OFC News

YOKOHAMA - The crowd at the International Stadium in Yokohama provided an excellent atmosphere to a close fought encounter between Urawa Red Diamonds and AC Milan, which the Europeans edged, thanks to Clarence Seedorf's 68th minute goal.

AC Milan had the better of the opening stages. Andrea Pirlo saw a free-kick well saved by the goalkeeper and captain Massimo Ambrosini's header was narrowly off target. The Italians had the majority of the possession, but were frustrated by a well-organised Urawa defence.

The Japanese team had two good chances to score after half time when Alessandro Nesta almost put the ball through his own net and Dida had to be alert to keep out Washington's attempt.

The match winning goal came when Ballon d'Or winner Kaka received the ball on the left, beat his marker and reached the byline. He crossed the ball into the box which Seedorf controlled expertly, before lashing the ball into the net with his left foot.

Milan will now face Boca Juniors in the final of the Club World Cup on Sunday.

Story and photo provided by FIFA. For full story go to www.Fifa.com

PORT VILA - Tafea FC were crowned champions of Vanuatu for the fourteenth consecutive season last week after edging out closest rivals Tupuji on goal difference. Tafea FC and Vanuatu coach Robert Calvo was delighted with the club's retention of the Port Vila Football Association (PVFA) VB Championship and views the victory as the perfect tonic for his club with two OFC O-League fixtures against KOSSA FC and Ba scheduled for Port Vila Municipal Stadium in February next year.

The title success was also enjoyed by former Vanuatu number one goalkeeper David Chilia who has been part of the Tafea FC club since its first title success in 1993. Chilia has lost out for national team selection to nephew Chikau Mansale - ironically now Tupuji's first choice keeper - with the two Mele kinsmen enjoying a healthy rivalry at domestic and international level.

Tupuji will look back at this campaign with some sense of what might have been after they handed Tafea FC a 4-1 thrashing in the first round of the competition. Tafea FC gained some revenge defeating Tupuji 2-0 in the penultimate round of the fixture list. Third place-getters Yatel FC will have regrets of their own after recording wins over both Tupuji (0-2) and Tafea FC (0-1) but dropping points to the likes of struggling Erakor.

Yatel FC's propensity to disappoint when faced with opposition considered as peers was frustratingly offset by the ability to drop points to teams in the lower-half of the league with harmful regularity. Yatel FC's title challenge evaporated after Tafea FC beat them 7-2.

Erakor and Westtan proved inconsistent throughout a roller-coaster season with Ifira BB FC able to inflict a 3-2 defeat upon Westtan one week then lose 13-2 to Tupuji just a fortnight later. Westtan enjoyed a good 3-2 win over Yatel FC that helped railroad the third place getters PVFA VB Premier Division and OFC O-League qualification hopes.

At the bottom of the PVFA VB Championship Premier Division Pango GB FC were relegated to Division 1 with Ifira BB FC thrown the life-line of a relegation/promotion playoff against Division 1 runners up Narak Tegapu. Ifira BB FC will need something of a miracle to halt Narak Tegapu after an impressive season for the Division 1 side saw lose only three matches all season.

2007 PVFA VB Championship

Premier Division

- Final Table

		PL	W	D	L	GF	GA	PTS	GD
1	Tafea FC	14	11	1	2	49	11	34	+38
2	Tupuji Imere	14	11	1	2	47	16	34	+31
3	Yatel FC	14	9	1	4	38	20	28	+18
4	Erakor FC	14	6	4	4	27	20	22	+7
5	Westtan Verts	14	6	2	6	31	28	20	+3
6	Amical FC	14	3	1	10	13	41	10	-28
7	Ifira BB FC	14	2	2	10	14	44	8	-30
8	Pango GB FC	14	1	2	11	15	54	5	-39

Pango GB FC relegated to Division 1

Ifira BB FC play Narak Tegapu in promotion/relegation match

HONIARA – A panel of national selectors appointed by SIFF have identified the most talented players in the Solomon Islands who are eligible to compete in the U23 Olympic tournament to be held in Fiji in March/April 2008.

Eighty players were identified during the recent ‘Our Telekom Cup’ competition.

SIFF development officer and panel chairman Noel Wagapu found the test of selecting players challenging.

