Waitakere United have been crowned 2007 O-League champions after a 1-0 win was enough to give the West Aucklanders an away goals victory over Fijian champions Ba at Mount Smart Stadium this afternoon.

Waitakere United defenders George Suri (51st minute) and Craig Wylie (94th minute)were both red carded for their second bookable offences in a pulsating and dramatic match played in front of a crowd of 9,000.

Suri's ordering off galvanised Waitakere and they found themselves 1-0 up when a Jeff Campbell free kick to the far post eluded Ba keeper Laisenia Tuba allowing Daniel Koprivcic to head the ball into the path of Allan Pearce who headed into an empty net.

It was a cruel blow for Ba who had the better of the first half with chances to Osea Vakatalesau and Kiniviliame Turagalailai both squandered.

Waitakere United had to survive a raft of Fijian attacks and had Allan Pearce to thank in the 24th minute when the midfielder cleared a Malakai Kainihewe header off the line.

Waitakere United keeper Michael Utting was in superb form and denied Vakatalesau with an acrobatic save just before halftime.

Ba could have led 2-0 at the break but matters didn't get any better for the Fijians in the second half when Vakatalesau's header was palmed wide by the inspirational Utting after 59 minutes.

The Fijian champions struggled to regain their first half ascendancy as Waitakere United's defence thwarted attack after attack with Graham Pearce, Sam Jasper and Craig Wylie putting in a sterling effort.

Ba coach Yogendra Dutt was understandably upset at the result but was philosophical about the future of Fijian football.

"This is difficult for us to accept the pain of defeat but this is not the end of the road for us. In life you must accept painful lessons sometimes and use them to move forward. This is what we will do," Dutt said.

Waitakere United coach Steve Cain expressed relief at the final result after the pain and disappointment of losing the NZFC Final to Auckland City.

Solomon Islands striker Commins Menapi picked up the 2007 O-League Golden Boot award from FIFA/OFC Ambassador and former France and Real Madrid star Christian Karembeu for his five goal haul in six O-League appearances.

Waitakere United's victory sealed a $670,000NZD payday for the club at the FIFA Club World Cup - Japan 2007.

Fijian champions Ba have made just one change for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) 2007 O-League Final 2nd leg against Waitakere United at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday 29th April.

Inspirational skipper and midfield lynchpin Peni Finau replaces Semesa Doidoi in the Ba squad as the visitors seek the win or draw that will give them the inaugural O-League title and a shot at the FIFA Club World Cup - Japan 2007 later this year.

A crowd of up to 10,000 is expected to gather at Mount Smart Stadium with the majority of Auckland's Fijian population turning out to support Ba. Fijian radio commentator Raymond Stoddart said the O-League Final was one of the most important matches in Fijian football history and he understood that supporters from as far away as Wellington were preparing to make the long journey northwards to see Ba play.

"Ticket sales in South Auckland have been very impressive and in some cases they have sold out. Fijian people love their football and you can see this in the way they support the various tournaments and competitions both here in New Zealand and back home in Fiji," Stoddart said.

Waitakere United coach Steve Cain retains the same squad that were defeated in Fiji last weekend confident that the West Aucklanders will be able to overturn the 1st leg deficit. Cain expressed disappointment at the result in Ba last week and his team is expected to undertake an attacking approach with $500,000USD and a place at the FIFA Club World Cup - Japan 2007 at stake.

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas said the presence of FIFA Ambassador and former FIFA World Cup winner Christian Karembeu confirmed the level of interest in the region's showpeice club competition.

"Christian helped us launch the O-League last year and he has kept up a keen interest in the competition since then. It's a tremendous honour for OFC to have him back in the region to help support this event," Nicholas said.

Karembeu is expected to arrive in New Zealand on Saturday afternoon and said he was looking forward to the match.

"The O-League Final will be an interesting game. I read the result in Fiji was very close and it would be exciting to see a very open attacking game in New Zealand," Karembeu said.

Live coverage of the 2007 O-League Final will be available on SKY Sports 1 in New Zealand, Fiji TV, American Samoa, Solomon Islands and

A post match press conference will take place at Room 3 in the West Stand at 4:20PM following the trophy and medal presentations. Stadium gates open at 10:30am with an OFC Under 10 mini-tournament commencing at 11:00am.

