Match Day 9 Preview

New Zealand will open proceedings against Cook Islands before Fiji will play group hosts Samoa. The evening’s final match between New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea will decide who will take the second Group A berth in the semi-finals, to be held in American Samoa.
With New Zealand already having qualified for the semi-finals with a game in hand, their final encounter against Cook Islands appears little more than a formality. On a streak of four straight losses that has seen them concede 21 goals in the process, the Cook Islands sit exactly opposite the Kiwis in the standings. With 23 goals for and just five against, New Zealand’s march to the semis appears to have been relatively easy. But their previous match against New Caledonia, which saw a total of nine goals scored, will have been a draining exercise both physically and mentally.
For their part Cook Islands will be expecting a difficult match but will no doubt put their best foot forward. While the win might be out of their grasp they will be hoping to stem some of the free scoring that New Zealand has been able to master against a number of previous opponents.
Having cleared Cook Islands off the park to secure their first win of the competition, Fiji will be riding high. But you cannot discount Samoa who also proved against Cook Islands that they are a side on the rise. The hosts will regain the services of captain Frank Mariner, who was missed not just for his on-field prowess but his leadership qualities too. There’s little riding on this match but only if you discount national pride. Neither of these teams will be willing to compromise so expect to see an exciting encounter.
The final game will be a big one. After being denied a point against New Zealand, New Caledonia are expected to come out firing in an effort to rectify the injustice. While several niggles have crept in after four high intensity matches, overall the side is fit and in good spirits. For Papua New Guinea, their opponent’s misfortune, is their good luck as they remain in the running for a spot in the semi-finals.
Both teams will be down a squad member with New Caledonia’s Renzo Wejiemie, and Papua New Guinea’s Misty Laksam suspended for the final encounter. But the depth of both teams should see their roles filled by an equally competent teammate.
Papua New Guinea need to win this match to go through, while a draw or a win will send the Caledonians through alongside the Kiwis.
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Extra Information:
OFC U-17 Championship – MATCH DAY 9 PREVIEW

