DAY BELONGS TO FIJI AS MEN AND WOMEN KEEP 100% RECORDS
Sunday, 02 September 07, 11:25 PM
Fiji ruled the roost at the XIII South Pacific Games as both the men’s and women’s teams took top spot in their respective sections at J.S.Blatter Football Field in Apia, Samoa today.
The men’s team put Tahiti to the sword 4-0 in clinical fashion to set up a final day showdown for group supremacy against New Caledonia. Osea Vakatalesau hit two, Pita Baleitoga one, and Taniela Waqa a superb free kick to ensure Fiji stayed top of Group A with a 100% record.
The women’s team enjoyed a victory of epic proportions when they defeated gold medal favourites Papua New Guinea 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kinisimere Vanua after 40 minutes. The win throws the gold medal question wide open in the women’s football tournament.
Solomon Islands women’s team kept pace with the front runners after they defeated American Samoa 3-0 thanks to goals from Margaret Daudau, Diane Justus and Crystal Annie.
Elsewhere in the women’s competition, Tonga and Tahiti played out a 0-0 draw in Group B to share the two semi-final berths going into the final round next week in a dour and physical encounter where yellow cards were the order of the day.
Also in Group B, Samoa women’s team toughed out a 2-0 win over New Caledonia after losing Suitupe Tafafa to a red card after just half an hour of their match under lights. Goals to Natalie Brown and Semeatu Lemana were enough to guide the host nation to victory with a vociferous home support behind them.
In the men’s competition, Group A light weights Cook Islands and Tuvalu fought out an intriguing contest with Teariki Miiteariki scoring twice for his country before Steven Willis headed into his net in the 83rd minute to make it 2-1 to Cook Islands. Late goals from Thomas Le Mouton and Kunda Tom settled Cook Islands nerves as Tim Jerks team moved up into third place needing just a draw against struggling Tahiti to remain there after this 4-1 win.
In Group B, Solomon Islands won the battle for top spot after a convincing 2-0 win over Vanuatu. Godwin Bebeu scored with an extravagant back heel after 60 minutes when Commins Menapi cut a ball back that Bebeu had appeared to over run before he cheekily deceived Chikau Mansale in the Vanuatu goal with his sublime piece of trickery. Henry Fa’arodo added a second just four minutes later to complete a fine day at the office for Airton Andrioli and his team.
Tonga defeated American Samoa 4-0 to complete a miserable tournament for the team from Pago Pago with two goals to Pio Palu, Lafaele Moala and Kaisani Uhatahi completing a reasonable day for coach Kilifi Uele. The next round of fixtures for both men’s and women’s competitions as follows:
MONDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER, 2007
All GMT-13
1000hrs Cook Islands v Papua New Guinea Women
1000hrs Solomon Islands v Fiji Women
1800hrs New Caledonia v Tahiti Women
2030hrs Tonga v Samoa Women
1230hrs Samoa v Solomon Islands Men
1230hrs Tonga v Vanuatu Men
1500hrs New Caledonia v Fiji Men
1500hrs Cook Islands v Tahiti Men
FULL DETAILS OF XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES CAN BE READ AT:
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SAMOA KEEP WOMEN'S MEDAL HOPES ALIVE
Sunday, 02 September 07, 07:26 PM
Brave Samoa turned in one of the most stirring performances of the XIII South Pacific Games Women's Football tournament at Toleafoa J.S.Blatter Football Field in Apia tonight after defeating a classy New Caledonia 2-0 with just ten players after the controversial sending off of Suitupe Tafafa after 30 minutes.
The evening began so brightly for Samoa when Natalie Davies scored after just 7 minutes when Anarosa Simone slipped Davies a brilliant throughball which the pacy striker duly finished under New Caledonia goalkeeper Honorine Puidja to give Samoa a handy 1-0 lead.
With the parochial crowd providing a colourful and noisy atmosphere the party was spoiled for the host nation when Tafafa was given a second yellow card for apparently kicking the ball away after the referee had blown his whistle for an infringement.
Reduced to ten players, Samoa were pinned back into their own half by a New Caledonia team playing for their semi-final chances and who created a myriad of opportunities that they either spurned or lost to desperate last ditch defending by the Samoa defence.
With the crowds nerve endings almost completely shredded by the delicate balance of the match, up stepped Semeatu Lemana who hit a timely second goal for Samoa in the 81st minute to send the stadium into scenes of bedlam and noise.
It was a cruel blow for New Caledonia who possess a team rather better than the two matches, two losses record it currently endures and coach Stephane Delande can afford to look to the future with some optimism after a performance that had everything except a goal or two.
Samoa also have much to look forward to going into the final round of matches on Monday, knowing that a victory against arch-rivals Tonga will springboard the host nation into the semi-finals in what now promises to be an exciting conclusion to an intriguing group.
MONDAY 3rd September 2007
1000hrs GMT-13 Cook Islands v Papua New Guinea
1000hrs GMT-13 Solomon Islands v Fiji
1800hrs GMT-13 New Caledonia v Tahiti
2030hrs GMT-13 Tonga v Samoa
LIVE UPDATES:
1' - another generous crowd is building on a mild evening in Apia, as play gets underway
3' - Samoa force an early corner, from which Anarosa Simone finds the head of Suitupe Tafafa for her to narrowly miss at the near post
5' - New Caledonia 'keeper Honorine POUIDJA has been called into action on several occasions already, clearing up numerous through-balls
7' - GOAL!
Simone puts #9. Natalie Davies through one-on-one with the keeper, and she slides her finish underneath Pouidja to the crowd's delight
9' - Rosa Malama Solomona smothers well after Madeleine Jaine attempts to put Lola Tara through
14' - Samoa clearly have pace on the New Caledonian defenders, but so far are struggling to piece between the midfield and front-runners
20' - the fixture springs to action when Madeleine Jaine releases a rasping drive across goal, skimming the crossbar for a goal kick
25' - #8. Suitupe TAFAFA receives a yellow card for bringing a New Caledonian player down on the edge of the area
30' - RED CARD!
