WAITAKERE RETAIN O-LEAGUE TITLE
Sunday, 11 May 08, 19:44 PM
Waitakere United will once again represent Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan after beating Kossa FC 5-0 in the second leg of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) O-League final today at Trusts Stadium in Henderson.
Waitakere turned around a 3-1 deficit from the first leg in Honiara to win the final 6-3 on aggregate and can now look forward to another lucrative pay day and chance to rub shoulders with the world’s elite.
A powerful shower prior to kick off didn’t deter the 3,000 fans who packed the grandstand at Douglas Field though looked to have an effect on Kossa with players losing their footing on the slippery surface on a number of occasions.
After losing the first leg in Honiara Waitakere knew that a good start was imperative and they got just that when Benjamin Totori fired home a left footed drive into the Kossa net in the 8th minute.
Waitakere dominated the early stages of the match with Jason Hayne, Danijel Koprivcic and Benjamin Totori all testing the Kossa goalkeeper.
But it was the set plays where Waitakere looked the most dangerous and in the 25th minute Chris Bale rewarded a series of dangerous crosses when he got the last touch from a Neil Sykes corner to make it 2-0.
Kossa looked the livelier side at the beginning of the second half and their individual flair was evident even on the wet slippery surface.
They nearly silenced the Auckland faithful in the 68th minute when Paul Wale created some room for himself in the Waitakere box before firing a half volley into the top corner, only for Richard Gillespie to make a great sprawling save and maintain his sides lead on the away goals rule.
Waitakere made it 3-0 from another set play in the 72nd minute when Allen Pearce headed home a Neil Sykes corner. The goal looked to suck some life out of Kossa and they were made to pay again five minutes later when Pearce added his second with a well timed volley.
Jake Butler completed the rout with a low side footed drive from outside the box in the 85th minute and sent the Waitakere players and fans into celebration mode.
Kossa can look back on an inspirational O-League journey which has exceeded expectations and has provided invaluable experience for the many young members of the squad.
Waitakere will be looking forward to Japan in December and Coach Chris Milicich is excited about being able to prepare for another World Club Cup campaign.
“We did what we planned to do,” Milicich said, “our shape, structure and strategy were all designed to put pressure on Kossa across the board and that’s what we did.”
“We knew that if we just played the goals would come. We were always pretty confident we would get two goals, I didn’t think we’d get five.”
“Now our focus turns to Japan and we’re going to turn up and be as well prepared as we can with the best team we can find and try and do the job.”
Kossa coach Jacob Moli was disappointed with the result but proud of his team for the journey they have taken him on.
“We knew they were going to be very dangerous from set pieces and that proved to be a big problem for us.”
“Now we have to re-group and focus on our domestic competition. To our fans I would like to thank you for all your support, it was a great ride for Solomon Island football.”
Extra Information:
WAI: 1. Richard GILLESPIE; 2. Jonathan PERRY; 5. Danny HAY; 7. Jason HAYNE; 9. Benjamin TOTORI; 10. Allen PEARCE; 11.Neil SYKES; 13. Danijel KOPRIVCIC; 15. Christopher BALE; 16. Neil EMBLEN; 17. Jake BUTLER;
COACH: Chris MILICICH (NZL)
SUBS: 6. Darren BAZELEY; 8. Commins MENAPI; 20. Jason ROWLEY; 21. Graham PEARCE; 22. Simon EADDY (RGK); 24. Tim MYERS;
Absent: 14. Hoani Edwards;
Yellow Cards: 5. Danny Hay 21’;
Red Cards: None
Goals: Benjamin Totori 8’; Chris Bale 25’; Allen Pearce 72’, 78’;Jake Butler 85’;
KOSS: 4. Tome FAISI; 5. Samson TAKAYAMA; 6. Mahlon MAEMANIA; 10. Franco NEE; 11. Joe LUWI; 13. James NAKA; 15. Seni NGAVA; 16. Paul WALE; 17. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 19. Reginald DAVANI; 21. Severino AEFI (GK)
COACH: Jacob MOLI (SOL)
SUBS: 3. Sam MAENA; 8. Phillip ASHLEY; 9. Samson WAAHERO; 12. Roy ENORI; 14. Terry OIAKA; 20. Willie SADE;
Yellow Cards: none
Red Cards: none
Referee: Benjamin WILLIAMS (AUS)
Assistant Referee 1: Tevita MAKASINI (TON)
Assistant Referee 2: Michael JOSEPH (VAN)
Fourth Official: Norbert HAUATA (TAH)
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
LIVE UPDATES: WAITAKERE UNITED vs KOSSA FC: Full Time (5-0) (6-3 aggregate)
Sunday, 11 May 08, 13:31 PM
Welcome to Trusts Stadium in Henderson where Waitakere United are set to meet Kossa FC in the 2nd Leg of the OFC O-League Final.