OCEANIA FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION

2007 O-LEAGUE FINAL

2nd LEG

MOUNT SMART STADIUM

AUCKLAND

NEW ZEALAND

Sunday 29th April 2007

KICKOFF: 2:05PM

WAITAKERE UNITED (NZL) vs. BA (FIJ) - Ba lead 2-1 on aggregate

WAITAKERE UNITED: 1. Michael Utting 2. George Suri 4. Hone Fowler 5. Danny Hay (c) 6. Sam Jasper 8. Commins Menapi 9. Pedro Santos 10. Allan Pearce 11. Craig Wylie 12. Jakub Sinkora 13. Daniel Koprivcic 14. Hoani Edwards 15. Prince Quansah 16. Michael Gwyther 19. Rupesh Puna 21. Graham Pearce 22. Simon Eaddy 23. Jeff Campbell.

BA1. Laisenia Tuba 2. Avinesh Swamy 3. Shalen Lal 4. Leone Vurukania 5. Roneel Kumar 6. Jone Vesikula 7. Niumaia Tagi 8. Keni Doidoi 9. Josaia Bukalidi 10. Ronald Chandra 11. Robert Wise 12. Peni Finau (c) 13. Kiniviliame Kainihewe 14. Luke Vidovi 15. Osea Vakatalesau 16. Malakai Tiwa 17. Malakai Kainihewe.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

REFEREE: Jacques AVERII (TAHITI)

ASSISTANT REFEREE: Teariki GOODWIN (COOK ISLANDS)

ASSISTANT REFEREE: Jeremie HUATA (TAHITI)

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Lencie FRED (VANUATU)

GOALSCORERS:

5 - Commins MENAPI (Waitakere United)

4 - Daniel KOPRIVCIC (Waitakere United)

3 - Paul URLOVIC (Auckland City), Grant YOUNG (Auckland City), Joe LUWI (Marist FC)

2 - Bryan LITTLE (Auckland City), Laisenia TUBA (Ba FC), Keni DOIDOI (Ba FC), Keryn JORDAN (Auckland City).

1 - Osea VAKATALESAU (Ba FC), Danny HAY (Waitakere United), Allan PEARCE (Waitakere United), Hoani EDWARDS (Waitakere United), Patrick DIAIKE (AS Mont Dore), Roneel KUMAR (Ba FC), Jean Francois KABEU (AS Temanava), Tuimasi MANOCI (Ba FC), Roberto POIROI (AS Temanava), Maheanu ARAPARII (AS Temanava), James NAKA (Marist FC), Craig WYLIE (Waitakere United), Michael GWYTHER (Waitakere United), Roland CHANDRA (Ba FC), Josaia BUKALIDI (Ba FC), own goal.

Mt Smart Stadium will this weekend play host to one of if not the richest sporting occasions in the country this year when home side Waitakere United host Fijian champions Ba in the second leg of the O-League Final.

The winners will go on to represent Oceania at the FIFA World Club Championships in Japan later this year and pick up a cheque for a minimum $670,000.

Waitakere Executive Chairman Rex Dawkins says anyone not thinking of the money on such an occasion is probably lying.

"First and foremost this is an opportunity to bring wonderful international prestige and honour to Waitakere United and our 12 member clubs in West Auckland. For the players the thought of playing against the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United is reward enough in itself but along with qualification comes a significant payout to the club.

I'm not sure of any other sport that has a game scheduled here in New Zealand that is worth quite so much in straight prize money as our match on Sunday. It is certainly playing a huge part in our planning, that sort of money could do wonders for the game in our region and lay the platform for future success at all levels."

Dawkins says the money does not all find its way into the bank account of Waitakere United if they win on Sunday, far from it. And local supporters can rest assured they or their club will see a return on their investment too but Dawkins is not getting ahead of himself.

"An arrangement is in place with New Zealand Soccer on the split of the money should it come our way - and they do get a significant cut of the money, but that is a conversation best left until after Sunday's game.

Our 12 member clubs have supported us in so many ways throughout the past three years and we are conscious that we do in fact represent a region and not just one club. Those clubs are shareholders in Waitakere United and would see a dividend returned to them if we are to win the O-League. But, if we don't get the result on the park the discussion is irrelevant so let's get the win first."

Tai Nicholas, General Secretary of Oceania Football Confederation says the spin offs for the winner and the entire region are significant, whichever way the game goes on Sunday.

"As with any FIFA tournament of this nature, the Confederation of the club or country represented also receives a sum of money from FIFA to plough back into development programmes. Whether it is Ba or Waitakere that wins on Sunday, I'm sure both will make very good and sensible use of their windfall. Similarly Oceania has plans to reinvest any contributions we receive from FIFA on the back of the World Club Championships later this year."

Fijian champions Ba lead the two legged final heading into Sunday's match, courtesy of their 2-1 home win last weekend at Govind Park.