#8. Suitupe TAFAFA innocuously has a shot on goal after being called offside, and receives her second yellow card
33' - Pouidja is off her line well again, but is lucky to escape conceding when her ground clearance richochets off a defender
35' - #3. Henifa Bryce receives a yellow card for bringing down Lola Tara on the edge of the area
36' - Marylise Lolo's free kick is easily caught by Solomona at the near post
37' - a tough passage of play sees heavy body contact through the midfield around a bouncing ball
41' - New Caledonia look to have the run of play, taking advantage of Samoa losing a player
43' - Solomona fumbles a high cross from Virginie Houquet, but regathers before the onrushing attackers can get a touch
44' - from a corner kick, Marie Wanakaija bravely clears a Natalie Davies rocket off the line
-- 1 minute added time --
HALF TIME: NCL 0 SAM 1
47' - Semeatu Lemana, the architect of Samoa's goal, is down with an injury
48' - Lemana re-enters the field of play and seems to have recovered
51' - a Samoan break is recovered well by the New Caledonian defence, managed well by Wanakaija
54' - Solomona leaves her goalmouth to collect a square ball, but Houquet gets there first, only to shoot over the goal
55' - Pouidja also ventures to the outer reaches of her area and is caught out for Tamasailau Leota to attempt a chip, but recovers her position and the ball in time
56' - #10. Celine XOLAWAWA makes way for #12. Glenda JAINE
58' - Leuta capitalises on some lax New Caledonian defending, and shoots across the face of goal but narrowly wide
59' - outstanding at the back for Samoa, Bryce again denys Houquet the opportunity to cross from the bye line
62' - #13. Tamasailau LEUTA is replaced by #12. June TUPOU
63' - New Caledonia inject #16. Antonia PALAOU for #18. Lola TARA
63' - Marylise Lolo and Henifa Bryce clase on the half way line, causing a short stoppage in play
70' - #8. Elodie TEIN-POAWL enters the referee's book for New Caledonia
72' - Samoan substitute #12. June TUPOU is the latest to be carded, this time for playing on after being called offside
74' - Houquet releases a left foot thunderbolt, which evades Solomona, strikes the post, Solomona again, and the Samoan goalkeeper manages to recover the ball despite attention from Marylise Lolo
75' - Pouidja rises through traffic to spectacularly claim a Samoan corner kick at the near post
77' - Samoa withstand a New Caledonian attack, culminating in Solomona coming out to catch a looping cross from Floraine Diainon
81' - GOAL!
#7. Semeatu LEMANA finds space to run down the left, and finishes with finesse to Pouidja's left, keeling off in celebration of what should be the winning goal for Samoa
83' - the goalscorer Lemana is down again, suffering from the effects of her previous injury
85' - #14. Virginie HOUQUET makes way for #19. Audrey SINEM
86' - Pouidja again does well to collect a through ball, despite attention from the onrushing Natalie Davies
87' - #7. Semeatu LEMANA is finished for the night, replaced by #15. Rasela PEILUA
-- 2 minutes added on --
90'+1 - a last-gasp Diainon drive is fractionally wide of the far post
90'+2 - Antonia Palaou bends a well-hit free kick straight into the outstretched hands of Rosa Malama Solomona, and Samoa have the victory
FULL TIME: NCL 0 SAM 2
MATCH PHOTOS:
XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007
Women’s Group B
Match Day 4 – 2030 – 1 September 2007
Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa
NEW CALEDONIA: 1. Honorine POUIDJA [gk]; 3. Marie WANAKAIJA; 5. Alice MATHIEU; 6. Floraine DIAINON [c]; 8. Elodie TEIN-POAWL; 9. Marylise LOLO; 10. Celine XOLAWAWA (12. Gleda JAINE 56'); 14. Virginie HOUQUET (19. Audrey SINEM 85'); 15. Madeleine JAINE; 17. Lenka ROMONE; 18. Lola TARA (16. Anatonia PALAOU 63').
Coach: Stephane DELANDE
Substitutes not used: 2. Delphine POINRI; 4. Fanny SEE; 7. Marjorie POUYE; 11. Stephanie IAKEWE; 13. Genevieve DEOUWI; 20. Lucy MOYATEA [gk].
Injured:
Suspended:
Not available:
Cautions: 8. Elodie TEIN-POAWL.
Red cards:
Goal scorers:
SAMOA: 1. Rosa Malama SOLOMONA [gk]; 3. Henifa BRYCE; 4. Claire MENI; 5. Leti TAMASESE [c]; 6. Anarosa SIMONE; 7. Semeatu LEMANA (15. Rasela PEILUA 87'); 8. Suitupe TAFAFA; 9. Natalie DAVIES; 10. Florence LAM SAM; 13. Tamasailau LEUTA (12. June TUPOU 61'); 14. Vaitofigalumepa TIPERIA.
Coach: Junior SAAGA
Substitutes not used: 2. Helena THOMPSON; 16. Marylynn WILLIAMS; 18. Saini UMUTAUA; 19. Sinaro PIO; 20. Rosina IAKOPO; 21. Tufa VAIGALU [gk].
Injured: 11. Rosei LEOTA.
Suspended:
Not available: 17. Havira TAYLOR.
Cautions: 8. Suitupe TAFAFA (25', 30'); 3. Heinfa BRYCE (35'); 12. June TUPOU (72').
Red cards: 8. Suitupe TAFAFA (30').
Goal scorers: 9. Natalie DAVIES (7'); 7. Semeatu LEMANA (81').
Referee: Salaiau SOSONOGAN (PNG)
Assistant Referee: Jackson NAMO (SOL)
Assistant Referee: Hamilton SIAU (SOL)
Fourth Official: Chris LENGATA (SOL)
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VAKATALESAU DOUBLE SENDS FIJI INTO SEMI-FINALS
Sunday, 02 September 07, 04:40 PM
Osea Vakatalesau's rich vein of form continued at the XIII South Pacific Games - Samoa 2007 with a brace that sent Fiji into semi-final ecstasy and condemned Tahiti to elimination. Fiji were always in the driving seat of this match as Tahiti struggled to contain the fluid and imaginative passing movement of a team getting better with each match.
