Oceania Football Center

Fiji FACT: Rewa-Nadi clash to restart from second half

After a lot of polemics, it was recently confirmed the match between Nadi and Rewa – one of the semi-finals of the 2020 Fiji FACT – will be continued this weekend at Subrail Park from the second half. Both sides have played the first 45 minutes last Saturday and Nadi was leading by 1-0 thanks to an early goal scored through a header by Vuniuci Tikomaimereke – watch the goal here.

The match was interrupted during the half-time as the officials of Fiji FA, finally, decided to postpone the matches due the bad weather and especially due the terrible conditions of the pitch at Subrail Park. After meetings, the decisive part of the Fiji FACT was decided to be played this next weekend at the same venue.

Fiji FACT’s Rewa and Nadi clash – *FBC News*

Rewa wanted to play 90 minutes in semifinals’ rematch, but their appeal was denied by the Fiji FA that decided to keep the scoreline of the first 45 minutes played last weekend. Many footballs fans expressed their doubts in the social media regarding the clash – a part in favour of Nadi, another in favour of Rewa. At the end of the day, the decision was taken to keep the result and restart from the second half this Saturday.

There are no specific FIFA regulations for this case; each tournament and national federation can create its own rules regarding the reschedule of abandoned matches. The situation was very unclear for this Fiji FACT as many football fans appealed saying in the past full rematches were played, not only a half of football. But the decision taken by the entity stands as the first semi-final will have only more 45 minutes; Labasa and Suva will decide the other finalist of the last major tournament of the year in Fiji.

Batram Suri: a legend coaching Renbel Ibis in Solomon Cup

Batram Suri is coaching Renbel Ibis in Solomon Cup – *OFC Media*

One of the most important players from Solomon Islands in the 1990’s, Batram Suri is still involved with football as he became one of the best head coaches in the country. The 49-year-old legend has already coached clubs in Vanuatu and U-20 and U-23 National Teams from his homeland.

Now, Suri is having a very interesting challenge in his career: to lead Renbel Ibis in Solomon Cup, one of the most traditional tournaments in the country. Ibis did not have a good start in the tournament, as they were defeated by Makira Ulawa by 5-0 in he opening clash. However, the 2-2 draw against Isabel Frigates brought hopes to the fans, who believe that they can still fight for a spot in the semifinals.

With two more matches to play in the group stage, Suri relies on the talent of Pateson Tongaka and Steve Mane in today’s do or die clash against Central Shields. Both teams need to win, since the loser of this match can be eliminated from the competition with a game in advance.

The clash between Renbel and Central is scheduled to kick-off at 4pm (local time) and it is going to be livstreamed by Solomon Islands Football Federation on Facebook. You can check more details about 2020 Solomon Cup by clicking here.

Malaita Eagles and Western Tomoko share the spoils in Solomon Cup

Malaita Eagles and Western Tomoko shared the spoils at Lawson Tama Stadium – *Danzo Photography*

The 2020 Solomon Cup reached its fifth day as two Group A games were contested his Wednesday. This matchday marked Temotu Warriors’ first win, while favourites Malaita Eagles and Western Tomoko shared the spoils at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.

In the first clash of the day, Allen Aubo scored a brace to lead Temotu Warriors against Choiseul Kuvojo, as Warriors defeated their opponents by 3-0. The remaining goal was scored by Moffat Mongatea. With this result, Temotu Warriors reached the third position in the Group A with three points in two matches, while Choiseul Kuvojo remain on bottom of the group with two losses in two games.

The most exciting game was surely the clash between Malaita Eagles and Western Tomoko, two of the best teams in the tournament. Despite all excitement, neither team has found the net, as the final score was a nil-nil draw. This result keeps Eagles on top of the group, one point ahead Tomoko. You can check more details about 2020 Solomon Cup by clicking here.

Delayed semifinals of Fiji FACT set to be contested this weekend at Subrail Park

After lots of complainings about Subrail Park’s pitch, the semifinals of 2020 Fiji FACT have been postponed. Now, the four remaining teams are getting ready for these clashes that are going to be contested this weekend.

It was confirmed by Fiji Football Association (FFA) that Subrail Park remains as the venue of the tournament, as this period of one week should be enough to improve the pitch conditions in the stadium. Also, FFA’s chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf revealed that the clash between Nadi and Rewa will not be restarted, so both teams will play only 45 minutes this weekend.

