Nicky Salapu is one of the most known football players from an OFC member – not for such a good reason as he was American Samoa’s goalkeeper in the unremarkable match against Australia that ended 31-0 for the Socceroos. Later, the American Samoan turned into a hero for his country as he captained the national team in their first ever competitive victory against Tonga by 2-1 back in 2015 at the 2018 OFC World Cup Qualifiers.
Even so Nicky Salapu is a legend in his country, he is the record player for the national team (22 caps) – his last time with The Boys from the Territory was at the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa when he captained the team the last time the American Samoa senior team was on the field. He is currently on the coaching staff of the American Samoa U-17 national team.
And this past Saturday – 14th Jan – he had the pleasure of watching his son Dylan Salapu make his debut for the American Samoa U-17 team in an 11-0 loss to New Zealand. The 14-year-old Salapu took the field in the No. 7 jersey and played 45 minutes, being substituted at halftime.
Dylan Salapu
He is likely to take the field again in the next round against New Caledonia. The young Salapu can be a star as he father was for their country in the future and he is expected to play for American Samoa in more OFC tournament in the future.
New Zealand and Tahiti came in as heavy favourites for the matches against American Samoa and the Cook Islands respectively. And on the field both responded positively by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the OFC U-17 Championship.
NEW ZEALAND VS AMERICAN SAMOA
New Zealand had no mercy on American Samoa and did what is expected of them, totally dominating the opponents from beginning to end of the match.
The first goal came in the 4th minute with Jesper Edwards’ header, and in the 11th minute the winger with Brazilian roots Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues scored with a long-range shot.
Playing at a slightly lower pace than New Zealand is expected to, the Kiwis only managed to score again in the 38th minute through Luke Flowerdew – then it didn’t stop there – Matt D’Hotman and Luke Flowerdew scored in the 42nd and 45th minutes respectively for New Zealand to go to the changing rooms with a more comfortable lead.
New Zealand vs American Samoa – OFC Media
In the second half New Zealand again took a while to raise the tempo and only scored the sixth goal in the 68th minute again with Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues who finished after a beautiful cross from Eric Suguhara. Then in the 70th minute Luke Flowerdew scored again – and in the 76th minute it was Matt D’Hotman’s turn to score his hat-trick. With 15 minutes left the Kiwis had 8-0 on the scoreboard.
There was still time for Luke Supyk to score from the penalty spot, Luke Flowerdew to complete his poker run, and Matt D’Hotman to score his hat-trick after a individual effort play.
New Zealand now awaits the third matchday in the tournament to confirm which side they will face in the quarterfinals, while American Samoa faces New Caledonia in the final round of the group stage.
TAHITI VS COOK ISLANDS
Tahiti continues its journey to reach a third OFC U-17 championship final and stand alone as the Oceania team (other than New Zealand/Australia) that has played the most FIFA Youth Tournaments. Once again, Coach Raiarii Golhen’s team performed well, dominating Cook Islands from the start to the end of the match.
The first goal came in the 22nd minute with Tiahiti Colombani hitting a beautiful shot from outside the box with no chance for Cook Islands’ goalkeeper Robert Savage.
Tiahiti Colombani himself extended the lead before the break again with a shot from outside the box – the Tahitian No. 10 is only 14 years-old and the second youngest of the entire squad. Keep an eye on this Central Sport prodigy.
Tahiti vs Cook Islands – OFC Media
In the 53rd minute Tiahiti Colombani appeared again, he dispossessed the opposing defender and gave the assist for Titouan Guillemant to score his second goal in the OFC U-17 championship.
With 3-0 on the scoreboard, Tahiti made several changes in the team, yet they kept looking for the goal, in the 66th minute Tuarii Rota took the rebound from a free kick and scored the fourth goal for the Tama Ura.
Eden Cadousteau scored from a penalty kick in the 74th minute, and Teriitaumatatini Martin scored a beautiful left-footed goal in the 78th minute to complete Tahiti’s rout of Cook Islands.
Now Tahiti will face the second from group A (New Caledonia or American Samoa) in the quarterfinals and Cook Islands plays Vanuatu needing to win or hope for a combination of results to advance to the next round.
