OFC News

AS Mont Dore has revived the Super Ligue’s playoff title race with an upset 1-0 win over AS Magenta at Stade Numa Daly on Saturday.

AS Magenta were hoping to be crowned champions with a win but instead suffered their first defeat of the playoffs at the hands of a very motivated Mont Dore side

A goal from Mont Dore striker Ramon Djamali was enough to earn his side the win and close the gap on the playoff leaders to three points.

AS Kirikitr took advantage of AS Magentas loss by beating JS Baco 3-2 in a tense match to remain in the title race.

George Gope Fenepej fired Kirikitr into the lead with two fine strikes in the first half before Pat Wajoka made it 3-0 just before half time.

The game looked over but JS Baco came out firing in the second half to reignite the action.

Enrick Poadjare climbed highest from a corner to fire a header into the top corner in the 53rd minute before Stefan My converted an 85th minute penalty to send a scare through the Baco camp.

But they managed to hold on and now sit 5 points behind Playoff leaders AS Magenta

The loss for Baco was their fifth in a row in play off matches and they now sit firmly entrenched at the bottom of the table.

AS MONT-DORE 1 - AS MAGENTA 0 

Referee : Laurent Quéré

Goals : Djamali (57e)

AS Mont-Dore - Cautions : Mapou (69e), Kabeu 89e)

AS MONT-DORE : Nonmeu - L. Wakanumuné (Caba 52e), J-P Wakanumuné, Wadrenges (cap.), Wédé - Pelletier (Kabeu 76e), Haeweng, Harper, Mapou, Diaiké - Djamali. Entraîneur : Charles Teamboueon

AS MAGENTA : Hné - E. Kaudré (Kaqéa 46e), E. Ouka, B. Longue, S. Longue - Wéa, N. Kaudré, M. Bako, Wacapo (Bowen 59e) - Pie. Wajoka (cap.), M. Hmaé (Tidjine 68e). Entraîneur : Jean-Jacques  Garcia.

AS KIRIKITR 3 - JS BACO 2 
 
Referee : Martial Ducoin

AS Kirikitr goals : G. Gope-Fenepej (27e, 41e), Pat. Wajoka (42e s.p.)

JS Baco : Poadjaré (53e), My (85e s.p.)

JS Baco cautions: D. Wayaridri (39e), M. Wayaridri (42e), My (76e)

AS KIRIKITR : A. Ione - Ixoée, Kofi, Midraïa, Viliamo-Passa - Hapélama (cap.), Goïce (Laen 90e), G. Gope-Fenepej, Pat. Wajoka, - F. Ioné (Midraïa, 79e), Ilengo (Read 64e). Entraîneur : Jules Hméun

JS BACO : M. Wayaridri - Villepreux, D. Wayaridri, Pourouda (F. Tiaouniane 71e), Tarawie - Moagou (Pawawi 85e), Tagawa (cap.), Wabéalo, Drawilo, Poadjaré - My (J-P Tiaouniane 88e). Entraîneur : Raymond Wayaridri.

Super Ligue Play-off 2007-2008

	Nom de l’equipe	Points	Joue	Gagne	Nul	Perdu	Buts Pour	Buts Contre	GD
1	AS Magenta	14	4	3	1	0	15	3	12
2	AS Mont Dore	11	4	2	1	1	7	7	0
3	AS Kirikitr	9	4	1	2	1	8	6	2
4	JS Baco	4	4	0	0	4	0	14	-14

Super Ligue Play-Downs 2007-2008

	Nom de l’equipe	Points	Joue	Gagne	Nul	Perdu	Buts Pour	Buts Contre	GD
1	AS Lossi	24	2	1	0	1	3	3	0
2	AS Temala	13	2	0	1	1	4	5	-1
3	AS Thio Sport	11	1	1	0	0	3	2	1
4	ACB Poya	10	2	1	1	0	5	4	1
5	FC Gaitcha	1	1	0	0	1	1	2	-1

HONIARA - Makuru FC got off to an impressive start in the DJ League's Top 8 opening match by beating Marist 2-1 at Lawson Tama Stadium last night.

