OFC News

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)