As for Tahiti the less said about their troubled tournament, the better; a 1-0 loss to French-speaking rivals New Caledonia, a draw with non-FIFA affiliated Tuvalu and this comprehensive defeat at the hands of semi-final bound Fiji. It can only get better for the team from French-Polynesia who have suffered from the loss of Naea Bennett who didn't make the final squad for Samoa.
Taniela Waqa got the evening underway with a blistering free kick that he blazed past the Tahiti wall into the back of the net from an acute angle. Tahiti's body language told the story a Fiji stepped up a gear and the Tahitian's began trying any means to halt the tide of black and white attack resulting in the expulsion of Stephane Gelima after 35 minutes for his second bookable offence.
Ronil Kumar put Fiji two nil ahead when he fired an inviting cross into the path of Pita Balietoga on 38 minutes. Vakatalesau took only 3 minutes of the second half to make it 3-0 and the rout was completed when the Ba striker grabbed his second and Fiji's fourth on 73 minutes to send out a signal to the rest of the field that Fiji are worth their favourites tag.
Fiji finish their campaign against New Caledonia in what amounts to a playoff for which opponent from Group B they will face off against in the semi-finals. Tahiti complete their sorry campaign with a tricky clash against Cook Islands needing to win to finish in third spot.
LIVE UPDATES:
5' - the lights are on and the match is off to a sedate start, though by the line-ups Fiji should dominate
6' - #13. Taniela WAQA receives a yellow card
8' - Salesh Kumar blasts a well-positioned free kick straight into the Tahitian wall
12' - a free kick to the far post is dealt with well by Xavier Samin
15' - Pita Rabo shoots across goal for Fiji, with Jean-Yves Li Wa Ut getting a touch to send the ball for a corner
16' - Tahiti #5. Stephane GELIMA receives a yellow card for a foul on the edge of the box
17' - GOAL!
#13. Taniela WAQA strikes a thunderbolt of a free kick into the top right corner leaving Samin stranded
20 - Fiji captain Peni Finau rises well to head clear a dangerous high ball into the Fiji area with 'keeper Simione Tamanisau off his line
22' - #14. Neuffer TAUFA brings Finau down in the centre circle and receives a yellow card
27' - Osea Vakatalesau has a moment to gain balance before shooting, but the attempt at goal is deflected for a corner
35' - RED CARD!
#5. Stephane GELIMA brings down Pita Baleitoga with Fiji on the break, and receives his second yellow
33' - #15. Salesh KUMAR receives a yellow card
34' - another yellow card for Fiji, #8. Pita BALEITOGA going in the book this time
34' - Tamanisau is out to punch a cross well and release the ball downfield to settle play
35' - Axel Williams meets a low cross on the six yard box, but the ball clears the crossbar by some distance
38' - GOAL!
Ronil Kumar breaks into the Tahitian area and squares for #8. Pita BALEITOGA to side-foot his finish
41' - Tamanisau is caught at the top of his box, and Axel Williams has a clear run on goal but Malakai Kainihewe shows superb commitment to slide in and send the ball for a corner
43' - Teva Zaveroni stays down after a foul to earn both teams another warning from the referee
44' - Angelo Tchen gives away a free kick right on the right edge of the Tahitian area, but the danger is well cleared by Li Wa Ut
45' - Ronil Kumar narrowly misses with a snapped shot from an angle
45+1' - Salesh KUMAR is taken from the game, for #11. Thomas VULIVULI
HALF TIME: TAH 0 FIJ 2
49' - GOAL!
#10. Osea VAKATALESAU is left wide open at the far post, and curls the ball inside the far post
52' - Vakatalesau, Tiwa, and Kumar combine well to have the Tahitians scrambling, but Kumar is caught offside retrieving a rebounded shot from Pita Rabo
60' - Fiji seem content with the three goal margin, and seem to have shut up shop
61' - yellow card to Fiji's #7. Ratu Inosi VATUCICILA
62' - Fiji break down the left again, but Samin produces a fantastic double-handed save to his left to deny Vulivuli's finish
67' - #4. Samuela VULA is replaced by #3. Waisake SABUTU
70' - #10. Raimoana BENNETT makes way for #13. Temarii TINORUA
70' - a Fiji free kick given for a foul on Peni Finau at the edge of the area is headed away well by Axel Williams
73' - GOAL!
#10. Osea VAKATALESAU takes a magnificent touch to bring down a defensive clearance, beat his marker for pace and fire a finish at Samin, whose touch is not enough to prevent the ball nestling in at the far post
73' - Peni Finau re-enters the field of play following the injury to his right knee
76' - Billy Mataitai makes a useful run down Tahiti's right flank, but Sabutu is dominant in the tackle
78' - Samin leaves his line courageously to punch a Fiji cross clear
80' - a Tahiti corner is cleated directly to Vakatalesau, who runs from halfway but loses his touch into the penalty area
81' - Angelo Tchen stays down with an injury, but refuses to leave on a stretcher
85' - #18. Axel WILLIAMS receives a yellow card
85' - Tchen is back on the field after his injury
-- 3 minutes added time --
90'+2 - #10. Osea VAKATALESAU is shown a yellow card for remonstrating when Finau is blocked pursuing an under-hit back pass
90+4' - #11 Auguste WASHETINE is shown a yellow card for bringing down Malakai Tiwa after he had rounded the Tahitian defender
FULL TIME: TAH 0 FIJ 4
MATCH PHOTOS:
XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007
Men’s Group A
Match Day 4 – 1800 – 1 September 2007
Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa
TAHITI: 3. Jean-Yves LI WA UT; 5. Stephane GELIMA; 7. Billy MATAITAI; 10. Raimoana BENNETT (13. Temarii TINORUA 70'); 11. Auguste WASHETINE; 12. Hiro POROIAE; 14. Neuffer TAUFA (8. Jerome TETAVAHI 63'); 18. Axel WILLIAMS; 20. Teva ZAVERONI [c]; 21. Angelo TCHEN; 23. Xavier SAMIN [gk].
Coach: Gerard KAUTAI
Substitutes not used: 1. Jonathan TOROHIA [gk]; 2. Teraimaru MERVIN; 4. Freddy TAUIMARA; 22. Daniel TAPETA [gk].
Injured: 6. Samuel GARCIA; 9. Raimana LI FUNG KEE; 15. Farahia TEUIRA; 19. Axel TEMATAUA.