With Kossa holding a 3-1 lead from the first leg, this match is sure to be full of goals and action as both sides fight for the chance to represent OFC at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.
The big pre match news is the inclusion of former All White Danny Hay in the Waitakere United starting eleven.
Hay was expected to miss the match but has been delcared fit after an intense pre match fitness test.
LIVE UPDATES:
5- The match is off to a lively start with Waitakere dominating the early stages
8 - GOAL- 1-0 WAITAKERE - Totori wriggled through the Kossa box, rode a challenge slipped it under the keeper
21- Yellow Card for Waitakere's Danny Hay for a late tackle on Joe Luwi
25 - GOAL 2-0 - Neil Emblen climbs highest from a Neil Sykes corner to head home at the far post
42 - OFC Apologises for the delayed coverage due to technical difficulty. Waitakere are leading the match 2-0 with 3 minutes left in the 2nd half.
43- Waitakere are looking dangerous everytime they go forward, Totori, Pearce and Koprivcic are looking lively.
43' - Kossa are struggling to adapt to the new environment. Their was a short shower prior to kick off and the field has become very slick. Kossa need to keep better possesion of the ball if they are to pose a threat to this Waitakere defence.
45' - Halftime and Kossa will need to regroup and re-think their attact because now the show is on the other foot, and it is the Solomon Island champions who need a goal!
62' Substitution for Waitakere United - Danny Hay replaced by Darren Bazeley
46' - Second Half has kicked off with Kossa looking a lot sharper
48' - Neil Sykes commits a foul just outside the Kossa box on Joe Luwi. Freekick hit by Davani limps tamely toward goal
50' Waitakere have a series of attacks with Jason Hayne, Benjamin Totori and Daniel Koprivcic all going close.
62' Substitution for Waitakere United Darren Bazeley replaces Danny Hay
64' Substitution for Waitakere United as Commins Menapi replaces Benjamin Totori
68' Paul Wale turns in the Waitakere box and fires a great shot which Richard Gillespie tips just over the bar. Kossa's best chance of the game.
72' GOAL - WAITAKERE 3-0 - Allan Pearce rises highest from a Neil Sykes corner to turn in a clever header inside the 6 yard box
74' Substitution for Kossa Paul Wale replaced by Willie Sade
77' - GOAL - Waitakere 4-0 - Allan Pearce gets his second after volleying a Jason Hayne cross into the back of the Kossa net
85 - GOAL - Waitakere 5-0 - Jake Butler makes it five with a measured side footed finish from outside the box into the corner of the net.
89' Substitution - Danijel Koprivcic is replaced by Jason Rowley
90'- Full Time - Waitakere are through to the FIFA Club World Cup with a convincing 5-0 win in slippery conditions.