The All Whites defender Nikko Boxall, 30-year-old, is the new acquisition for Auckland City FC as per announcement made today. The player is already training with the squad at Nixon Park aiming the preparations for the Club World Cup 2022 in Morocco. He is Michael Boxall’s brother who also played for All Whites and for the Navy Blues. Nikko returns to Kiwitea Street as he started his youth career with Auckland City and Central United.
“I played for Auckland City FC in the National Youth League and I also played for Central United FC and always enjoyed my time here at Kiwitea Street. I played a handful of first team games for Central United FC before I left for the US. Kiwitea Street is my home in a football sense here in New Zealand and I’m happy to be here,” mentioned the player to the press on this very morning.
Nikko Boxall joined the training today at Nixon Park. Photo: Auckland City FC Media
The experienced defender commented that he is very happy to return home after having lived in the United States and played there for a long time. The player also had stints in Europe, playing for clubs such as SVN Zweibrucken (Germany), Vaasan Palloseura (Finland), Kuopion Palloseura (Finland), Viborg FF (Denmark), Seinajoen Jalkapallokerho (Finland).
“I am very much excited to start this journey with Auckland City FC. It has been one of my dreams to go to a FIFA Club World Cup, and I feel like this is a great opportunity at the right time.“, said Nikko.
Nikko playing for his last club in USA, San Diego Loyal. Photo: Transfermarkt.us
Albert Riera, Navy Blues commander, is delighted with this new transfer who will help the team in the next big challenge against Al Ahly.“Nikko is a player who we have been aware of for some time and whom we know very well. He fits our profile and has the attributes to not only thrive for us but bring experience that benefits the whole club.“, said Riera.
Boxall has made six appearances for the All Whites and two games for the U-20 national team.
The second matchday of the U17 OFC Championship had only one match in the Fijian capital city, Suva. The hosts started their campaign against Samoa – the Samoans, coached by local football legend Desmond Richmond Fa’aiuaso, the all-time scorer for his country, aimed to grab a surprise result against the hosts. Samoa counted on some key additions from overseas such as the striker Pharell Trainor, from Newcastle Jets from Australia.
The match started even with both sides fighting for the control of the ball. But Fiji’s quality turned into a goal at the 28th minute of play thanks to William Khan – he found himself free in the second post to head it to the nets after a very good delivery from Nadi’s Vinayak Rao.
Ibraheem Afazal (center) one of the key players of Fiji – OFC Media
After the break, Fiji returned strong to the second half and found themselves another goal thanks to Prashant Kumar at the 49th minute after a very good play of Australia-based Ibraheem Afazal.
Ten minutes later, Kumar was fouled at the edge of the box; the referee pointed to the mark and awarded the home side a penalty kick. Vinayak Rao stepped up and calmly put the ball at the back of the net to seal the match in favour of Fiji.
The hosts now earn a six-day period before their next match against Tonga. The Samoans will have to decide their destiny against the Tongans next Sunday (15th Jan).
The Argentinian coach and former player, 56-year-old, has a vast experience in football coaching many different clubs around the world and has signed a contract of one year with the Fiji Football Association. Zapata worked as a Head Coach of USA Olympic Development Program (2001-2009) and also taught seminars for coaches and players development in Canada. He holds a UEFA Pro License and his last club was AS Los Angeles in the USA.
New Zealand and New Caledonia took the field in Ba to kick off the OFC U-17 championship yesterday – January 11th.
Against the odds, the game started with New Caledonia putting the Kiwis under pressure, with coach Leonardo Lopez employing a bold strategy to try to surprise New Zealand – but at first it did not work, with Marley Leuluai – New Zealand captain and Manchester City player – finding Adam Watson on the right wing who hit the ball into the net, goalkeeper Claude Tiaouniane missed it and in the rebound striker Luke Supyk shot to score. New Zealand ahead in the 9th minute.
But even with New Zealand taking the lead, New Caledonia was not intimidated and kept their strategy in action and reacted quickly – in the 16th minute right-back Ronald Nganyane dribbled past the defender and hit the goal, goalkeeper Matt Foord missed and the ball went in for the Cagous to equalize the game.
New Caledonia kept forcing New Zealand into mistakes and pressing up top, with Hienghène striker Nolhann Alebate always getting good runs down the left wing and forcing New Zealand players to constantly have to stop plays with fouls.
Before going to the break New Zealand still suffered a major blow when they had to replace Stoke City striker Adam Watson due to injury.