“It was not easy selecting a national team,” said Wagapu “It was the experience of the members of the selection panel that helped us identify and come up with a squad.”

Those in the panel include; Wagapu, Matai Vave, Patrick Miniti, Derek Taka, Taylor Qorataru and Moses Toata.

Wagapu says intitially 104 possible talented players were listed but the number was trimmed down to 83 when they met over two days to further assess the players.

The panel looked at each of the player’s performance and attitude to determine whether to keep them or not.

Other Technical needs and requirements have also been considered and players found to be below 20 but are playing well are included in the list of the U20 players for the 2009 OFC U20 Tournament.

The panel also considered the availability of players as some of them are either with Kossa or the Bilikiki Beach soccer team.

Meanwhile, provincial based players will be allowed to travel back to their respective provinces for the Christmas festive season and return early next year to start preparing for the Olympic qualifiers in Fiji later in March 2008.

G/Keepers
1 John Morgan West Honiara
2 Henry Padaverana Guadalcanal Hornets
3 Eddie Ramo East Honiara
4 Leoni Lekezoto Central Honiara
5 Shardrack Ramoni Malaita Eagles
6 Charles O Mamali Temotu Arrows

Defenders
1 Hardis Aengari East Honiara
2 Joe Manu East Honiara
3 Eddie Ngaitini East Honiara
4 Stanton Hila Guadalcanal Hornets
5 Arnold Keni Guadalcanal Hornets
6 Vincent Mane Central Shields
7 Nelson Sale Central Honiara
8 Furai Bata CentralHoniara
9 George Kauhiona Central Honiara
10 Silas Samo CentralHoniara
11 Cecil Buru Malaita Eagles
12 Rodney Gigini Isabel Frigates
13 Humphrey Ureimae Our Kakamora
14 Fox Pute Temotu Arrows
15 John Rai Patty Temotu Arrows
16 Richard Lino Arthur Temotu Arrows
17 Francis Saemala Malaita Eagles
18 Thomas Meke Central Honiara
19 Humphrey Wate Western Turtles
20 David Houpere Guadalcanal Hornets

Midfields
1 Rolland Rodi Western Turtles
2 Royal Epa Western Honiara
3 Leslie Haikau Central Shields
4 Charles W Taniro Our Kakamora
5 Richard Mama Our Kakamora
6 Ian Ngahu Our Kakamora
7 Irvin Ngahu Our Kakamora
8 Inny Tolei Our Kakamora
9 Rampton Lohe Our Kakamora
10 John Wayne West Honiara
11 Mahlon Maemania West Honiara
12 Frazer Maebule East Honiara
13 Fulton Temoa East Honiara
14 Billy Olonimae Jr. East Honiara
15 Alick Mamae Central Honiara
16 Mostyn Sanga Central Honiara
17 Abraham Maezama Central Honiara
18 John Anita Central Honiara
19 Barnabas Maesubua Malaita Eagles
20 Sammy Willie Malaita Eagles
21 Augustine Anisi Malaita Eagles
22 Stanley Siapu Isabel Frigates
23 Gerald Boka Isabel Frigates
24 Thompson Lolly Temotu Arrows
25 Lenson Bisili Temotu Arrows
26 James Lapoe Temotu Arrows
27 Franco Ne’e Malaita Eagles
28 Kodokoboe Bengofu Lauru Kuvojo
29 Gibson Hosea Guadalcanal Hornets

Strikers
1 Michael Patiti Guadalcanal Hornets
2 Joachim Waroi Guadalcanal Hornets
3 Philip Ashley West Honiara
4 John Kabuvala Central Shields
5 Nicholas Muri Our Kakamora
6 Silas Salevolomo Lauru Kuvojo
7 Michael Taeman West Honiara
8 Joses Nawo East Honiara
9 Oscar Sara East Honiara
10 Lore Fonaota East Honiara
11 Godwin Bebeu Central Honiara
12 Ezra Sale Central Honiara
13 Andrew Aba East Honiara
14 Kendu Condrington Western Turtles
15 Bently Nalangu Temotu Arrows
16 Joe Luwi Temtou Arrows
17 Lawrence Leua Guadalcanal Hornets
18 Timothy Okapala Western Turtles
19 Nathan Kera Western Turtles
20 Dickson Eke Western Turtles
21 Arthur Bose Lauru Kuvojo
22 Obed Havimana Isabel Frigates
23 Jonathan Maitaki Avaiki Chief
24 Benjamin Totori Waitakere FC
25 Joachim Rade Nelson College
26 Michael Fifi’i Canterbury FC
27 Hickley Rence Western Turtles
28 Richard Anisua Malaita Eagles

The Wellington Futsal Team, Capital Futsal, won the National Selection Tournament held at the ASB Stadium in Auckland, over the weekend of 23rd and 24th of November 2007.