Squads:
WAI: 1. Richard GILLESPIE; 2. Jonathan PERRY; 5. Danny HAY; 7. Jason HAYNE; 9. Benjamin TOTORI; 10. Allen PEARCE; 11.Neil SYKES; 13. Danijel KOPRIVCIC; 15. Christopher BALE; 16. Neil EMBLEN; 17. Jake BUTLER;
COACH: Chris MILICICH (NZL)
SUBS: 6. Darren BAZELEY; 8. Commins MENAPI; 20. Jason ROWLEY; 21. Graham PEARCE; 22. Simon EADDY (RGK); 24. Tim MYERS;
Absent: 14. Hoani Edwards;
KOSS: 4. Tome FAISI; 5. Samson TAKAYAMA; 6. Mahlon MAEMANIA; 10. Franco NEE; 11. Joe LUWI; 13. James NAKA; 15. Seni NGAVA; 16. Paul WALE; 17. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 19. Reginald DAVANI; 21. Severino AEFI (GK)
COACH: Jacob MOLI;
SUBS: 3. Sam MAENA; 8. Phillip ASHLEY; 9. Samson WAAHERO; 12. Roy ENORI; 14. Terry OIAKA; 20. Willie SADE;
Referee: Benjamin WILLIAMS (AUS)
Assistant Referee 1: Tevita MAKASINI (TON)
Assistant Referee 2: Michael JOSEPH (VAN)
Fourth Official: Norbert HAUATA (TAH)
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
NAKA, LUWI AND PEARCE CHASE TOP SCORER AWARD
Sunday, 11 May 08, 11:24 AM
AUCKLAND - The focus may be on the two teams for today's Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) O-League decider at Trusts Stadium but there will be individual baubles up for grabs as Kossa FC team-mates Joe Luwi and James Naka chase the top goalscorer award - with Waitakere United's Allan Pearce close behind.
Waitakere United's freescoring midfielder Allan Pearce has two goals could leapfrog both Solomon Islanders today - providing he scores a hat-trick; a brace would leave Pearce level on four goals with Naka and Luwi.
The stage is set for Pearce who was the hero for Waitakere United last year when his 55th minute headed goal handed United the OFC O-League title on away goals over Fiji champions Ba.
Pearce was the scourge of Kiwi rivals Auckland City FC scoring in both matches against the Colin Tuaa-coached outfit.
Pearce is something of a big game player in the OFC O-League and could heap misery on the Kossa FC defence if given too much space.
Keryn Jordan of Auckland City FC and Avinesh Suwamy of Ba are both on two goals.
Last season's top scorer in the OFC O-League was Commins Menapi who scored five times on Waitakere United's way to the championship. So far Menapi has been unable to score in this year's edition.
A total of 35 goals have been scored in 13 OFC O-League matches so far this season.
Last season's competition saw 43 goals scored in the 14 matches with Commins Menapi's rivals for the Golden Shoe Award included then Marist FC striker Joe Luwi (3), Auckland City FC duo Grant Young (3) and Paul Urlovic (3), and Waitakere United's Daniel Koprivcic (3).
UNITED WE STAND: Waitakere United's Allan Pearce in the hunt for the OFC O-League golden shoe
GOLDEN SHOE AWARD - OFC O-LEAGUE 2008
|
NAT |
NAME |
GOALS |
CLUB |
|
SOL |
James NAKA |
4 |
Kossa FC |
|
SOL |
Joe LUWI |
4 |
Kossa FC |
|
SAF |
Keryn JORDAN |
2 |
Auckland City FC |
|
FIJ |
Avinesh SUWAMY |
2 |
Ba |
|
NZL |
Allan PEARCE |
2 |
Waitakere United |
|
TAH |
Billy MATAITAI |
1 |
AS Manu Ura |
|
TAH |
Hiashi KAKE |
1 |
AS Manu Ura |
|
NZL |
Jeff CAMPBELL |
1 |
Auckland City FC |
|
NZL |
Chad COOMBES |
1 |
Auckland City FC |
|
KOR |
Ki-Hyung LEE |
1 |
Auckland City FC |
|
SOL |
George SURI |
1 |
Auckland City FC |
|
NZL |
Paul URLOVIC |
1 |
Auckland City FC |
|
SAF |
Grant YOUNG |
1 |
Auckland City FC |
|
FIJ |
Josaia BUKALIDI |
1 |
Ba |
|
FIJ |
Shalen LAL |
1 |
Ba |
|
PNG |
Reginald DAVANI |
1 |
Kossa FC |
|
SOL |
Paul WALE |
1 |
Kossa FC |
|
VAN |
Jean NAPRAPOL |
1 |
Tafea FC |
|
VAN |
Samson OBED |
1 |
Tafea FC |
|
VAN |
Alphonse QORIG |
1 |
Tafea FC |
|
VAN |
Francois SAKAMA |
1 |
Tafea FC |
|
WAL |
Chris BALE |
1 |
Waitakere United |
|
ENG |
Neil EMBLEN |
1 |
Waitakere United |
|
NZL |
Jonathon PERRY |
1 |
Waitakere United |
|
SOL |
Benjamin TOTORI |
1 |
Waitakere United |
|
|
Own Goal |
1 |
|
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
HAY TO MAKE SURPRISE RETURN
Sunday, 11 May 08, 11:04 AM
AUCKLAND - Waitakere United's Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) O-League hopes could receive a massive boost today if former New Zealand international defender Danny Hay passes a late fitness test.