But their win came at a price as influential defender Nelson Sale saw red and was sent for an early shower and faces suspension and mandatory fine for the his offense.

Makuru started the match confidently and established their dominance over Marist early on.

John Anite gave Makuru an early lead for after he latched onto a through ball before clinically dispatching past the Marist keeper in the first half.

Marist bounced back when national Under 23 rep Joachim Waroi rounded the keeper before releasing the ball to John Wayne who bundled it into the net to level the scores.

But the current Honiara Football Association champions kept up the pressure and pounded Marist's goalmouth only to be denied by some brilliant reflex saves from national goalkeeper Fred Hale who marked his return to outdoor soccer by appearing for his former club.

Alick Maemae put Makuru back in front before the break, finishing off some impressive build up  play with a well placed finish.

Makuru had the better of the goal scoring opportunities in the second half with Batram Suri, Ezra Sale and George Abba all going close.

But the score line stood and Makuru Coach Silas Milikada was delighted with his teams start to the Top 8 competition.

Sale received his red card for intentionally crashing into a Marist player in the second half of their match.

Confirming Sale's suspension, chairman of the Honiara Football Association Normalisation Committee overseeing the eight-club competition Aloysio Ma'ahanoa said a $200 fee is also imposed beside his two match suspension.

"He will miss two crucial matches and will only be allowed to take the field if the fine is paid in full," the committee said.

Sale's suspension sends a clear warning to all participating clubs that any player who receives a red card will be suspended and a fine imposed on him.

Meanwhile, Koloale and Uncles FC will meet in fiery encounter this afternoon when they meet in their opening league match.

Koloale would be looking to striker Oscar Sara, to provide the goals upfront while Uncles will be relying on Junior Billy (Kidstone's young brother) to win them the match.

Stakes will be high with both teams aware that a loss will hinder their progress through to the semi finals.
 

Waitakere United striker Roy Krishna will spend two weeks training with the Wellington Phoenix from Monday May 5; it was announced today in a joint statement by both clubs.

Waitakere United Chairman Rex Dawkins is delighted that a young player of such promise is being given the opportunity by the Phoenix to work with Coach Ricki Herbert and experience life as a fulltime professional in an environment such as the Phoenix can offer.

“Roy is a player of prodigious talent and one we are pleased to have on our books at Waitakere United. It is clear however that he is destined for higher honours and bigger stage in the long term. Our discussions with Ricki and the Phoenix were general in the sense of providing opportunities for promising young players but quickly focused on just that sort of chance for Roy. They are our professional outlet in New Zealand and if we are to promote young players out of the NZFC we must forge strong relationships with them.”

Herbert is looking forward to hosting Krishna in the first of what could be regular opportunities for players in the NZFC.

“As a club we are aware of our responsibilities to the local game and to young players at NZFC clubs. Some may see us as a stepping stone to Europe or bigger leagues, others will see us as the pinnacle and an opportunity to earn a living as a full time player. Either way we have a role to play in the development of football in New Zealand and the region of Oceania.

“We are of course focused on winning and consequently will only look at players who we believe have a shot at a future as a fulltime professional, in this case that player happens to be a young Fijian with great potential, we are happy to work closely with Waitakere United in developing a player of some talent. Obviously I would hope that New Zealand players of similar promise emerge from throughout the country to one day receive the same opportunity.”

Herbert has moved however to immediately quash rumours that Krishna will sign for the Phoenix for the upcoming Hyundai A-League season.

“Roy is not a possible signing for this season, he will merely spend time with us in a professional environment to learn and develop. It will also give me the chance to see him first hand, maybe with an eye to future seasons but not this year. Roy will return and play for Waitakere United in the 2008/09 NZFC.”

Krishna is seen as the best talent to come out of Fiji and indeed Oceania in some years. He was first spotted by well known coach and Oceania football identity Carlos Buzzetti playing in his local village of Labasa on an outlying Fijian island away from the mainland.