Waitakere United Media Session

Waitakere United will train tonight at North Harbour Stadium (artificial field on the interior ring road) with media invited to attend for player and management interviews from 6pm until 7pm.

Ba FC Media Session

Ba will tonight attend an official dinner in their honour at Extreme Entertainment in Botany, Auckland. Media interviews with players and management are available from 7.45pm this evening.

Ba arrive today for the second leg of the O-League final against Waitakere United, a match that sees the winner earn a minimum $670,000NZD and a place at the FIFA World Club Cup - Japan 2007 against the winner of the Japanese J-League.

The Ba football team will attend an official dinner tonight, hosted by the New Zealand Fiji Soccer organization, an official member of the Fiji Football Association.

Media are invited to attend the function and gain interviews with Ba players and team officials ahead of their vital second leg O-League Final clash with Waitakere United at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday.

NZ NZ FIJI SOCCER INC. will host Ba Soccer Team for dinner tonight - Thursday from 7pm at Xtreme Entertainment, Botany Auckland.

NZ FIJI SOCCER INC. is a fully fledged member of Fiji Football Association (in Fiji) and as such as hold this Official Dinner for BA team.

The Programme will be:

· 7pm Ba Team arrives

· 7.30pm Welcome of Ba Team

· 7.45pm Media interviews with Ba team players and officials

· 8.15pm Dinner starts

· 9.15pm fans can meet Ba team

· 9.30pm Ba team departs

For further information contact:

Afiff Shah

President

NZ FIJI SOCCER INC.

Mob: 027 24 777 67

Email: afiff.shah@xtra.co.nz

Tel: +64 9 2966786

Fax: +64 9 2966787

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and French Embassy in Papua New Guinea signed an historic agreement at a press conference in Port Moresby last week securing the financial future of the OFC U-12 Festival of Football for years to come.

The agreement signed by OFC President Reynald Temarii and French Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Patrick Boursin is worth 60,000 Euros and was formulated as part of the France Co-operation programme which ensures France plays an active role in health, education and sports activities in the Oceania region.

Reynald Temarii said the signing of the agreement emphasised the positive role France was playing in the development of the region.

"Only the French Government is playing such an active role in helping to develop education and sport in the region and OFC is grateful for their involvement in this project," Temarii said.

Ambassador Boursin was happy to be involved with the project with the France Co-operation.

"The French Government is very happy to be involved with this initiative. If you consider the inspirational achievements of Christian Karembeu - a man born in the South Pacific who became a world football champion - then it is an honour to be involved with the Oceania Football Confederation in the development of the Oceania region in sport, education and cultural understanding," Boursin said.

Former France and Real Madrid footballer Christian Karembeu was on hand to give endorsement to the signing and said the concept of the OFC U-12 Festival of Football and the involvement of the French Government could only mean good things for the region on and off the football pitch.

"The importance of this tournament cannot be understated. When I was the age of these young footballers a tournament such as the OFC U-12 Festival of Football was only something I could dream about. Now we have the chance to see if there is the next Tim Cahill or Marama Vahirua playing amongst these children.

Any support to help make sure this tournament becomes a permanent feature in the OFC calendar can only be a good thing," Karembeu said.

PNGFA President David Chung was on hand to extend his gratitude to OFC, the French Embassy and Christian Karembeu. Chung was recently nominated by EMTV, Post-Courier and YUMI FM in the PNG Sports Administrator of the Year category at the SP Sports Awards 2007 for his sterling work for football in a country where Rugby League is considered the number one sport.

"This is an historic moment for the PNGFA and football supporters in PNG as a whole. I am delighted to say thank you to OFC and French Embassy officials Reynald Temarii, Patrick Boursin and Christian Karembeu for making this all possible," Chung said.

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) U-12 Festival of Football came to a thrilling conclusion in Port Moresby last week with Vanuatu taking the honours and a place at the Danone Nations Cup 2007 in France.

Vanuatu secured the title and qualification for the Danone Nations Cup with one match to spare after beating PNG's Southern Region 1-0 in their sixth round clash at the Port Moresby Rugby League Stadium.

The Vanuatu team - comprising students from the St. Joseph School that won the Vanuakids U-12 Schools competition last year - was led ably by school teacher Haoul Raoul and Philemon John.

Closest rivals New Zealand finished the tournament on a high defeating PNG Kokopo Schools (2-0) and Solomon Islands (1-0) but the two victories were not enough to overhaul Vanuatu. The Kiwis conceded only one goal in the whole tournament - against Vanuatu - and it proved costly enough to deny them top spot.