The Herald on Sunday reports that Hay will be given as long as he wants to prove his fitness ahead of the 14H05 kick-off time at Trusts Stadium as Waitakere bid to overturn a 1-3 deficit from its first leg brush with Kossa FC at Lawson Tama Stadium two weeks ago.
Hay injured his ankle in the New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC) Grand Final against Team Wellington but travelled to Honiara for the OFC O-League Final 1st Leg despite not playing.
Hay is seen as an integral part of Waitakere United's defence of the Oceania club title and could undergo a cortisone injection to help him through today's match.
Kossa FC assistant coach Willie Lai said his team was optimistic ahead of the match and paid a big compliment to ground staff at Trusts Stadium yesterday after the team had a walk over the playing surface.
"The pitch is in great condition, I'm very impressed. I think the team will be satisfied with the playing surface the way it is and it will be a good game," Lai told www.oceaniafootball.com
Kossa FC's last match - a Super 8 clash with struggling club Walas FC - ended in a 4-2 victory.
Any concerns about Kossa's ability to defend were quickly countered by Lai who said that the three goals scored in the first leg would prove handy.
"I am confident we are capable of scoring one goal today. If we can then this match will change."
Waitakere United's build-up to today's game saw the Chris Milicich-coached O-League champions defeat United Soccer 1 Premiership club Hibiscus Coast 7-0 last weekend.
If Danny Hay can make a surprise return to lead Waitakere United the West Auckland club has every chance of overturning the fixture with Hay and Neil Emblen likely to cause Kossa FC goalkeeper Severino Aefi all sorts of pressure in the six yard box.
Aefi was all at sea during set-plays in Honiara but Waitakere United failed to deliver quality ball into the penalty area and - despite getting physically close to the diminiutive custodian - didn't provide any robust challenges to test the former international's mettle.
That is likely to change today with Waitakere United sure to ask searching questions of a Kossa FC back four that can boast only one player with proven aerial prowess - Samson Takayama.
One area of vulnerability for the host club could ironically be Hay himself; James Naka, Paul Wale, Joe Luwi and Reginald Davani possess enough skill to test the former All White although his vast experience of professional football will give that quartet its own problems.
Jonathan Perry is the only player from the Honiara leg in a white shirt that played anywhere near his potential and Waitakere United will again look to the former Football Kingz defender for a repeat performance.
Perry scored Waitakere's crucial away goal after 49 minutes - and away goal that could prove as crucial as Commins Menapi's strike during United's 2-1 first leg defeat against Fijian club champions Ba at Govind Park, Ba, in 2007.
Waitakere survived a torrid opening 30 minutes in the first leg to prevail 1-0 and clinch a berth at the FIFA Club World Cup - Japan 2007 by virtue of the away goals rule.
The match will screen live in American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands with the match being screened delayed in Vanuatu on VBTC.
Live radio coverage is available from Radio Sport and Solomon Islands Broadcast Corporation.
Check www.oceaniafootball.com main page for more details.
OFC O-LEAGUE FINAL 2nd LEG
WAITAKERE UNITED (NZL) vs. KOSSA FC (SOL)
DOUGLAS FIELD
TRUSTS STADIUM
HENDERSON
KICK-OFF: 14H05 (NZLT)/13H05 (SOLT)
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
KOSSA PLAN TO ATTACK
Friday, 09 May 08, 17:03 PM
Kossa FC’s historical 3-1 win over Waitakere United at Lawson Tama Stadium a fortnight ago saw the Jacob Moli-coached team become the first club from that country to defeat a New Zealand side since the formalisation of football in Solomon Islands in 1979.