New Zealand vs New Caledonia – OFC Media
In the second half New Zealand got its balance, with the Kiwis and New Caledonia having a fierce scramble for the ball, but failing to get any scoring chances.
Then in the 65th minute, Yazid Wajoka disarmed the New Zealand defender in midfield, passed to Nolhann Alebate who dribbled around left-back Anton Isaako until he was brought down in the box – a penalty for New Caledonia converted by captain Joseph Hnalissilin. TheCagous had the lead with just over 20 minutes remaining.
New Caledonia’s joy didn’t last long, as on the next play Luke Supyk came face to face with goalkeeper Claude Tiaouniane who saved the first shot, on the rebound captain Joseph Hnalissilin lifted his foot too high hitting Supyk and committing a penalty – Luke Supyk himself hit and converted to tie the game.
Soon after the goal New Zealand took the control of the match, in a controversial move when the player of New Caledonia was down in his own box, the referee did not stop the match for medical care, New Zealand accelerated the game and in 76th after the cross of Matt D’Hotman, Luke Supyk headed his third goal of the match. There was not much complaint from the New Caledonian players.
In the last play of the game New Caledonia still owes the chance to equalize with Gregory Diko who hit a left-footed shot to the defense of New Zealand goalkeeper Matt Foord.
New Zealand now faces American Samoa on January 15th, while New Caledonia has a round off.
TAHITI VS VANUATU
In the second game Tahiti faced Vanuatu, of the Brazilian coach Emerson Alcantara, who from now on will also be in charge of the senior national team of Vanuatu.
The start of the match was all about pressure from Tahiti – recovering the ball quickly and having a good chance to score – the first good chance of the Polynesians came in the 3rd minute with the left side Tahiarii Teriitemataua finishing in the small to the outside of the goal after a corner kick.
In the 8th minute Vanuatu got its first chance, with Yan Chilia’s being found in front of goal, but goalkeeper Argan Clodic-Boucher came out well, anticipating and stopping the shot of the No. 11.
Even after this opportunity Tahiti continued to have total control of the match. Another good chance was with Vaitea Seguy free-kick forcing the goalkeeper Joseph Nakou to save the ball for a corner.
The Tahiti team opened the scoring after a goalmouth scramble in the penalty area with the ball falling to right winger Titouan Guillemant, who hit it into the back of the net, opening the scoring in the 23rd minute.
Tahiti did not slow down even with the advantage on the scoreboard, in the 35th minute Keanan Faure crossed and Albert Thimothy scored an own goal.
Tahiti vs Vanuatu – OFC Media
In the early of the second half Vanuatu had chances to reduce the score through Jimmy Moso who shot to a spectacular save by Argan Clodic-Boucher. Soon after, Tahiti’s Dylan Hutia was set up by Keanan Faure and shot over the goalkeeper, but the Vanuatu defender saved on the line.
The game continued at the same pace until the 82nd minute when, following a corner kick, Delickson Judah scored to bring the Vanuatu only one goal down – but it was too late for any reaction. Tahiti controlled the ball until the end of the game and confirmed their debut win.
Tahiti now face the Cook Islands in the next round while Vanuatu have the day off and will probably decide their place in the quarterfinals in the last group phase matchday.
The Ni-Vanuatu star defender Brian Kaltak did not even need an entire season to prove his capabilities to his club in Australia, the Central Coast Mariners.
The 29 year-old center-back penned a new contract that confirms his stay at the Central Coast until the end of the 2024/25 A-League season.
Brian Kaltak – CCM Media
“Brian deserves all the plaudits he has been given so far and has proved so many people wrong. That’s what I love the most about him, and that’s why he already has hero status at the club amongst the fans“, said Central Coast Mariners head coach Nick Montgomery.
“It has taken me a while to get my professional contract, now that I am here looking back, what a journey it has been. I am grateful and just happy to be here,” Kaltak said after putting pen to paper. This is the first experience of Kaltak as pro-footballer – and he has been playing very well for his team.
A night to remember! An amazing achievement today for the Kiwi rising star Ben Waine.As recently announced regarding his transfer to England football, the striker has scored his first goal for the Pilgrims in the quarter-final game against Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium valid for the English Football League Trophy. He played his first game at starting eleven today however made his debut against Bolton Wanderers last Saturday joining on the 66th-minute and almost scoring a header cleared off the line.