Suspended:
Not available:
Cautions: 5. Stephane GELIMA (16', 31'); 14. Neuffer TAUFA (22'); 18. Axel WILLIAMS (85'); 20. Teva ZAVERONI (90'); 11. Auguste WASHETINE (90'+4).
Red cards: 5. Stephane GELIMA (31').
Goal scorers:
FIJI: 1. Simione TAMANISAU [gk]; 4. Samuela VULA (3. Waisake SABUTU 67'); 5. Ronil KUMAR; 8. Pita BALEITOGA; 10. Osea VAKATALESAU; 12. Peni FINAU; 13. Taniela WAQA (7. Ratu Iniosi VATUCICILA 53'); 15. Salesh KUMAR (11. Thomas VULIVULI 46'); 16. Malakai TIWA; 17. Malakai KAINIHEWE; 18. Pita RABO.
Coach: Juan Carlos BUZZETTI
Substitutes not used: 2. Alvin AVINESH; 6. Lorima DAU; 9. Josaia BUKALIDI; 14. Viliame TOMA; 19. Roy KRISHNA; 20. Benamino MATEINAQARA [gk].
Injured:
Suspended:
Not available:
Cautions: 13. Taniela WAQA (6'); 15. Salesh KUMAR (33'); 8. Pita BALEITOGA (34'); 7. Ratu Inosi VATUCICILA (61'); 10. Osea VAKATALESAU (90'+2).
Red cards:
Goal scorers: 13. Taniela WAQA (17'); 8. Pita BALEITOGA (38'); 10. Osea VAKATALESAU (49', 73').
Referee: Neil FOX (NZL)
Assistant Referee: Nick WALDRON (NZL)
Assistant Referee: Mahit CHILIA (VAN)
Fourth Official: Job Ponis MINAN (PNG)
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FIJI GIVE WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT A SHAKE UP
Sunday, 02 September 07, 02:02 PM
Papua New Guinea's title of women's gold medal favourites received an unexpected setback when Fiji scored an upset 1-0 win at Toleafoa J.S.Blatter Football Field in Apia today. Fiji withstood an almost total 90 minutes of sustained Papua New Guinea pressure only managing to get the ball forward on one or two occasions as Francis Moiyap's team fought desperately to avoid defeat.
The main problem for Papua New Guinea was not so much creating chances as finishing them. Daisy Winas and Lydia Banabas were their usual busy selves causing mayhem everytime they poured forward and they rained crosses into the penalty area with such consistent regularity it was difficult to believe Papua New Guinea would not convert at least one of them.
This problem of not finishing chances was amplified when Fiji took an unexpected lead in the 14th minute when a speculative long ball found Kinisimere Vanua in space behind the Papua New Guinea defence with goalkeeper Roxanne Komeng sprinting off her line to intercept the danger only for Vanua to balloon a header over Komeng and bouncing into an empty net.
Papua New Guinea were left stunned and spent the next 76 minutes trying everything they could to pull back the deficit. Asena Reba Ratu - the Fiji skipper - held her team together strong with their defensive shape forcing Papua New Guinea to play the ball wide. Even though Winas and Banabas best work is acheived in these areas Fiji's wide defenders did just enough to affect Winas and Banabas delivery to ensure that any ball fired into the penalty area was at least fair game for Fiji as it was for Papua New Guinea.
Fiji goalkeeper Ana Maria Karikari was in inspired form denying Julie Alau, Deslyn Siniu and Tracey Kig with a multitude of impressive and timely saves. Papua New Guinea even tried swapping Winas and Banabas onto opposite sides of the pitch to test the Fiji defence but to no avail. The final whistle was met with delirious cheers from the Fiji support as Farouk Janeman's team celebrated taking the initiative in a section Janeman insisted his team had a minimal chance of progressing from.
For Papua New Guinea the good news, if there is any from this loss, is that it has happened at a stage of the competition where defeat can be learned from rather than considered terminal.
Monday 3rd September 2007
1000hrs GMT-13 Cook Islands v Papua New Guinea
1000hrs GMT-13 Solomon Islands v Fiji
LIVE UPDATES:
0'- PNG skipper Julie ALAU and her Fiji counterpart Asena Reba RATU join referee Lencie FRED of Vanuatu on halfway for the coin toss under cloudy overcast conditions at Toleafoa J.S.Blatter Football Fields in Apia, Samoa.
1'- The match is underway with PNG making all the early running
5'- Kathrina SALAIAU takes a corner for PNG but its cleared by Kinisimere RAVAI of Fiji straight back into the path of SALAIAU whose shot goes wide
7'- A period of sustained pressure for PNG with Winas corner being flicked on at the near post deflecting off a Fiji defender for another corner
8'- WINAS swings in another corner and Fiji keeper KARIKARI punches clear - its all Papua New Guinea at the moment!
10'- Fiji have been unable to get out of their own half - Tracey KIG rifles in a shot from 15m but KARIKARI saves
13'- A rare excursion into Papua New Guinea territory for Fiji but possession is lost
14'- GOAL!
#11.Kinisimere VANUA heads a loose ball into the empty Papua New Guinea net against the run of play after a long ball deceives goalkeeper Roxanne KOMENG - it's 1-0 to Fiji!
17'- A nice peice of build-up play by Papua New Guinea results in a shot on goal by Ara MIDI but KARIKARI remains solid in the Fiji goal
19'- Fiji are now taking more control of the midfield with RATU showing some good touches on the ball
20'- Crunching tackle by Unaisi MOCE on Papua New Guinea skipper Julie ALAU
21'- A Papua New Guinea corner is taken by SALAIAU but cleared by the Fiji defence
23'- A corner for Fiji taken by RATU is easily cleared by the Papua New Guinea defence
25'- A very patient build-up by Papua New Guinea against a Fiji team adopting a good defensive shape when they are not in possession
26'- Throw-in for Fiji deep inside their own half - the ball is cleared where Adiela KURIKABA gives chase as Papua New Guinea defender Helen BAKI gives hot pursuit
28'- Lydia BANABAS has had a quiet match so far but she bursts into life with a bristling shot at the Fiji goal which disappears over KARIKARI's crossbar
32'- Daisy WINAS attacks down the right for Papua New Guinea, cuts inside the left back, shoots for the far post where the ball strikes the apex of the upright and crossbar then appears to strike the arm of a defender...but its no penalty as play continues!