Since he has gone on to star for the Fiji U20 side and finish the Oceania World Cup qualifying tournament at Trusts Stadium in 2007 as leading scorer. At age 20 he has already appeared for the Fijian national team and appeals as a long term prospect to play in Europe.

For now though the quietly spoken brilliantly quick striker will enjoy two weeks working with the Phoenix and experiencing life as a professional footballer. He will then return to play out the winter season with Waitakere City before turning out in the next NZFC season for Waitakere United. He is ineligible for Waitakere United’s current O-League campaign, having been signed outside the transfer window for that tournament.

Fiji senior team coach Buzzetti is thinks the world of Krishna's abilities, as indicated by these comments in an article on FIFA.com last year.

"I have no doubt he can play in Europe," the boss remarked. "He has the right attitude and all the ability. He is small in stature but he is very strong and when he gets hit, he pops straight back up. I think he would be suited to a continental style such as Spain or Italy.

"In South America, Krishna would be in big demand," the Uruguayan boss added.

For now Krishna has high expectations with Waitakere United in the next NZFC but for the next two weeks anyway, he will be a keen devotee of the Wellington Phoenix.

Story courtesy of NZF Media. For more visit www.nzfc.co.nz

HONIARA – Twenty thousand fans packed into Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara today to see Solomon Islands champions Kossa FC upset Waitakere United in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) O-League First Leg Final.

Joe Luwi and James Naka were the heroes for the home side as their goals propelled Kossa to a 3-1 win and puts a trip to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup in December firmly in their sights.

Centre back Jonathon Perry scored the only goal for the visitors in very hot and humid conditions and will provide some comfort for the Waitakere party, knowing now that a 2-0 win in the return leg in Auckland on May 11th will see them regain their crown as OFC O-League champions.

Kossa drew energy from the loud vivacious Honiara support and took the game to Waitakere with Reginald Davani and James Naka causing problems early on.

Waitakere looked like they were struggling with the heat and were made to pay in the 21st minute when James Naka found some space outside the Waitakere box and fired a 30 yard missile into the underside of the crossbar. Joe Luwi was the quickest player to react and swiftly tucked the rebound home to give the hosts the perfects start.

The visitors struggled to get out of first gear for much of the half and but for a few dazzling runs by Solomon Island star Benjamin Totori, failed to trouble the Kossa defense.

It was Joe Luwi who struck again for Kossa in the 42nd minute and again it was his predatory instincts that made the goal. Davani’s left footed shot was spilled by Richard Gillespie and Luwi was there to tuck it home in clinical fashion.

Waitakere obviously benefitted from a much needed water break at halftime and came out the more invigorated side in the second half.

Jonathan Perry rose highest from a Neil Sykes corner in the 48th minute to pull one back for Waitakere and it looked like the halftime water had woken them from their daze.

But the relentless attack we have come to expect from Waitakere never came and Kossa slowly started to gain the edge back.

As the heat began to take its toll the speed of the game slowed and it looked like Waitakere’s best chances would come from set plays. Neil Emblen went close when he arrived unannounced at the far post from a free kick only to square his header across the six yard box to a spot where a striker should have been.

Kossa gained in confidence as the half wore on and Naka was instrumental in all their attacking play. He let fly with a series of long range efforts which whistled just wide of the Waitakere post.

Kossa grabbed a crucial third goal in the 89th minute when Naka jinxed his way through the Waitakere box before deftly clipping the ball over the on rushing Gillespie to produce screams of joy from the local faithful.

After the final whistle Waitakere Coach Chris Milicich acknowledged that heat had played a major factor in the match and was confident his side could turn the final around in the second leg.

“We’ll go back home and win 2-0, end of story. Kossa played well today and managed the heat well but now they have to come down to our place and play and it will be a completely different proposition down there.

“I thought it was our flattest performance in 28 games this year, we’ve never conceded 3 goals all year and it was just very sloppy. No one stood out for us everyone was poor.”

Kossa playmaker Naka was filled with emotion after the game and was enjoying the moment.