Differently from the scoreless draw, today All Whites forward has opened his goalscoring account making fans and boss Steven Schumacher delighted with the performance. “It was a brilliant header, right in the top corner. Waine showed strength to get rid of the centre back that was marking him, and guide it onto the corner. Amazing goal! “, praised the boss.
Argyle’s players celebrate after Ben Waine (centre) opened the scoring in the Papa Johns Trophy quarter-final against Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 – Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
The New Zealander also had two good other opportunities to score the net which he missed the target. The first was created by Scottish Ryan Hardie played the ball across to Waine but he stumbled as he shot and sent the ball well wide of the target. On the 67th-minute, another chance missed shooting on the turn blocked behind for a corner by Rovers defender Bobby Thomas. The fans are now nicknamed him as “Waine Train“.
“He’s going to be a good player, because we’ll spend time with him, put in the effort and keep working on his weaknesses. What a fantastic start to his career at Argyle!”, said boss Schumacher.
Waine went off on the 89th-minute with a small injury with no big concerns. Argyle fans voted for Waine as player-of-the-match in the post-match with 63% of the votes. The final of the competition will be played at Wembley, and Argyle go into the semi-final draw with Accrington Stanley, Bolton Wanderers and Cheltenham Town.
Since leaving Labasa in Fiji to join the New Zealand-outfit Waitakere United, the striker made a name from himself. The now 35-year old player was expected to continue on his prime after guiding the Indian Super League side Mohun Bagan to very good seasons.
Every football fan, every football expert and even every Fijian citizen must agree with one point: Roy Krishna is the best-ever footballer produced by Fiji.
After leaving the Wellington Phoenix in the best season of his career, the Fijian moved to India to sign a very profitable contract. His football level did not drop: bring a constant threat to opponents’ defense, the striker was always at the top of the goalscorers list.
This season, Krishna decided to take a new challenge: still in India, the Fijian Flyer joined Indian superstar Sunil Chhetri at Bengaluru FC. Unfortunately, the duo definitely did not click yet.
Roy Krishna in BFC colours – ISL Media
Bengaluru FC’s last game against NorthEast United was the first since 17th December that they ended up winning. This was the 10th match in a row Krishna did not find the nets. The striker scored just once in 12 matches played in this season of the Indian Super League.
The Fijian has scored 37 goals in 66 ISL matches so far, but changing the way the team plays might be the reason for his drought of goals – not exactly bad performances only: “I don’t think it’s so much down to Roy Krishna but the way Simon Grayson wants them to play. I think with ATK Mohun Bagan, he was given the license to just solely play there up top and be that focal point. He had players there that would give him the ball much quicker and players that understood the system that was in place for him,” ISL expert and commentator Paul Masefield commented to Indian Super League media.
“At Bengaluru FC, there is a different type of formation that Simon Grayson plays. It’s more a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3. So, he has to adapt, and get involved a little bit more,” he added.
Krishna is certainly a star not only for Fijian and Oceania football but as well for his team in India. His teammates surely count on his striking records to pursue achievements in the season. Currently, Bengarulu is sitting 8th in the table, already 20 points away the top of the table – ten points away the top four that will confirm spots for the semifinals.
Meagen Gunemba is undoubtedly one of the greatest talents the Pacific Islands have ever produced in women’s football. She is the sister of another Pacific football legend – Papua New Guinea striker Raymond Gunemba.
Since making her international debut in the 2019 Women’s Nations Cup she has 22 caps and 28 goals having won a gold medal at the Pacific Games in Samoa in 2019 and the 2022 Women’s Nations Cup. Gunemba is undoubtedly the main star of the Papua New Guinea national women’s team.
Meagan Gunemba playing in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2022 – OFC Media
Papua New Guinea faces Panama hoping to clinch a spot in the intercontinental playoff final against either Paraguay or Taiwan in February in New Zealand and become the first Pacific Island team to play in a World Cup at senior level – but they will be without their star player to do so.
The news that took everyone by surprise that Meagen Gunemba is pregnant as reported by local media and will therefore not be able to perform in what would probably be the most important game in the history of Papua New Guinea and her football career.
The Oceania Football Center wishes the best to and for Gunemba and her future child.
Oceania Football Center 