The most frustrating story of the tournament will be that of New Caledonia who finished the competition in third place unbeaten in seven match run that comprised two wins and five draws. New Caledonia won plaudits on and off the pitch not only for their exciting brand of football but their willingness to embrace the culture and spirit of the OFC U-12 Festival of Football.

Solomon Islands finished fourth tied on points and goal difference with New Caledonia finishing higher based on their penalty shoot-out victory on Match Day Two. Solomon Islands will be remembered for their colourful cultural performances at Saint Theresa School on the Cultural Day and their wonderful repeat performance at the Opening Ceremony.

Papua New Guinea's four teams finished in the bottom four with Kokopo Schools fifth thanks to scoring more goals than Southern Region (sixth) and possessing a better goal difference than Goroka. PNG Bugandi finished in eighth place winless and without scoring a goal but proving one of the most popular teams off the pitch with their friendly demeanour and commitment to fairplay and the cultural element of the tournament.

Fijian heavyweights Ba has taken a 2-1 advantage over Waitakere United following an entertaining first leg of the 2007 O-League Final at a packed Govind Park.

Over 10,000 spectators cramed into the ground to watch their local heroes and the men in black did not disappoint with goals to Ronald Chandra and Josaia Bukalidi.

Commins Menapi redeemed himself from his sending off in the NZFC final on Monday night with a superbly taken goal midway through the second half, but it was not enough for the West-Auckland outfit.

Menapi could have had a double after smashing a snap-shot flush against Laisenia Tuba's crossbar shortly after Bukalidi gave Ba the lead for the second time in the match.

After a bright opening it was the home side who opened the scoring sending their faithful supporters into a frenzy. Chandra started the movement slipping Bukalidi into space behind Craig Wylie and his inch-perfect cross was met by Chandra who had ghosted in behind Danny Hay for the return pass.

It was one-way traffic for most of the first-half with returning skipper Roneel Kumar controlling play in midfield, Bukalidi dropping deep from striker and Malakai Tiwa pushing on.

A heavt downpour at halftime made things difficult for both sides after the resumption and it was Waitakere who settled first after a patient build-up and nifty footwork from Hoani Edwards allowed Menapi to bury his chance and silence the home fans.

But soon after substitue Osea Vakatalesau slipped Bukalidi through and he made no mistake slotting past Michael Utting.

Late in the game the ball was bundled into the Ba net only for it to be disallowed denying Waitakere a useful second away goal.

The return leg is scheduled for Sunday 29 April at Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland.

2007 O-League (OFC Champions League)

Match Day 7 - O-League Final 1st Leg

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

21 April 2007

Result - Match 7

Ba 2 (Chandra 8'; Bukalidi 74')

Waitakere United 1 (Menapi 54')

Ba - 1. Laisenia Tuba; 3. Shalen Lal; 5. Roneel Kumar (c); 6. Jone Vesikula; 8. Keni Doidoi (13. Kiniviliame Kainehewe 63'); 9. Josaia Bukalidi; 10. Ronald Chandra (15. Osea Vakatalesau 55' (4. Leone Vurukania 92+')); 11. Robert Wise; 14. Luke Vidovi; 16. Malakai Tiwa; 17. Malakai Kainihewe

Subs not used - 2. Avinesh Swamy; 7. Niumaia Tagi; 12. Semesa Doidoi

Cautions - 5. Roneel Kumar (41')

Red Cards - None

Waitakere United - 1. Michael Utting; 2. George Suri; 5. Danny Hay (c); 8. Commins Menapi; 10. Allan Pearce; 11. Craig Wylie (4. Hone Fowler 72'); 12. Jakub Sinkora; 13. Daniel Koprivcic (16. Michael Gwyther 81'); 14. Hoani Edwards (9. Pedro Santos 73'); 19. Rupesh Puna;; 23. Jeff Campbell

Subs not used - 6. Sam Jasper; 15. Prince Quansah; 21. Graham Pearce; 22. Simon Eaddy

Cautions - None

Red Cards - None

Referee Job Ponis Minan (Papua New Guinea)

Assistant Referee Mahit Chilia (Vanuatu)

Assistant Referee Michael Joseph (Vanuatu)

Fourth Official Lencie Fred (Vanuatu)

MEDIA ADVISORY

Friday 20 April 2007

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) would like to confirm the kick-off time and broadcast details of the first leg of the home-and-away 2007 O-League Final between Ba from Fiji and New Zealand's Waitakere United.

The first leg will be played tomorrow (Saturday 21 April 2007) kick-off 3pm (Fiji time*) at Govind Park in Ba.

*Please note there is no time difference between Fiji and New Zealand.