“I am very excited at this moment. We all knew that Waitakere are very experienced and it is a great result for us. When we went 2-0 up I was so happy and the thought went through my mind for the first time that we could be representing Oceania.”

Davani was also excited by the result but vary wary that the side still has a long way to go before they are crowned champions.

“It’s not over, its only one game. We’re just halfway there.  They are a very good side, they are going to be playing at home and it will be a lot harder. But I am still very happy.”

Squads:

Kossa:; 4. Tome FAISI; 5. Samson TAKAYAMA; 6. Mahlon MAEMANIA;; 10. Francis NEE; 11. Joe LUWI; 13. James NAKA; 15.Seni NGAVA; 16. Paul WALE (20. Willie SADE 89’);   17. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 19. Reginald DAVANI; 21. Severino AEFI;

Subs: 1. John MORGAN; 3. Sam MAENA; 8. Philip ASHLEY; 9. Samson WAAHERO; 12. Roy ENORI; 14. Terry Oiaka;

Coach: Jacob MOLI (SOL)

Cautions: 19. Reginald Davani 47’;

Red Cards: none

Waitakere: 1. Richard Gillispie; 2. Jonathan PERRY; 6. Darren BAZELY;; 8. Commins MENAPI (14. Hoani EDWARDS 78’); 9. Benjamin TOTORI; 10. Allen PEARCE (21. Graham PEARCE 87’); 11. Neil SYKES; 13. Danijel KOPRIVCIC (7. Jason HAYNE 43’); 15. Christopher BALE; 16. Neil EMBLEN; 17. Jake BUTLER;

Subs: 5. Danny HAY; 20. Jason ROWLEY; 22. Simon EADDY;

Coach: Chris Milicich (NZL)

Cautions: 7. Jason Hayne 47’; 8. Commins Menapi 77’; 14. Hoani Edwards 77’;

Red Cards: none

Referee: Rakesh VARMAN (FIJ)

Assistant Referee 1: Andrew ACHARI

Assistant Referee 2: Mahit CHILIA (VAN)

Fourth Official: Lencie FRED (VAN)

HONIARA - Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Media and Communications proudly brings you photographs from the OFC O-League Final 1st Leg from Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands.

OFC will try to bring you as many photographs from the match as possible.

Check www.oceaniafootball.com for all your OFC O-League news and photo gallery updates

THE BIG KICK-OFF: The scoreboard at Lawson Tama Stadium 2 hours before kick-off

SMILING SOLOMONS: Three mates catch up with the latest team news from the match day programme

SECURITY OUT IN FORCE: Solomon Islands Royal Police Force watch on as fans arrive

GAZEBO PACKED: Fans set up near the refreshment tents three hours prior to kick-off

KOSSA KIDS: A group of young Kossa fans behind the mesh netting of the main stand

KOSSA KIDS TOO: A pair of Kossa fans clutching match day programmes choose the best seats in the house

OFC O-LEAGUE: The flags set the context at Lawson Tama Stadium

SOLOMON ISLANDS FOOTBALL FEDERATION (SIFF): Media Officer Francis Pituvaka, President Martin Alufurai and General Secretary Eddie Ngava (far right)

A FAMILY DAY OUT: Grandmother and granddaughter at the main stand with some sun protection

WAITAKERE FLY THE KIWI FLAG: The New Zealand flag flutters in the foreground high above Lawson Tama Stadium

HONIARA - Joe Luwi and James Naka are the toast of the town after their goals helped Kossa FC to a 3-1 win over Waitakere United in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) O-League Final 1st Leg.

Jonathon Perry pulled one back for the reigning OFC O-League and New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC) title holders but it wasn't enough to stop the Jacob Moli-coached club from taking the honours in front of 20,000 fans at a packed Lawson Tama Stadium.

Moli told the media that any thought of winning the OFC O-League and qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup - Japan 2008 is premature given the match was only at the halfway stage.  

 Boats carrying fans from Auki, the Western province, Makira are en route to Honiara as the nation's capital comes to a standstill for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) O-League Final 1st Leg between Kossa FC and Waitakere United.