With an appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan now only 90 minutes away Kossa are on the verge of arguably the greatest achievement in Solomon Island sport history.
After a delayed flight out of Honiara made the Jacob Moli coached side miss their connecting flight in Fiji, the side had to spend an unplanned night stop over in Nandi.
But they have since touched down in New Zealand and Kossa liason manager Terry Van Dillen said the side has settled in well.
“The guys are feeling comfortable and they’re happy about the temperature not being too cold. The guys went shopping today in Manakau and some of the team were wearing jandles.”
Kossa have had two training sessions at Centre park in Mangere and Van Dillen said the side is looking sharp.
“We’ve had two training sessions so far and have one planned for tomorrow morning. The training has gone well and the team is quietly confident.”
“The guys are very aware that they have beaten this team (Waitakere) before and believe they can do it again. We are injury free and ready to go.”
Van Dillen dismissed any suggestion of sitting on their two goal buffer and trying to hold on in Sundays match.
“We are the sort of team that loves going forward and scoring goals. We will be out to do that on Sunday. The gameplan is no different to the game in Honiara. There is no defensive game plan it is all about getting forward.”
The Kossa squad is one full of experience with six Solomon Island Internationals (John Morgan, Samson Takayama, James Naka, Terry Oiaka, Gideon Omokirio, Severino Aefi) and one from PNG (Reginald Davani).
KOSSA FC 2007/08 OFC O-LEAGUE
vs. Tafea (A) drew 1-1 James Naka
vs. Ba (A) won 4-2 Joe Luwi, James Naka, Reg Davani, Paul Wale
vs. Tafea (H) drew 1-1 Joe Luwi
vs. Ba (H) won 2-0 James Naka, own goal
vs. Waitakere United (H) won 3-1 James Naka, Joe Luwi 2
GOALSCORERS
Joe Luwi 4
James Naka 4
Reg Davani 1
Paul Wale 1
Own goal 1
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
O-LEAGUE FINAL ON LIVE TV IN NZ, FIJI AND SOLOMON ISLANDS
Friday, 09 May 08, 16:20 PM
The 2008 O-League Final [2nd Leg] will be broadcast live on radio and the internet and will be shown on live TV in New Zealand, Fiji and the Solomon Islands with delayed coverage in PNG. See below for more information.
MEDIA:
Television
NEW ZEALAND - Sky Sports (NZL viewers only) – Sky Sports 1 will broadcast live coverage of the match from 14H00. Kick-off is at 14H05
SOLOMON ISLANDS - Match Shown live on One News Television: Kick off 13H00 (SOLT)
FIJI - Fiji TV’s Sky Pacific network will broadcast the following*:
Date Start Time Match Duration Type of coverage Service Channel
11-May-08 14:00 FJT Waitakere vs. Kossa FC 2 Hours Live Sky Pacific CH11 Bollywood Xtra
14-May-08 10:30 FJT Waitakere vs. Kossa FC 2 Hours Repeat Sky Pacific CH10 Super Channel
14-May-08 17:00 FJT Waitakere vs. Kossa FC 2 Hours Repeat Sky Pacific CH10 Super Channel
14-May-08 20:15 FJT Waitakere vs. Kossa FC 2 Hours Delayed Sky Fiji CH2 Sky Plus
*Broadcast available on Sky Pacific platform in Cook Islands, Niue, Solomon Islands
PAPUA NEW GUINEA -EMTV will broadcast the following:
Date Start Time Match Duration Type of coverage Channel
11-May-08 14:00 PNG Waitakere vs. Kossa FC 2 Hours Delayed EMTV
Radio:
Radio Sport (NZL) will be providing live commentary of the match starting from 14H00 (NZT)/ 13H00 (SOLT)
To listen live online, visit www.radiosport.co.nz and click the ‘Listen live’ link on the homepage.
Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) will be providing live commentary of the match starting from 13H00 (NZT) /12H00 (SOLT)
Radio Sport frequencies:
Auckland: 1332 AM
Dunedin 693 AM
Christchurch 1503 AM
Hamilton 792 AM
Wellington 1503 AM
Check website for more local listings
Internet
OFC will provide live text updates online at www.oceaniafootball.com
Like this blog? Help spread the word: