Group A leaders Auckland City, who have played one extra match, enjoy a five-point cushion over Waitakere while Magenta are unlucky not to have picked up more than two points in the competition after a series of close results including a 2-1 loss to Auckland City at Kiwitea Street in November.
Magenta coach Alain Moizan admits qualifying for the home-and-away final has become more difficult after Auckland’s win against Tahiti’s AS Manu Ura last week.
“Qualification will be hard for us, and even Waitakere, because Auckland are so far ahead on the table,” said Moizan.
“This O-League is a learning experience because we have young players who are still getting used to the high level. But we are confident about tomorrow and look forward to the match.”
Magenta will miss regular striker Paul Poatinda and key defender Noel Kaudre who are ruled out through suspension but with former Ligue 1 defender Benjamin Longue leading the backline and New Caledonia captain Pierre Wajoka marshalling from the midfield, Magenta should prove a strong challenge for Waitakere.
Player-coach Neil Emblen says Waitakere have set high standards for this season and the players will be eager to bounce back from a disappointing 4-3 loss to Team Wellington in the New Zealand Football Championship last weekend.
“Our form on the road hasn’t been the best but we’re unbeaten at home this season so we’re pretty confident,” said Emblen.
“A win tomorrow will keep us within reach and we still have Auckland City to play in the final group match.”
The 2007 and 2008 O-League champions will not be taking Magenta lightly according to Emblen.
“Magenta gave Auckland a scare at Kiwitea Street where they were unlucky not to get a result. With plenty of internationals in the squad we know they’re a skilful side so we will have to be at our best.”
Waitakere defender Jason Rowley will sit out the match having picked up two yellow cards in the competition.
Tomorrow’s clash will complete Match Day 4 before two further rounds determine who advances from Group A and B to the home-and-away final scheduled for April/May. From there, the winner will go on to represent OFC at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Exclusive delayed broadcast of the match between Waitakere United and AS Magetna will be aired in New Zealand on Triangle Television at 10:00pm Saturday 20 February and on Stratos (Freeview Channel 21 and Sky Digital 89) at 12:00pm (midday) on Sunday 21 February.
Team list
Waitakere United: 1. Danny ROBINSON, 3. Aaron SCOTT, 4. Tim MEYERS. 7. Martin BULLOCK, 8. Brent FISHER, 9. Benjamin TOTORI, 10. Allan PEARCE, 11. Neil SYKES. 12. Roy KRISHNA, 13. Dimas DA SILVA, 15. Craig WYLIE, 16. Neil EMBLEN, 17. Jake BUTLER, 18. Zane SOLE, 19. Dakota LUCAS, 20. Ryan DE VRIES, 21. Jack PELTER, 22. Liam LITTLE [GK].
Coach: Neil EMBLEN [ENG]
AS Magenta: Jean Yan DOUNEZECK [GK], 2. Benjamin LONGUE, 6. Jedidja SAIKO, 8. Marius BAKO, 10. Pierre WAJOKA, 13. ROY KAYARA, 14. Joachim WEA, 15. Steeven LONGUE, 17. Andre SINEDO, 21. Robert KAUDRE, 24. Lamo XEWE, 25. Joris GORENDIAWE, 27. Jean-Phillipe SAIKO, 29. Andre NAXUE, 32 Ludovic BOIT.
Coach: Alain MOIZAN [NCL]
Saturday 20 February 2010
Fred Taylor Park
Auckland, New Zealand
Local kick-off: 15H00
Photo: Alain Vartane