New Zealand v Cook Islands
2.00pm local time, Wednesday 21 January
J.S. Blatter Football Complex
Apia, Samoa
NZLvCOK
Referee: Nelson SOGO [SOL]
Assistant Referee 1: Sione TEU [TGA]
Assistant Referee 2: Douglas METE [SOL]
4th Official: Ichikawa POLOVILI [TGA]
New Zealand
Vital Statistics: New Zealand whacked nine unanswered goals past Cook Islands when these two sides last met in 2013.
The Players: Logan Anderson continues to keep pace with the leading goal scorers in the competition. His eight puts him equal with Vanuatu’s Sylvain Worworbu, with both sitting behind Tahiti’s Michel Maihi.
Coach Quote: “The message has always been to maintain the standards and the level and we’ve got one game left. The message we’ve sent to the boys is to remain undefeated and we will stay focused on that task.”
Squad List: 1. Michael WOUD [GK], 2. Jack-Henry SINCLAIR, 3. Luke JOHNSON, 4. William JONES, 5. Sione FA’APOI, 6. Liam WILLIAMS, 7. Oliver CECI, 8. Sarpreet SINGH, 9. Jack ANDERSON, 10. Logan ROGERSON, 11. Louie MILLS, 12. Reuben CLARK [GK], 13. Sean SKEENS, 14. James McGARRY, 15. Connor PROBERT, 16. Jamie WOODLOCK, 17. Ben KIORE, 18. Daniel LOUGH, 19. Sam WILSON, 20. Ben MATA
Coach: Jose FIGUIERA [ENG]
Cook Islands
Vital Statistics: The Cook Islands are still searching for their first win here in Apia. So far they have conceded 21 goals, while scoring just two of their own.
The Players: Sunai Joseph remains solid in defence while Rouruina Mariri remains one of their best candidates to hit back on the counter-attack.
Coach Quote: “Definitely looking forward to it. Every Pacific Islander cherishes the chance to play New Zealand, they’re the best in Oceania. My message to the boys is simple, look you’ve got one more game to do, forget about everything else and just enjoy our football.”
Squad List: 1. Chrismagne ELIKANA [GK], 2. Melbourne MATAKINO, 3. Rechimaer RAIROA, 5. Rouru RAIROA, 6. Owenne MATAPO, 7. Will NAPA, 8. Varu VARU, 9. Tamaiva MATEARIKI, 10. Sunai JOSEPH, 11. Peter PUREAU, 12. Sam TATUAVA, 13. Kristian YOUNG, 14. Sam KOIATU, 15. Daniel TAOKIA, 16. Michael WOOD, 17. Albert TARU, 18. Maru MIRO, 19/20. Atera MAROROA [GK]
Coach: Delaney YAQONA [FIJ]
Fiji vs. Samoa
4.30pm local time, Wednesday 21 January
J.S. Blatter Football Complex
Apia, Samoa
FIJvSAM
Referee: Robinson BANGA [VAN]
Assistant Referee 1: Hilmon SESE [VAN]
Assistant Referee 2: Mahit CHILIA [VAN]
4th Official: Gerald OIAKA [SOL]
Fiji
Vital Statistics: After a draw and two losses Fiji secured their first win against Cook Islands.
The Players: After struggling to find his feet, Simeli Batiratu appears to have recovered his ability to find the back of the net, with a hat-trick against Cook Islands.
Coach Quote: “I think we will have to play possession football against Samoa because they are very big guys and take a lot of time to turn.”
Squad List: 1. Biuvanua JOELA [GK], 2. Manumanubai ARAMI, 3. Shalit REDDY, 4. Mkeimi RALULU, 5. Shoel KHAN, 6. Adeel ALI, 7. Fazeem KHAN, 8. Shamron PRASAD, 9. Patrick JOSEPH, 10. Kartik KUMAR, 11. Simeli BATIRATU, 12. Amena BOLAITAMANA, 13. Alvish NAIDU, 14. Afraz ALI, 15. France CATAROGO, 16. Lino ROSERU, 17. Timoci DOVI, 18. Savneel DEO, 19. Rusiate QIO, 20. Waisake RAVUIWASA [GK]
Co-Coaches: Yogendra DUTT [FIJ] and Kamal SWAMY [FIJ]
Samoa
Vital Statistics: Samoa has scored six goals in this competition, just like their opponent Fiji.
The Players: Bronson Lotu-i’iga was again strong in defence making big tackles and saving off the line as his keeper repeatedly left the goal wide open. Captain Frank Mariner will be back in action and is sure to bring a calming influence to the midfield.
Coach Quote: “As I’ve said before, all games we treat like a final. Our game we can beat Fiji we just have to play a tough game and provide some entertainment for the crowd.”
Squad List: 1. Taase HUNT [GK], 2. Tauati TANOAI, 3. Peter HUNT, 4. Bronson LOTU-I’IGA, 5. Lafoga LAFOGA PUPULA, 6. Poasa EPA, 7. Seli FUIMAONO, 8. Samuelu MALO, 9. Willie SAUILUMA, 10. Frank MARINER, 11. David WENSLEY, 12. Vaa TAUALAI, 13. Mose SOFALA, 14. Timote HALAHINGANO, 15. Osa SAVELIO, 16. Iosefo TOMA, 17. Henry SMITH, 18. Slade OMERI, 19. Felix-Dominique IULIO, 20. Maaushammah TAUASA, 21. Salvation SATUALA, 22. Tusitala VITO [GK]
Coach: Desmond FAAI’UASO [SAM]
Papua New Guinea vs. New Caledonia
7.00pm local time, Wednesday 21 January
J.S. Blatter Football Complex
Apia, Samoa
PNGvNCL
Referee: Kader ZITOUNI [TAH]
Assistant Referee 1: Ravinesh KUMAR [FIJ]
Assistant Referee 2: Lemusa ALATASI [ASA]
Fourth Official: Ichikawa POLOVILI [TGA]
Papua New Guinea
Vital Statistics: In the last four editions of this competition, these two sides have met
just once in 2013. Papua New Guinea lost 1-0 on that occasion.
The Players: The same men were once again controlling the field for Papua New Guinea with Kenneth Pilailo in charge at the back, while Cleave Roy and Oswald Bade took up their front man duties with aplomb. Super sub Freddy Tupani made a difference when he came on.
Assistant Coach Quote: “Of course we have to win this game at all costs to make it into the finals so definitely we have everything we need to win the game. We know they are good ball players, they play similar to Papua New Guinea. We know their strengths and we know their weaknesses and we will try to capitalise on that and eventually come out winners.”
Squad List: 1. Kusuga KOMOLONG [GK], 2. Nickson PURARI, 3. Robin LIVAI, 4. Kenneth PILAILO, 5. Jacob AKUS, 6. Bruno KELENA, 7. Oswald BADE, 8. Gregory TOGUBAI, 9. Roy CLEAVE, 10. Brendon KAMBUAL, 11. Gary POKAS, 12. Clive SAMLAL, 13. Tanaka SIGAMATA, 14. Freddy TUPANI, 15. Stahl GUBAG, 16. Misty JULIAN, 17. Larsen PASUM, 18. Sylvester AGAT, 19. Martin TOKWAKWASI, 20. Jerry SERIBA [GK]
Coach: Harrison KAMAKE [PNG]
New Caledonia
Vital Statistics: Having never scored against New Zealand at this level New Caledonia broke that drought putting four goals past them on Monday. They have now scored 20 goals here in Apia, to Papua New Guinea’s eight.

The Players: Up front Henri Boucheron and Joris Kenon remain key players for their ability to create and finish, sometimes from nothing. Sam Sinedo and Jimmy Guseal are the stabilising factors in the defence.
Coach Quote: “We will prepare as we have prepared for all our matches here. We will be serious with our rest and recovery as we want to be as ready as possible for this match in order to qualify.”
Squad List: 1. Jacques WAZIZ (GK), 2. Lucas BITAUD, 3. Jean-Marc KAUDRE, 4. Jimmy GUSEAL, 5. Sam SINEDO, 6. Renzo WEJIEME, 7. Marino AKAPO, 8. Joseph HNAGONE, 9. Henri BOUCHERON, 10. Joris KENON, 11. Armand HARPER, 12. Valerian MICHALAK, 13. Takiave TEIHOTAATA, 14. Maxime BETOULLE, 15. Brandon STREETER, 16. Nelson KAI, 17. Ernest AKON, 18. Etienne POANOUI, 19. Nelson KAKUE, 20. Patrick NYIKEINE [GK]
Coach: Kamali FITIALEATA [NCL]