Capital Futsal coach Brian Bellcock said that the standard was far higher than he had anticipated and described the games as fast, with tactics that probed and unleashed furious attacks at goal.

“The competition level was extremely high showing that New Zealand Futsal is alive and well,” said Bellcock.

The championship provided a professionally run competition with around 400 spectators. Former All White Noah Hickey presented the top awards to the Capital Futsal team members. The most valuable player for Capital Futsal was Renan Campoa and Greg O’Connor received the tournaments golden boot award.

New Zealand selectors were in attendance to select New Zealand’s best Futsal players for the National Train–on Squad. This squad will compete in the Oceania Football Confederation’s Futsal World Qualifying Tournament in July 2008. Capital Futsal is currently bidding to host this in Wellington. The winner will then represent Oceania at the Futsal World Cup to be held from October 1 -19 October 2008 in Brazil.

New Zealand Futsal Train on Squad

East City Futsal Indoor Soccer Club, Auckland -Represented at National Tournament as East City Red and East City Blue
Bakr Al Saudi
Elias Billeh (G/K)
Clayton Chappell (G/K)
Matthew Corringham
James Davidson
Marvin Eakins
Luke Field
Andrew Gwilliam
Joshua Martin
James Hart
Gerome Powell
Nathan Robertson
Geoff Vilaborouth

Futsal North Shore, Auckland
Leyvaine Davids (G/K and player)
Ewin Daniels
Michael Hunter
Euken Naidoo

Capital Futsal, Wellington
Jonathan Crook
Lucas Cordeira
Anton de Gregorio
Greg O’Connor
Victor Zaia

Brazilian Futsal - Waikato
Wayne Bates
Edward Trubshoe (G/K)

AS Magenta have maintained their advantage on top of  the Super Ligue by beating FC Gaitcha 5-2.

The result puts an end to Gaitcha’s play-off chances and reinforces Magenta’s domination over the league.

AS Magenta and JS Baco are likely to clinch play-off spots while AS Temala, ACB Poya and AS Thio Sport are all in trouble at the foot of the table.

AUCKLAND - The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has appointed Steven Holloway as Media and Communications Officer. 

The 22-year-old will be responsible for internal and external communication, website and new media communication, and media relations alongside Gordon Glen Watson.
 

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas notes the appointment is part of wider changes to the administration of football media relations in the region.

"The OFC is expanding its media interests into the area of television with the OFC O-League, OFC Nations Cup and OFC U-12 Festival of Football attracting more and more attention from around the world. Steve’s appointment is a reflection of that expansion and we’re delighted to have him on board,” Nicholas said.  

Gordon Glen Watson will work on a pilot television project in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu but remains as OFC’s Head of Media and Communications.

Holloway previously worked as a journalist at the Waikato Times after recently completing his degree in Public Relations and Journalism at Monmouth University, USA. 

Holloway worked as a media consultant for United States Premier Soccer in New Jersey while studying in America.

Holloway played club football in New Zealand for Melville United before heading to America on a four-year soccer scholarship in 2003. In America he was named North East Conference Player of the Year, and was an All American selection in 2006. He has represented New Zealand at secondary schoolboy level in 2001 and 2002 and was an under 14 New Zealand representative. He currently plays for Waikato FC in the New Zealand Football Championship. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me, working in the sport that I love,” said Holloway.“I’m delighted to be involved with football in this region and I’m looking forward to tackling many of the unique challenges the job entails.”  

Holloway has a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Public Relations/Journalism and Minoring in Radio/T.V.

He commenced the role on 26 November 2007. 

BA - They say that there is only one thing which ever person in Ba, be it a player, fan, student or just a citizen of the town, knows and that is football.