Tickets have been on sale in Honiara all week with crowds already gathered outside Lawson Tama Stadium searching for tickets, programmes and a sight of their heroes some three hours ahead of the big kick-off.

All eyes will be on Waitakere United and Solomon Islands internationals Benjamin Totori and Commins Menapi with a core of support expected to follow the Chris Milicich-coached Kiwi champions.

The majority of the crowd is expected to be following the home side but local rivalries will ensure a small but vocal minority will be cheering on the visitors.

Kossa FC enjoyed crowds of 12,000 and 13,000 for its Group B matches against Tafea FC and Ba and just over 102 Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officers, a 30-strong rapid response unit and private security officials as well as RAMSI personnel are in place to ensure this match goes off without a hitch.

TELEVISION

Solomon Islands One News Limited will show the match delayed on Sunday 27th April, 2008.

Fiji Television will broadcast the match delayed through its Sky Pacific Network - check your local listings for details.

RADIO

Solomon Islands Broadcast Corporation (SIBC) will provide live radio coverage for Solomon Islands listeners throughout the island archipalego.

Medium Wave 1035 Honiara

Short Wave 5020/9545 Honiara

FM 96.3 Honiara

Medium Wave 945 Gizo

Medium Wave 1386 Lata

INTERNET

www.oceaniafootball.com will provide its usual live text updates - please refresh your browser for updates and remain patient as internet coverage can sometimes drop out in Solomon Islands.

LIVE TEXT UPDATES

KOSSA FC (SOL) vs. WAITAKERE UNITED (NZL)

FIRST HALF

0-Welcome to Lawson Tama stadium where we are all set to go. Estimates of the crowd are around 18,000 with 5,000 still outside. Its an exciting atmosphere and I'm sure their are plenty of nerves on both sides.

1- Kossa make a good start with Reginald Davani earning Kossa a corner after a break forward from James Naka

5- It has been an even start to this one with neither side dominating possesion early on

6- Totori gets on the end of a Darren Bazely cross for Waitakere but his header is straight at the Kossa goalkeeper

8' Joe Luwi fires a shot from long range for Kossa but it drifts wide

11' Kossa have had a few attacks which have not brought Richard Gillispie in the Waitakere goal into action. It looks like the home side is growing in confidence infront of this huge crowd.

14' Electric break from Benjamin Totori for Waitakere see's him breeze past the Kossa defence on the left hand side. His far post cross finds Chris Bale whose shot is easily taken by the Kossa goalkeeper

18' Reg Davani goes down in the box but referee Rakesh Varman waves play on. A close call

21' GOAL - KOSSA 1-0 - Joe Luwi opens the scoring for Kossa after James Naka fired a blistering 20 yard strike off the cross bar and Luwi was there to tap it home. Great goal

27' Joe Luwi runs straight down the middle of the Waitakere defence and fires a hard shot just over the bar. Kossa have made a great start.

34' The speed of the match has slowed down a little now. Kossa will be very happy with the way they have started but can't get complacent with their one goal lead. Waitakere are looking dangerous from set pieces.

37' Innovative play from James Naka outside the waitakere box leads to another chance for Kossa but his shot once again drifts wide. If you give Naka to much space he will punish you. That is the lesson Waitakere are learning.

40' The crowd is brought back to life by another darting run by James Naka. Waitakere have failed to create a good goalscoring chance in the first half.

41' GOAL 2-0 KOSSA - Joe Luwi makes it two after a left footed shot from Reginald Davani is spilled by Richard Gillipsie. Luwi was there to turn it home again. The crowd is going crazy

42' Substitution for Waitakere Jason Hayne replaces Daniel Koprivcic

43' Long shot from Commins Menapi drifts wide. Waitakere are struggling to get in behind this Kossa defence and have resorted to shooting from distance.

45' - Halftime - What a performance from Kossa FC in the first half. They have defended professionally and look very dangerous going forward. The combination of Luwi, Davani and Naka is causing the Waitakere back four all kinds of problems. Chris Milicich will have some strong words to say to his side at halftime who have not looked like the side we have seen dominate the NZFC.