Nadi are the current Fiji FACT champions and the Green Machine takes an important advantage to the second half, as they were leading by 1-0 when the game was postponed. Despite being ahead by one goal, Nadi’s head coach Kamal Swamy keeps the focus on the rest of the match: “Our team is a young team with only three senior players, but we will do our best and we will try to win,” said Swamy to FBC Sports.

On the other hand, the decision taken by FFA disappointed Rewa’s board, as they were expecting to play 90 minutes this Saturday. Anyway, the Delta Tigers are good enough to bounce back and get a spot in the final: “Winning this Fiji FACT will be a boost for everyone. We’ll have something to take home at the end of the season,” stated Rewa’s player Tevita Waranaivalu.

Referees and captains before last weekend’s first half in the clash between Rewa and Nadi – *Fiji FA Media*

The second semifinal will be contested between hosts Labasa and current Vodafone Premier League champions Suva. The postponement of the match was good for both teams: Labasa can count on Ashnil Raju, who is back in the squad after his wedding, while Suva will probably count on key players like Beniaminio Mateinaqara and Christopher Wasasala – two players who would not have played if the match had contested been last week. However, it was reported by Suva’s president Ritesh Pratap that Kelvin Naidu and Simione Nabenu are expected to lose this clash due to injury.

Current Inter-District Champions, Labasa can count on the crowd support against Suva. However, the Babasiga Lions know that it is an extra pressure on them: “There is additional pressure to play at home having the expectations of the fans but, we wil do well,” stated Labasa’s president Rayaz Khan.

The winner of each match will meet at Subrail Park on Sunday to decide which side will lift the Fiji FACT’s trophy this year. You can check more information about the tournament by clicking here.

Manukau United obtain National League Club License in New Zealand

Manukau United starting eleven in a Lotto NRFL Premier Men’s match – Manukau United Media

Only eight teams are fighting for the title in the current ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership, the national football league from New Zealand, once Southern United and Tasman United merged with Canterbury United for 2020-21.

However, the number of participants in the ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership is likely to increase again for the next seasons. After applying for a National League Club License in September, Manukau United board was informed that their application has been successful, allowing them to be part of the national league.

“A special thank you to the volunteer Manukau United board for driving this important work and to New Zealand Football for working with us through the club licensing processes and understanding the opportunities that enabling progress in our region brings to our communities and for football in Aotearoa,” stated the club on social media.

Manukau United currently play the Lotto NRFL Premier, one of the most important regional leagues in the country. They are also known for promoting diversity, as the team includes players of various nationalities and backgrounds. Oceania Football Center congratulate Manukau United for this major accomplishment.

AS Magenta’s midfielder Fonzy Ranchain undergoes knee surgery

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AS Magenta’s midfielder Fonzy Ranchain undergoes knee surgery after getting injured against Hienghène Sport at the Caledonia Cup’s semi-final on 17 October. The 26-year-old midfielder is expected to spend a couple of months out of football due to this injury.

Ranchain was being an important player in the team coached by Alain Moizan, and his absence is being felt inside the pitch, especially at the current moment of the season, when AS Magenta battle for the national title against Hienghène Sport, Horizon Patho and Tiga Sport.

SEE ALSO
Germain Haewegené wins Mobil Super Ligue’s Golden Boot in New Caledonia
New Caledonia: everything tied up in the first matchday of Mobil Super Ligue’s decisive phase

Ranchain playing for AS Magenta in 2020 OFC Champions League – OFC Media

He joined AS Magenta earlier this year coming from AS Lössi to play 2020 OFC Champions League. He scored one goal and delivered one assist in two matches in the continental tournament. Oceania Football Center wish him a fast recovery.

Savusavu defeat Nadogo to win 2020 Fiji FA Presidents Cup

Savusavu players celebrating the title – Fiji FA Media

The 2020 Fiji FA Presidents Cup reached its end in Fiji as the final clash of the tournament was contested this Sunday. Six teams, all from Vanua Levu, were split in two groups of three teams each and Savusavu were crowned champions after defeating Nadogo in the final clash.

After finishing the Vodafone Senior League on top of Vanua Levu Zone, Bua did not have a good performance in this tournament. The orange side lost all their two matches and finished on bottom of Group A. Savusavu advanced to the final after finishing on top of the group, followed by Seaqaqa. In the Group B, Nadogo secured a spot in the final clash, while Taveuni finished second. Despite the favouritism, Dreketi had a bad performance in the tournament to finish on bottom of the group.

The second placed side of each group clashed in a third place play-off match, and Seaqaqa defeated Taveuni by 2-0 in this match, while Savusavu defeated Nadogo in the penalties to win the Fiji FA Presidents Cup.

