OFC News

The Papua New Guinea Football Association has broken new ground in endorsing the establishment of a new National Soccer League concept.

Full story courtesy PNGFA media, Soccer plan set

Labasa and National soccer goalkeeper Shamal Kumar was the hero of the Nokia Eagles Nadi side after he saved two penalty kicks in the Fiji FA Cup Club franchise final over 4R Electric Ba at Govind Park.

The final ended in a penalty shoot-out after both sides played to a 0-0 draw during normal play and ending extra-time scoreless.

Kumar made two daring saves when he contained Ba's Jone Vesikula and Shalendra Lal's powerful drives.

Ba goalkeeper Sikeli Seva managed to save Simi Tamanisau's kick but it was not enough as the Nadi-based side managed to slot in five of their six shots, to Ba's four.

Nadi won 5-4.

The Nadi side will join clubs from the Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands for the OFC Club Championships - Preliminary to be held in Fiji in February.

4R Electric Ba will play Nokia Eagles Nadi in the final of the Fiji FA Cup Club Franchise after a convincing 3-1 win over GM Blues of Lautoka at Govind Park in Ba.

Ba scoring machine Kiniviliame Naika put Ba up with a powerful pile driver 15 minutes into the first half.

Malakai Tiwa increased the score line to 2-0 nine minutes into the second half before former Ba skipper Esala Masi, who opted to feature for the Blues, pulled one back for the visitors.

But a defensive blunder by Blues skipper Peni Finau resulted in an own goal handing Ba 3-1 win.

Nadi was the first team to book its place in the final after securing two wins last weekend. They recorded a 2-1 win over the Men in Black and held the Blues to a 2-all draw.

The winner of the final will play other clubs from Tonga, Samoa and Cook Island in Fiji in February.

New Zealand are to host Malaysia next month in their first home soccer internationals in more than three and a half years.

The All Whites will play the 2007 Asian Cup co-hosts at Christchurch's QE II Park on Sunday, February 19 and at North Harbour Stadium on Thursday, February 23.

New Zealand last played at home on July 14, 2002, when the All Whites qualified for the 2002 Confederations Cup in France by upsetting Australia 1-0 to win the Oceania Nations Cup at Ericsson Stadium.

Full story courtesy NZ Soccer Media, Home sweet home for All Whites

Nokia United is the first team to qualify for the club franchise championship final after playing to a 2-all draw against General Machinery Blues in Ba.

The Nadi-based franchise now has four points and awaits the winner of the match between GM Blues of Lautoka and Ba's 4R Electrical Limited next Saturday.

The side had beaten 4R Electrical 2-1 less than 24 hours before kickoff.

The star-studded GM Blues had the services of Fiji captain Esala Masi and Oakleigh Cannons midfielder Raj Kumar took a 2-0 lead after 17 minutes through Osea Vakatalesau.

Nokia United dug deep in the second half and equalised through Taniela Waqa and Waisake Sabutu.

National and Labasa goalkeeper Shamal Kumar led United with the likes of Pita Bolaitoga, Samuela Vula, Valerio Nawatu, Emosi Baleinuku, Apisalome Turuva, Alifereti Baleiloa, Noa Seru, Harris Bali and Usaia Tadu.

The final between the two top clubs will be held next Sunday (22 January).

The football family of Oceania has been struck by the sudden and tragic loss of one of its leading match officials.

Michael Afu of the Solomon Islands passed away suddenly after an accident. We now mourn the loss of a man dedicated to football.

Michael's contributions during his years of dedicated service were many. The Solomon Islands Football Federation were able to utilise the skills he picked up during a three-year stint in New Zealand, and he was a role model to many aspiring referees.

We are all very saddened by the loss and we offer our sincere condolences to the football family of the Solomon Islands and extend our sympathies to the Afu family.

The American Samoa Football Association is very pleased to announce that in collaboration with the FIFA Development Office in Auckland, New Zealand, that a Long Term Development Planning Seminar for the period 2006-2009 will be facilitated for the association in Pago Pago during January 2006.

Full story here, FIFA Long Term Development Planning Seminar

New Zealand's presence in the English premiership has doubled with confirmation Simon Elliott has signed for Fulham.

After weeks of speculation the 31-year-old All Whites midfielder has joined the west London club on a free transfer from United States franchise Columbus Crew.

Full story here, Premiership Craven over for Elliott

GM Lautoka has recruited a formidable squad for the soccer club franchise league.

Defending champions 4R Electric Men in Black will host GM Lautoka and Nokia Eagles Nadi at Govind Park next weekend.

With Fiji captain Esala Masi and Thomas Vulivuli already signed up, GM Lautoka also has Navua sweeper Lorima Dau, Oakleigh Cannons midfielder Raj Kumar and New Zealand-based Salesh Kumar.

With several members of the Inter District champion Lautoka side, the club has also secured Ba star striker Keni Doidoi amongst its ranks.

National and Labasa goalkeeper Shamal Kumar leads the list for the Eagles with Pita Bolaitoga, Samuela Vula, Valerio Nawatu, Emosi Baleinuku, Apisalome Turuva, Alifereti Baleiloa, Noa Seru, Harris Bali and Usaia Tadu.

Suva's Petero Daunisaka will play for Ba alongside Manoa Masi, Ronald Lawrence and Marika Madigi.

The three teams will play on a round-robin basis. The Eagles take on the Men in Black in the first match next Saturday.

The final will be held at Govind Park on January 22 with the winner representing Fiji at the 2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary Competition to be held at the same ground with the representatives of Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga.

Draw

January 14 4pm Nadi-Ba,

January 15 4pm Lautoka-Nadi;

January 21 4pm Lautoka-Ba,

January 22 3pm Grand Final (Top 2).