33'- A Papua New Guinea swung in by WINAS and the header from MIDI goes out for a goal kick
36'- Fiji coach Farouk JANEMAN is extremely animated on the bench anxious to see his team secure possession - his pre-tournament prediction of finishing outside the medal contenders is looking like mind games as his team continue to give Papua New Guinea a tough test
38'- The battle between Daisy WINAS of Papua New Guinea and Unaisi MOCE of Fiji continues to fascinate as WINAS is stopped by a last ditch tackle from MOCE
40'- YELLOW CARD
#17. Unaisi MOCE of Fiji is preparing a throw-in when referee Lencie FRED books her for time wasting
41'- A Fiji corner is unable to be cleared properly and Papua New Guinea give away a free kick on the angle just outside their own penalty area
42'- RATU plays the free kick to the far post but the ball is cleared and Papua New Guinea break away and Deslyn SINIU's cross is swallowed up by Ana Maria KARIKARI
43'- Poor shot again on Fiji's goal but KARIKARI is equal to the task
-- 1 minute time added on --
45'+ 1 - Papua New Guinea have a free kick 35m out but it comes to nothing as Lencie FRED brings the first half to a close
HALF-TIME: PNG 0 FIJ 1
46'- The second half gets underway with no changes to either line-up
49'- Low hard shot from Deslyn SINIU but a good save by Fiji goalkeeper Ana Maria KARIKARI
52'- Deslyn SINIU hooks a ball back across the face of the Fiji 18 yard box...but straight into the path of Alisi MEREDANI of Fiji and Papua New Guinea have lost possession
55'- BANABAS takes a shot on the turn for Papua New Guinea and its a tremendous save from KARIKARI that protects Fiji's precious 1-0 lead.
57'- Deslyn SINIU releases Daisy WINAS down the right - but it's a 40m run for WINAS - can she make it? No, the ball is out for a Fiji goal kick, it was certainly a big ask but WINAS gave it her best shot
59'- WINAS cross to the far post is missed by Fiji goal keeper KARIKARI and Lydia BANABAS just misses the target from close range
61'- SUBSTITUTION
#14. Tracey KIG is replaced by #8. Margaret AKA for Papua New Guinea
64'- SUBSTITUTION
#10. Asena Rebu RATU the Fiji skipper is replaced by #5.Sera TALANAVULA
65'- Fiji miss an easy chance to make it 2-0 from just out in front of goal!
67'- WINAS crosses into the box KARIKARI parries the ball away from danger
68'- Papua New Guinea are playing all the attractive football but they just can't make their final pass count
70'- Julie ALAU beats two defenders but her cross is poor and easily read by the covering defender
70'- SUBSTITUTION
#9. Deslyn SINIU is replaced by #.6 Cathy AGUNAM for Papua New Guinea
72'- Daisy WINAS has swapped flanks with Caroline MOEDER in an effort to conjure up something different for Papua New Guinea
73'- A free kick for Papua New Guinea is played in by MOEDER but Fiji repel the attack easily
75'- SUBSTITUTION
#11. Kinisimere VANUA is replaced by #14. Mereani GALO for Fiji
76'- Fiji are defending with total commitment as Papua New Guinea move the ball around at speed trying to prise open this resolute defence but to no avail
79'- SUBSTITUTION
#12. Lydia BANABAS is withdrawn to make way for #2. Samantha PENINSA for Papua New Guinea
80'- Papua New Guinea coach Francis MOIYAP has played his final card after replacing BANABAS with PENINSA - is MOIYAP's team about to suffer their first defeat of these Games?
81'- Daisy WINAS breaks free down the right but her cross to the near post is smothered by KARIKARI
83'- Papua New Guinea's Miriam LANTA is denied by the resilient KARIKARI who is turning out to be a hero for Fiji this afternoon
85'- Time is running out Papua New Guinea to retrieve this situation - WINAS pumps a ball into the penalty area but this time the ball is too close to KARIKARI who collects gratefully
86'- Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Roxanne KOMENG is called into a action to snaffled a long ball from Fiji's Alisi MERDANI
88'- Time is running out for Papua New Guinea - Forouk JANEMAN is about to make his final change...
-- 3 minutes time added on
90'+1'- SUBSTITUTION
#18. Naomi REGU is replaced by #13. Unaisi VATULILI for Fiji
90'+3- Lencie FRED blows for fulltime and there is mayhem down there on the pitch as Fiji celebrate their upset victory!
MATCH PHOTOS:
XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007
Women’s Group A
Match Day 4 – 1500 – 1 September 2007
Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 1. Roxanne KOMENG [gk]; 3. Katharina SALAIAU; 4. Helen BAKI; 7. Julie ALAU; 9. Deslyn SINIU (6. Cathy AGUNAM 71'); 10. Caroline MOEDER; 11. Daisy WINAS; 12. Lydia BANABAS (2. Samantha PENINSA 79'); 14. Tracey KIG (8. Margaret AKA 61'); 15. Miriam LANTA; 16. Ara MIDI.
Coach: Francis MOIYAP
Substitutes not used: 5. Priscilla KONALALAI; 13. Judith MICHAEL; 20. Linda BUNAGA [gk].
Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
Not available: None.
Cautions:
Red cards:
Goal scorers:
FIJI: 2. Mereoni YABAKIRAU [gk]; 4. Alisi MEREDANI; 6. Adiela KURIKABA; 7. Vulolo Anaisi TORA; 10. Asena Reba RATU [c] (5. Sera TALANAVULA 64'); 11. Kinismere VANUA (14. Mereani GALO 75'); 12. Lynette PEARCE; 13. Unaisi VATULILI (18. Naomi REGU 90'+1); 15. Jijilia DUGUCANAVANUA; 17. Unaisi MOCE; 19. Kinismere RAVAI.
Coach: Farouk JANEMAN
Substitutes not used: 3. Vika SADRAU; 8. Radilaite MARAMA; 9. Laisana MATAELE; 16. Margaret MORRIS; 20. Ana Maria KARIKARI [gk].