Savausavu’s forward Maciu Dunadamu was the top scorer of the tournament while his teammate Shavneet Chandra received the Golden Ball Award – an award given to the best player of Fiji FA Presidents Cup. Nadogo’s Ravinesh Singh was considered the best goalkeeper of the tournament, and he deservedly received the Golden Glove. You can check more information about 2020 Fiji FA Presidents Cup by clicking here.

Tomer Hemed joins Wellington Phoenix

Tomer Hemed is the newest player of Wellington Phoenix for the next A-League season. The 33-year-old striker from Israel joined as marquee player on a one-year contract after leaving English side Charlton Athletic in August.

Hemed arrives in Australia to replace Gary Hooper, who left the team to join Indian side Kerala Blasters. With experience in the English Premier League and Spanish La Liga, the Israeli adds tons of experience to the team coached by Ufuk Talay. “It is no secret the club was looking to improve its frontline with an experienced visa player, and Tomer provides what we – and no doubt the fans – think we need to improve on last season, someone who can convert our chances on goal and distribute to others,” stated Talay to Wellington Phoenix Media.

Hemed joined Wellington Phoenix as Marquee Player

It is going to be Hemed’s first adventure out of UEFA region, as he spent his whole career playing in Israel, Spain and England: “It is a new adventure, a new challenge in my career […] I am coming with a lot of hopes to do a good season,” said Hemed in his first interview as a Wellington Phoenix player. He is also a member of the Israeli National Team, having scored 17 goals in 37 appearances with the national side since 2011

Wellington Phoenix will debut in 2020-21 A-League on December 29 against Brisbane Roar at Dolphin Stadium. You can check more details about Phoenix’s schedule by clicking here.

Germain Haewegené wins Mobil Super Ligue’s Golden Boot in New Caledonia

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The current Mobil Super Ligue season is coming to an end in New Caledonia, as four teams are fighting for the title in the final play-offs. However, there is an important player, whose team is not in the play-offs, who must be highlighted: Germain Haewegené.

Haewegené helped AS Wetr to finish fifth in the regular season, just two points away from fourth placed Horizon Patho. The 24-year-old forward scored twelve goals in nine matches, which made him the top scorer of the tournament.

SEE ALSO
AS Wetr’s Germain Haewegene deserves a spot in the National Team;
New Caledonia: everything tied up in the first matchday of Mobil Super Ligue’s decisive phase

Haewegené (right) receiving the Golden Boot Award Trophy – *Mobil Super League Media*

Haewegené is now focused on the next season. It is not known if the player will remain in AS Wetr, but he will certainly be an important player in 2021, wherever he plays. Oceania Football Center team congratulates Haewegené for this accomplishment.

Solomon Cup: Malaita Eagles wins again and a late penalty gives Western Tomoko first victory

The third day of football of the prestigious Solomon Cup was full of emotions for the thousands of fans that filled the stands of Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. The current champions Malaita Eagles returned to the pitch to play this time Guadalacanal Hornerts while the most thrilling match of the day saw a late penalty confirm the first win of Western Tomoko against Temotu Arrows.

The first match was decided in the first half; Malaita opened the scoreline at the 38th minute of play thanks to Fred Anii, while just before the half time Norman Ngafu scored his fourth goal of the tournament to double the lead of the Malaitans. The Guada coud not give resistance in the second half to the current champions that managed to confirm its second win in two games played.

Norman Ngafu celebrates his goal – *SIFF Media*

The second match of the day between Temotu Arrows and Western Tomoko started very well for the Westerners with an early goal scored by Jaygray Sipakana. Arnold Neboth doubled the lead for his side at the 25th minute, but two quick goals scored by Arrows equalised the match: Walter Dapelebo at the 32th minute and Joe Luwi at the 34th with a penalty made it 2-2. Still in the first half Arrows was able to complete and unlikely comeback thanks to a goal scored by Allen Aubo.

What seemed to be the first victory of Temotu Arrows was nearly confirmed when Joe Luwi scored his second at the 55th minute, but Arrows were going to suffer a comeback: Jaygay Sipakana reduced the margin at the 65th minute and just six minutes later the substitute Gersho Kituru leveled the scoreline.

A penalty already in the final minutes of the match allowed the striker Arnold Neboth to confirm the comeback and three points for Western Tomoko – a very thrilling match that ended up in a 5-4 win of the Westerners.

You can check the standings, full results and scorers of the Solomon Cup so far by visiting the session of the competition in our website!