This was proven and taken to another level today as Ba town came to a standstill as thousands gathered to celebrate the success of the district side which won 69th Courts Homecentres Inter District Competition last Sunday.

While many around the Oceania region would know what the strength of Ba is, most would be unaware of the huge fan base the side enjoys back at home.

Football is the only sport in which the district excels in and almost everyone spilled onto the streets to share the spoils from the IDC.

The players were the main attractions on the day as everyone tried to catch a glimpse of their heroes.

Fijian internationals Josaia Bukalidi, Malakai Kenihewe, Avinesh Swamy, Shalen Lal, Tuimasi Manuca, Malakai Tiwa and Jone Vesikula received huge cheers.

But this was not to say that young and upcoming layers like Niumaia Tagi, Rinal Prasad, Epeli Codro along with veterans Kiniviliame Naika and Keni Doidoi were not noticed.

To put in simple terms each player was the hero of the day and this is not because they bought the glory to Ba, but because they did against all odds.

With the departure of brothers Osea Vakatalesau and Peni Finau to Youngheart Manuwatu, regular goalkeeper Laisenia Tuba suspended, Robert Wise (broken leg), Roneel Kumar (Waitakere United) and Luke Vidovi (New Zealand), many thought the traditional kings of Fiji football were not strong.

However all critics were made to eat their words as Ba with a mixture of young and old lifted the IDC title for the 22nd time.

Ba mayor Pravin Bala said Ba had shown that it was a true giant of Fiji soccer.

"We have had many which wrote us off but the players did what they are best at and got the title back to Ba," Bala said.

"For that I must congratulate them and tell everyone never to write off Ba."

Each member of the victorious side got $2000 apart from the gifts which the players received.

Apart from the 20 players, who were part of the IDC, the other players who were part of the side during the year will also be given rewards.

Ba president Rishi Kumar said the players were rewarded handsomely as they had done the district proud.

We had each player showered with cash and gifts and we wanted to honor the players who against all odds bought us the glory, Kumar said.

"Many had written Ba off but these players played their hearts out and bought us the glory."

He said the support of the people of Ba had shown that soccer was truly a uniting factor for the people of the town.

"We had so many people come out to see their heroes and we felt proud that we were able to achieve something for them," he said.

Kenihewe said they were proud to have bought the smiles on thousands of faces as the win was for all the people of Ba.

"It is a great moment for Ba," Kenihewe, the younger brother of former Fiji skipper Esala Masi said.

Bukalidi said it was through the almighty that they were able to celebrate the win with their fans.

After a few weeks off, Ba will march back into camp on January 2 to prepare for the O League.

BA DELIGHT: Dignataries beam as Ba celebrate IDC victory parade

TOKYO - Not even the most pessimistic of Pachuca fans can have imagined their team's participation at Japan 2007 would be so brief. Tipped by many pre-tournament to push Boca Juniors hard for a place in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2007, a 1-0 quarter-final reverse at the hands of Etoile Sportive du Sahel leaves the CONCACAF champions preparing for the long journey home

The looks on the faces of the Pachuca players as they left the dressing rooms said it all. Among the most disappointed was the Argentinian Christian Gimenez, who came close to scoring on a couple of occasions. "This really hurts. We prepared superbly for this game and deserved so much more from it. It was all going well until... I don't know what to say, I just feel terrible. We lost but now have to pick ourselves up. I'm proud of my team-mates because they showed self respect and did all they could to win. We just couldn't do it," he told FIFA.com.

For the full story please visit www.FIFA.com 

 

TOKYO - Urawa Red Diamonds booked a semi-final clash against AC Milan with a 3-1 victory over Sepahan on Monday at the Toyota Stadium in Toyota.

The Japanese side were made to work hard for their victory by a Sepahan side determined to get revenge for their recent defeat in the AFC Champions League final.

However, the Reds got their noses in front shortly after the half-hour mark when Takahito Soma's inch-perfect cross found Yuichiro Nagai in the area and the No9 made no mistake from close range.

Shortly after the half-time interval Holger Osieck's charges doubled their advantage when Washington finished coolly from an acute angle after rounding Mohammad Savari in the Sepahan goal.

 

For the full story please visit www.FIFA.com