Injured: 1. Lice WAQAILITI [gk].
Suspended:
Not available:
Cautions: 17. Unaisi MOCE (40').
Red cards:
Goal scorers: 11. Kinisimere VANUA (14').
Referee: Lencie FRED (VAN)
Assistant Referee: Colline AUVELE (SAM)
Assistant Referee: Kaleti MATAPULE (SAM)
Fourth Official: Michael JOSEPH (VAN)
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BEBEU TRICKERY PUTS SOLOMONS IN SEMI FINALS
Sunday, 02 September 07, 01:29 PM
Solomon Islands sealed their semi-final berth thanks to an extravangant 60th minute backheel by youngster Godwin Bebeu that left Vanuatu in stunned silence in a pulsating encounter at Toleafoa J.S.Blatter Football Field in Apia this afternoon.
The sheer audacity of Bebeu's goal could not contrast more powerfully with the fact that Bebeu spent most the 2006-07 New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC) season kicking his heels on the bench for Waikato FC, unable to get a match for the NZFC strugglers.
For Vanuatu it was a tame surrender in a match where the option of a semi-final against the runner-up or winner of Group A was very much at stake. For Solomon Islands this match taught coach Airton Andrioli much about the structural integrity of his back four comprising George Suri, Samson Takayama, David Taro and Gideon Omokirio - in short, they're looking good, far removed from the Solomon Islands defensive unit that shopped goals almost at will throughout an at times unconvincing preparatory campaign at home and in Australia.
For Vanuatu Seule Soromon carried the greatest goal threat and he almost brought the house down with a stinging volley from 25 yards out that forced Fred Hale after 25 minutes. Soromon exited the match on the hour mark and within seconds Solomon Islands took the lead. Commins Menapi - another New Zealand-based Solomon Islander - got to the byline and hit a cross to the near post where Bebeu looked as if he had over run the ball, any chance of a shot on goal long gone.
That was until the youngster allowed the ball to hit the inside of his left instep which he then flicked past the heel of his right at a pace and trajectory that left goalkeeper Chikau Mansale and defender utterly beaten after just 60 minutes. Vanuatu were still reeling when Henry Fa'arodo burst through and put the match beyond doubt when he slammed an unstoppable shot past Mansale after 64 minutes.
Solomon Islands final match is against host nation Samoa who must record a sizeable victory against Airton Andrioli's men than hope Tonga can do them a favour and beat Vanuatu.
Monday 3rd September, 2007
1230hrs GMT-13 Samoa v Solomon Islands
1230hrs GMT-13 Tonga v Vanuatu
LIVE UPDATES:
0' - overcast conditions greet the players for their mid-afternoon kick-off in this contentious fixture
1' - regular Vanuatu goalkeeper David Chilia's deputy Chikau Mansale gets an early touch with a goal kick
2' - a lengthy goalmouth scramble results in Henry Fa'arodo blazing over top with a left foot volley from 12 yards
4' - Godwin Bebeu produces a well-held Haitong save from close range on the right
6' - a curling Judd Molea free kick is well met and held again by Haitong
8' - the game is being played at an impressive pace and standard, with the Vanuatu defense up to the challenge of Menapi and Bebeu
11' - Vanuatu defend with arrogance, playing the ball across the face of goal following another spell of pressure for the Solomons
14' - George Suri does well to clear a Vanuatu free kick with his head, then clear the rebound upfield
15' - Solomon Islands #17. Gideon Omokorio receives a yellow card for delaying a Vanuatu free kick
17' - Freddy Vava commands the Vanuatu defence well to extinguish any threat from the oncoming Bebeu
18' - Fred Hale ventures far from the Solomon Islands goalmouth to clear a diagonal ball to safety
20' - Judd Molea fires a speculative skidding drive from distance, which Haitong steps to collect
22' - Bebeu has a similar attempt on his left foot, with an identical result
23' - Solomon Islands seem to have the run of play, with the Vanuatu rearguard scrambling on occasions
25' - Seule Soromon gets his first strike on goal with a dipping volley from 25 yards that is easily collected by Hale, who calms play by holding the ball at his feet
26' - Suri and David Taro combine well to dispossess Soromon bearing down on goal
29' - Fa'arodo dribbles well but fails to find Menapi with a through ball
30' - Taro receives a switched ball and fires well wide from wide on the right
31' - Samson Takayama blocks a Jean Nako Naprapol shot on the edge of the D
33' - Ken Masauvakalo is caught in possession by Fa'arodo, but escapes with a goal kick
36' - Vava tracks well to block a left-footed Menapi strike
37' - Masauvakalo covers across field to clear a loose ball from the onrushing Bebeu
40' - Vanuatu captain Moise Poida hits a dipping and curling left foot free kick from 35 yards fractionally over the crossbar, to Hale's relief
42' - Geoffrey Lego GETE misses a headed clearance over Bebeu, but is rescued by Vava in style as he runs the ball out of defence
44' - yellow card to #13. George LUI
-- 2 minutes added time --
45'+1 - Fa'arodo shows nice skill to beat three players and create a good opportunity for Lui, who stretches Mansale to his left for the save
HALF TIME: VAN 0 SOL 0
46' - #11. Etienne MERMER takes the field in place of #16. Richard IWAI for the second half
47' - Hale collapses well on a Naprapol speculator from the angle
51' - Molea crosses from deep for Fa'arodo to meet spectacularly, but narrowly miss his aerial flick
52' - #13. George LUI makes way for #16. Stanley WAITA, who immediately registers a shot on goal
55' - Omokorio meets a Taro free kick from deep, but heads across goal and wide
56' - #10. Seule SOROMON is substituted by #8. Tom Philip TOMAKE
60' - GOAL!
#9. Godwin BEBEU finishes a Menapi cross with an extravagant back heel
61' - Menapi keeps the pressure on Vanuatu, drawing a hurried save from Mansale
62' - Waita clips Maki to prevent a Vanuatu break, incurring the ire of the Vanuatu supporters, but allowing his side to set on defence and escaping with only a warning
64' - GOAL!
