the neck, which led to a lot of confusion in the game. An Indonesian player was also sent off after the altercation.

Indonesia and Fiji in action – *PSSI Media*

The loss against Indonesia highlights the challenges facing Fiji as they prepare for the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia – watch the highlights of the match by clicking here. Fiji will now have to regroup quickly as they have two more matches to play in Indonesia against the U-20 sides of Guatemala and New Zealand, both of whom have qualified for the U-20 World Cup, which will also be held in Indonesia. The Fijian side will need to improve their performance and discipline if they hope to compete against these strong opponents.

Tahiti: AS Pirae beats AS Dragon in the first leg of the OFC Champions League national play-off

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AS Dragon and AS Pirae took the field yesterday – 18th February – at the Stade Pater for the first game of the OFC Champions League national qualifier in Tahiti. Dragon was undefeated this season and had finished the first half of the Tahitian Ligue 1 with a 100% record. In their last meeting beforehand the Dragons beat AS Pirae by 2-1 which had been held in the sixth round of the domestic league – currently AS Dragon have an eight-point lead over Pirae who sits third in the table.

The Pirae side had two major losses for this match – the brothers Alvin and Jonathan Tehau – and suffered the consequences early in the match when Dragon had their first chance of the match in a counter attack with Roonui Tiniarauarii in the 13th minute, coming out in front of the goalkeeper but shooting over the bar.

The game in the first half continued to be very disputed with both teams fighting for the ball, but failing to create chances to score. The last good chance was with Dragon attacking the right side of the Pirae defense, François Mu crossed and Roonui Tiniarauarii wasted another chance to score – not a good day for the Ligue 1 top-scorer.

In the second half, Pirae had more possession than Dragon and in the 48th minute they took the lead. Ariiura Labaste played to Jacques Tetauira, who made a beautiful throw to Yohann Tihoni, who slipped the ball into the box for Labaste himself to open the scoring.

As Pirae players celebrate their goal – *AS Pirae Media*

Dragon’s big chance to tie the game came in the 60th minute when Tevaihau Tehuritaua’s free-kick hit the crossbar. In the 78th minute Pirae had the chance to increase the score of the match with Tevaitini Teumere who shot from outside the box to a great save by Anapa Debruyne. But just after, the corner-kick conceded made Dragon to pay: Matatia Paama headed into the back of the net to extend the lead for AS Pirae. Watch the highlights of the match by clicking here.

The AS Dragon were dealt a further blow when Heimano Bourebare tackled hard the captain Raimana Li Fung Kuee a he had to be replaced. After suffering their first loss of the season AS Dragon will have a tough mission to reverse the score next week if they want to keep dreaming with the OFC Champions League.

Chris Wood scores against Manchester City; his first as Forest player

Chris Wood scored his first goal for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League – a key moment for the New Zealand international that received some critics from his past performances from the local fans. The game against the reigning English champions Manchester City was a tough one, but Wood was determined to make an impact.

Wood was subbed in at the 79th minute, with Forest trailing 1-0 to City. The tall-striker had been brought in to give his team a more attacking presence up front, and he did not disappoint. Just five minutes after coming on, Wood found himself on the end of a cross from Gibbs-White, with City’s defense caught off-guard, Wood was able to tap the ball into the net to equalize the match at 1-1. It was a crucial goal for Forest, who were desperate for points in their battle to stay clear of the relegation zone.

The New Zealand striker’s goal was met with wild celebrations from the Forest fans, who were delighted to see their team hold on for a point against one of the best teams in the league. The result moved Forest up to 13th in the table, a solid position as they looked to build on their recent form.

For Wood, it was a special moment in his career. Having worked hard to establish himself as a key player in English football, he was pleased to have scored his first goal in the Premier League for he striker was also keen to credit his teammates for their hard work in the match, particularly Gibbs-White, whose cross had set up the goal.

Raphael Lea’i still unavailable for FK Velež Mostar’s competitive debut in 2023

Raphael Lea’i, the star player from the Solomon Islands, has yet to make his debut for his new team, Velež Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to a team staff member, Adnan Dizdarević, Lea’i is still not fully registered to play in the Bosnia Cup match against HSK Posušje, which is scheduled to be played today (18th Feb) – “There were some difficulties with the registration and I hope that next week it will be completed, and that Raphael will have the right to perform in the first round“, said Dizdarević.

Lea’i made history as the first player from the Solomon Islands to sign a professional contract with a European football club. He joined Velež Mostar in January 2023, after impressing during a trial with the team. The 19-year-old striker is considered a rising star in his home country and has already made a name for himself in the international football scene. “Raphael is very popular in Mostar, everyone is waiting to see him on the field in an official match“, added Velež’s coach.

However, despite his impressive track record, Lea’i has encountered some administrative issues that have delayed his debut for Velež Mostar. It is unclear what specific registration requirements he has yet to fulfill, but it is likely that the process will be complete within the next few days and he will be available for the first national league match in Bosnia and Herzegovina against Tuzla City (26th Feb).

Lea’i’s fans in the Solomon Islands are eagerly anticipating his debut for Velež Mostar and are hoping that he will continue to make waves in the international football scene. With his talent and drive, it seems only a matter of time before he makes his mark in European football.

New Caledonia: Tiga Sport proceeds to OFC Champions League group stage for the first time

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Tiga Sport secured an impressive 2-0 win over former OFC Champions League winners Hienghène Sport at Stade Numa Daly in Nouméa. This victory was all the more remarkable as it allowed Tiga Sport to progress to the OFC Champions League group stage tournament for the first time in their history.

The game started off with both teams looking to take control of the match and assert their dominance. However, it was Tiga Sport who took the lead in the 15th minute through Morgan Mathelon. The goal was a result of some excellent build-up play from Tiga’s midfield, and Mathelon showed great composure to finish clinically from the edge of the box.

Hienghène Sport tried to respond and get back into the game, but Tiga’s defence stood strong and kept them at bay. Tiga’s captain, Shene Welepane, then doubled their lead in the 25th minute after a communication mistake from Hienghène’s defence. Welepane seized on the opportunity, dribbled past the keeper, and slotted the ball home to put Tiga in a commanding position.

Tiga players celebrate their first goal – *Eleven Sports*

Despite some late pressure from Hienghène Sport, Tiga held on to secure a memorable 2-0 victory. The victory was well deserved for Tiga Sport, who had also won the first leg of the tie 3-1. The aggregate score of 5-1 meant that Tiga progressed to the group stage of the OFC Champions League, where they will represent New Caledonia. You can watch the highlights of the match by clicking here.

For Tiga Sport, this was a significant achievement and a momentous occasion in their history. It was a historic moment for Tiga Sport, who won the 2022 national league of New Caledonia to earn their place in the play-offs. The victory over Hienghène Sport, a team with a rich history in the OFC Champions League, is a testament to the quality of football being played by the team coached by Léonardo Lopez.

Tiga Sport will now look forward to testing themselves against some of the best teams in the Oceania region, and they will hope to make a strong impression in their debut campaign in the OFC Champions League.

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.