The match will be screened live on television in Fiji and New Zealand on Fiji TV and Sky Sports 1 respectively.

The match will also be broadcast live on radio in Fiji on Radio Fiji and Radio Sargam, and in New Zealand on Radio Sport, Radio Tarana and APNA 990 AM.

The return leg scheduled for Auckland's Mt. Smart Stadium on Sunday 29 April 2007 (kick off 2pm).

The winner of the 2007 O-League will advance to a December playoff with the J-League (Japanese) champion in Japan, with the winner of that match qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup.

The O-League football final between Waitakere United (New Zealand) and Ba (Fiji) will be covered extensively by live media, with both matches broadcast on radio and television.

The first leg in Ba this Saturday will be broadcast throughout Oceania and Asia on television and radio. In New Zealand Sky Television will feature live coverage while Radio Sport throughout New Zealand will feature a live radio broadcast.

Tai Nicholas, General Secretary of Oceania Football Confederation said the interest in the two matches has been significant.

"The O-League while still in its infancy has generated a great deal of interest throughout not only Oceania but Asia also. Pictures and radio will be broadcast throughout the region and we expect the print coverage following the match to be just as extensive. There is a great deal of excitement in Fiji for this weekend's first leg and we hope that is reciprocated for the second leg in New Zealand on the 29th."

The first leg in Ba is expected to attract a capacity crowd in the vicinity of 15,000 fans, with space in the ground at a premium.

Tickets will go on sale on April 21st for the second leg in New Zealand, with the match to be played at Mt Smart Stadium on April 29th.

Waitakere United Executive Chairman Rex Dawkins explains the friendly pricing for the match.

"Our goal is to create a superb atmosphere in what amounts to the most important club game of football played here in New Zealand. It is certainly the most valuable game of sport played in the country this year with the lure of qualification for the FIFA World Club Championship on the line. We want the football community of greater Auckland to come along, whether they are supporting us as the home side or the many thousands of Fijian fans that may come out to support Ba, the more the merrier."

2007 O-League Final

Media and Ticketing Details

1st Leg

Saturday 21st April

Ba (Fiji) v Waitakere United

Govind Park, Ba Sports Ground

3pm KO

Fiji coverage

Live coverage on Fiji TV

Live coverage on Fiji Radio

New Zealand coverage

Live coverage on Radio Sport

Live coverage on Radio Tarana

Live coverage on Apna 990AM

Live coverage on Sky Sport

Gate sales on the day will be available at the following prices:

Adults ($6)

Children U-12 ($2)

2nd Leg

Sunday 29th April

Waitakere United v Ba

Mt Smart Stadium

2pm KO

New Zealand coverage

Live coverage on Radio Sport

Live coverage on Radio Tarana

Live coverage on Apna 990AM

Live coverage on Sky Sport

Fiji coverage

Live coverage on Fiji TV

Live coverage on Fiji Radio

Pre-sales are just five dollars per ticket and can be purchased at the following venues from April 21st:

Stirling Sports Stores

Champs Sports Stores

Lotto Retail Store at Dressmart Onehunga

Soccer Scene at Point Chevalier

Gate sales on the day will be available at the following prices:

Adults ($10)

U-15 and Seniors ($5)

Children U-5 (Free)

OFC President and FIFA Vice-President Reynald Temarii was delighted with the advent of a third academy in Papua New Guinea.

"Football is an important element that can bring peace among tribes and clans. It is also an instrument to educate children to be good citizens. Not only will they play but at the same time get some education and learn the basic techniques of life and skills of soccer," Temarii told a crowd of just over 1000 at the Highlands Regional Soccer Academy site.

Present at the ceremony were FIFA Development Officer Glenn Turner, Enga Governor Peter Ipatas, Minister of Provincial Affairs Sam Abal, PNGFA President David Chung and local football officials Ananias Popo and Edward Tauloi.

Temarii acknowledged the ongoing good work of David Chung for his dedication toward bringing football to prominence in Papua New Guinea. Temarii said Chung's efforts had led directly to FIFA coming forward to provide assistance to Papua New Guinea in terms of developing infrastructure.

Wabag Soccer Association President Ananias Popo said the academy would greatly benefit the youth of the Highlands region especially those that suffered in the shadow of extreme poverty and could not attend school. Popo thanked Governor Ipatas and Honorable Sam Abal for their combined donation totalling in excess of $100,000NZD and a 25-seater bus for the academy.

Wabag Soccer Association (WSA) has produced six international players for the Papua New Guinea women's team and currently has 12 teams playing in a local men's competition and will look to expand on those numbers in the coming years.