#18. Henry Fa'arodo is given space to shoot and duly obliges to put it past Haitong's outstretched left hand
65' - Mansale scrambles to prevent a corner from a deflection, but can not control the bouncing ball
67' - #13. Francois SAKAMA is finally injected into the fixture, replacing #14. Pita David MAKI
71' - Takayama and Taro combine well to control Napropol and concede a corner
72' - Poida looks for the top right corner from distance, but it brilliantly prevented by Hale, who unbelievably manages to hold the save at full stretch
73' - #8. Tom Philip TOMAKE picks up a card for a hard challenge on Fa'arodo
74' - Fa'arodo has a go from wide right, but clears the goal by metres
76' - #14. Benjamin TOTORI appears in the tournament for the first time, replacing #9. Godwin BEBEU
76' - a Poida free kick is met and headed clear by Takayama
77' - Mermer crosses for Naprapol, but Suri heads down into traffic and Hale collects
78' - Suri again rises above the pack to clear a Poida corner
80' - Jacques MAFIL NAWAN covers well to clear a fast Solomon Islands break
83' - Solomon Islands look to wrap up the game by retaining possession, patiently awaiting opportunities to venture into their attacking third
84' - Vanuatu win a corner and enjoy a short spell of possession, but Solomon Islands press well to regain a territorial advantage
85' - Molea hits the side netting from a narrowing angle
88' - Sakama strikes a free kick with the outside of his boot, momentarily deceiving Hale, who recovers well to hold
-- 2 minutes added time --
90'+1 - Solomon Islands hold the ball in their attacking corner to soak up time
90'+1 - Waita tracks from midfield to bundle a clearance into Sakama, and Solomon Islands escape a Vanuatu counter attack with a goal kick
FULL TIME: VAN 0 SOL 2
MATCH PHOTOS:
XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007
Men’s Group B
Match Day 4 – 1430 – 1 September 2007
Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa
VANUATU: 3. Ken MASAUVAKALO; 6. Fedy VAVA; 7. Moise POIDA [c]; 9. Jean Nako NAPRAPOL; 10. Seule SOROMON (8. Tom Philip TOMAKE 56'); 12. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO; 14. Pita David MAKI (13. Francois SAKAMA 67'); 16. Richard IWAI (11. Etienne MERMER (46'); 17. Geoffrey Lego GETE; 18. Jacques MAFIL NAWAN; 20. Chikau MANSALE [gk].
Coach: Alwyn JOB
Substitutes not used: 1. David CHILIA [gk]; 2. Samson OBED; 4. Rexley TARIVUTI; 5. Andrew CHICHIRUA; 15. Victor MALEB; 19. Derek MALAS; 21. Maki HAITONG.
Injured:
Suspended:
Not available:
Cautions: 8. Tom Philip TOMAKE (73')
Red cards:
Goal scorers:
SOLOMON ISLANDS: 1. Fred HALE [gk]; 2. David TARO; 4. Samson TAKAYAMA; 5. George SURI; 7. Alick MAEMAE; 9. Godwin BEBEU (14. Benjamin TOTORI 76'); 10. Judd MOLEA; 11. Commins MENAPI [c]; 13. George LUI (16. Stanley WAITA 52'); 17. Gideon OMOKORIO; 18. Henry FAARODO.
Coach: Airton ANDRIOLI
Substitutes not used: 3. Marlon HOUKARAWA; 6. Tome FAISI; 8. Jacob PEKAU; 12. James NAKA; 15. Mostyn BEUI; 19. George ABA; 20. John MORGAN [gk]; Arnold KENI.
Injured:
Suspended:
Not available:
Cautions: 17. Gideon OMOKORIO (15'); 13. George LUI (44').
Red cards:
Goal scorers: 9. Godwin BEBEU (60'); 18. Henry FAARODO (64').
Referee: Jacques AVERII (TAH)
Assistant Referee: Raimana TAUOTAHA (TAH)
Assistant Referee: Teariki GOODWIN (COK)
Fourth Official: Fiti AIMAASU (SAM)
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COOK ISLANDS WIN BATTLE OF THE MINNOWS
Sunday, 02 September 07, 11:23 AM
Cook Islands won their first match of the XIII South Pacific Games - Samoa 2007 after accounting for fellow minnows Tuvalu 4-1 at Toleafoa J.S.Blatter Football Fields in Apia today. Cook Islands coach Tim Jerks - himself a former coach of Tuvalu - had predicted an open and even match and that is exactly what transpired as both teams decided to open up and play for a victory rather than adopting a defensive strategy.
Teariki Mateariki opened the scoring on 28 minutes after he looped a header over Tuvalu goalkeeper Jay Timo after getting on the end of a Paul Luiz Van Eijk cross. The goal galvanised Cook Islands into further action with Thomas Le Mouton going close just two minutes later when the New Zealand-based wide midfielder struck a rasping volley over the bar from just outside the 18 yard box.
Cook Islands created a further couple of chances towards the end of the first half with Tuvalu also going close. Tuvalu's next best chance came with skipper Petio Semaia rocketed in a free kick that thudded into the torso of Tony Jamieson who clung on to the stinging shot tightly.
Teariki Mateariki settled Cook Islands nerves when he combined with Van Eijk to make it 2-0 after he got the final touch on a Van Eijk corner after 69 minutes. Cruising at 2-0 Cook Islands were shaken out of their complacency when Steve Willis headed the ball into his own net after 83 minutes to make it 2-1.
Nerves must've been jangling for Cook Islands coach Tim Jerks but his fears were allayed when Le Mouton broke into the Tuvalu penalty area and scored with a rasping drive from 15 yards out on 88 minutes before Kunda Tom scored a wonderful volley 3 minutes into stoppage time to make it 4-1 with a strike likely to be nominated for goal of the tournament.
Cook Islands final match is against Tahiti on Monday 3 September 1500hrs GMT-13.
Tuvalu depart the XIII South Pacific Games - Samoa 2007 with their heads held high after two good performances against Tahiti (1-1) and New Caledonia (0-1) the only black mark against them their 16-0 drubbing at the hands of Fiji.