46' Yellow Card to Jason Hayne for Waitakere United for a dangerous challenge.

46' Yellow card to Reginald Davani for Kossa FC apparently for dissent

49' GOAL - Waitakere United 2-1 - A Neil Sykes corner is turned in by Jonathan Perry at the far post. A great leap and a good set piece.

52' Totori goes on a mazy run through the Kossa FC and his shot was blocked by some last ditch Kossa defending. Waitakere look like a different team in this second half.

57' Kossa fans are trying to lift their team with a rousing rendition of "Go Kossa Go". Waitakere have looked dangerous in this second half with Totori and Menapi coming to life

64' Totori goes oh so close to latching onto a Waitakere through ball and Kossa goalkeeper Severino Aefi is able to clear the danger

70' The game has opened up a lot with play now stretching from end to end. There has been a shortage of clear cut chances although Waitakere look closer to adding to the scoring. The crowd is on the edge of their seats, a truly special atmosphere

75' Kossa need to be careful not to get complacent with the score line. Waitakere have begun to open up the Kossa midfield and it seems there are more goals in this one.

77' Kossa switch off from a Waitakere United corner and the ball somehow stays out of the net. These Sykes corners are like running a knife through butter and Kossa need to switch on at set plays.

78' Substitution for Waitakere Hoani Edwards replaces Commins Menapi

79' Hoani Edwards picks up a yellow card with his first contribution to the game

79' Jason Hayne makes a dangerous run into the Kossa box but James Naka makes a crucial tackle to stop his progress

81' James Naka blasts a left footed volley inches wide of Richard Gillespies goal. A close call for Waitakere

81' Ten minutes to go in this one and both sides look likely to snatch another goal, a really exciting game

82' Substitution for Waitakere United Allen Pearce replaced by Graheme Pearce, perhaps a sign that Waitakere are content with the 2-1 score line.

83' James Naka lets fly again from 30 yards and his ambitious shot nearly catches Gillespie out. What a shot!

85' GOAL - KOSSA 3-1 - NAKA MAKES IT 3-1. Naka sends the Kossa fans into a frenzy with a clinical finish for Kossa as he clips the ball over Gillespie to find the back of the net.

90' Full time - Honiara is going crazy. Cars can be heard honking, the crowd can be heard for miles around. James Naka has really stolen the show today.

Waitakere will head home needing to overturn a 3-1 scoreline at Trusts stadium on May 11th. A fantastic day for Kossa FC and Solomon Island football.

Squads:

Kossa:; 4. Tome FAISI; 5. Samson TAKAYAMA; 6. Mahlon MAEMANIA;; 10. Francis NEE; 11. Joe LUWI; 13. James NAKA; 15.Seni NGAVA; 16. Paul WALE; 17. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 19. Reginald DAVANI; 21. Severino AEFI;

Subs: 1. John MORGAN; 3. Sam MAENA; 8. Philip ASHLEY; 9. Samson WAAHERO; 12. Roy ENORI; 14. Terry Oiaka; 20. Willie SADE;

Coach: Jacob MOLI (SOL)

Waitakere: 1. Richard Gillispie; 2. Jonathan PERRY; 6. Darren BAZELY;; 8. Commins MENAPI; 9. Benjamin TOTORI; 10. Allen PEARCE; 11. Neil SYKES; 13. Danijel KOPRIVCIC;; 15. Christopher BALE; 16. Neil EMBLEN; 17. Jake BUTLER;

Subs: 5. Danny HAY; 7. Jason HAYNE; 14. Hoani EDWARDS; 20. Jason ROWLEY; 21. Graham PEARCE; 22. Simon EADDY;

Coach: Chris Milicich (NZL)

Referee: Rakesh VARMAN (FIJ)

Assistant Referee 1: Andrew ACHARI

Assistant Referee 2: Mahit CHILIA (VAN)

Fourth Official: Lencie FRED (VAN)