LIVE UPDATES:
0' - a cooling breeze has picked up across the ground as this definitive fixture kicks off
3' - Cook Islands seem to dominate territory in the early stages, with possession reasonably even
9' - Cook Islands force the first corner of the match, which is cleared by Tuvalu
11' - Miitamariki Joseph covers well to clear a Tuvalu counter attack
16' - Joseph intervenes well again as a Lolesi Vaia through ball causes a threat to the stretched Cook Island defence
19' - Nathan Tisam hits an angular drive from deep on the right, but Tuvalu 'keeper Jay Timo manages it well
23' - Thomas Le Mouton puts the ball in the Tuvalu net, but the goal is disallowed for offside
28' - GOAL!
#13. Teariki MATEARIKI meets a Paul Luiz van Eijk cross with his head for the ball to loop over Timo and into the net
30' - John Michael Quijano heads down a van Eijk corner for le Mouton to volley over from the top of the 18 yard box
32' - Mati Fusi blasts a free kick into the Cook Island wall from an advantageous position, for Steven Willis to clear
35' - Tisam is looking to catch Temo off his line, shooting at will from distance
36' - Tapeni Letueti fires a shot across goal from the angle
37' - Cook Islands look to have stepped up their intensity heading into half time, with Willis and Joseph controlling well at the back
38' - Willis juggles impressively from defense for Tisam to put le Mouton through, but the ball runs for a goal kick
40' - Fusi beats Willis with an impressive move, but his cross is cleared well by van Eijk
40' - Willis makes up for his previous indiscretion by rising well to clear Fusi's corner kick
-- 1 minute added time --
HALF TIME: COK 1 TUV 0
46' - Cook Islands start with a van Eijk free kick from a narrow angle that finds Miitamariki Joseph to blast over goal
47' - #6. Steven Willis receives a yellow card for a foul on a Tuvalu player
48' - Imo Fiamalua catches John Michael Quijano awkwardly, and Quijano leaves the field for treatment
50' - Penisula covers well to put a stop to a quick Cook Islands break down the right
53' - #14. John Michael QUIJANO succumbs to a shoulder injury, and is replaced by #9. Kunda TOM
56' - Jay Temo reacts well to a deflection off his own defender following a van Eijk corner
57' - down the opposite end, Jamieson acts quickly to collect a Tuvalu cross down low
59' - Petio Semaia fires a free kick from the right corner of the 18 yard box directly at Jamieson, who holds
62' - #7. Adrian SHEPHERD makes way for #4. John PAREANGA
63' - Semaia replicates his actions from the previous free kick, again with no result
65' - Tuvalu looks to be gaining momentum, with sustained periods in Cook Island's defensive third
68' - Temo comes a long way out of his goal to blast a Cook Islands through ball for a throw in, from which a corner eventuates
69' - GOAL!
#13. Teariki MATEARIKI gets the final touch on a van Eijk corner for his second goal of the day
69' - #9. Mati FUSI is replaced by #20. Viliamu SEKIFU
72' - Sekifu fouls Pareanga, who heads to the sideline for treatment
75' - #7. Papua ULISESE takes the field for #5. Lolesi VAIA
78' - #14. Paeniu FAGOTA receives a yellow card for a foul on the already injured Pareanga
78' - #4. John PAREANGA is substituted by #3. Edward BROGAN
81' - #13. Fulisagafou HAUMA makes way for #10. Semese ALEFAIO
83'- GOAL!
#6. Steven Willis unfortunately heads into his own net! It's a goal for Tuvalu!
88' - GOAL!
#8. Thomas LE MOUTON drives into the area and slams home a left footed drive to Temo's near post from 15 yards on the angle
-- 3 minutes added time --
90+3 - GOAL!
#9. Kunda TOM strikes a superb falling volley after a cross from the left in a contender for goal of the tournament
FULL TIME: COK 4 TUV 1
MATCH PHOTOS:
XIII SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES – SAMOA 2007
Men’s Group A
Match Day 4 – 1230 – 1 September 2007
Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Football Fields – Apia – Samoa
COOK ISLANDS: 1. Tony JAMIESON [gk]; 2. Paul Luiz VAN EIJK; 5. Miitamariki JOSEPH; 6. Steven WILLIS; 7. Adrian SHEPHERD (4. John PAREANGA 62' (3. Edward BROGAN 78')); 8. Thomas LE MOUTON; 10. Eugiene TATUAVA; 13. Teariki MATEARIKI; 14. John Michael QUIJANO (9. Kunda TOM 53'); 15. Paavo MUSTONEN; 17. Augusty BARTILLARD.
Coach: Tim JERKS
Substitutes not used: 11. Edward DROLLET; 12. Anonga TISAM; 16. Daniel SHEPHERD; 18. Nathan TISAM; 20. Remi WEARING [gk]; --. Jimmy KATOA [gk].
Injured:
Suspended:
Not available:
Cautions: 6. Steven WILLIS (47').
Red cards:
Goal scorers: 13. Teariki MATEARIKI (28', 69'); 8. Thomas LE MOUTON (88'); 9. Kunda TOM (90'+3).
TUVALU: 4. Mau PENISULA; 5. Lolesi VAIA (7. Papua ULISESE 75'); 6. Paitela KELEMENE; 8. Petio SEMAIA [c]; 9. Mati FUSI (20. Viliamu SEKIFU 69'); 13. Fulisagafou HAUMA (10. Semese ALEFAIO (81'); 14. Peniuna KAITU; 15. Jelly SELAU; 16. Imo FIAMALUA; 18. Tapeni LETUETI; 19. Jay TIMO [gk].
Coach: Toakai PUAPUA
Substitutes not used: 1. Moresi VALOAGA [gk]; 2. Polu TANEI; 3. Onosemu NEEMIA; 11. Paeniu FAGOTA; 12. Loisio PENI; 17. Hetoa KAIO; 22. Pelesia TEISINI.
Injured:
Suspended:
Not available:
Cautions: 14. Peniua KAITU 73'.
Red cards:
Goal scorers: (own goal 83')
Referee: Michael HESTER (NZL)
Assistant Referee: Tevita MAKASINI (TON)
Assistant Referee: Rodney ALLEN (AUS)
Fourth Official: Chris LENGATA (SOL)
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