Premier women’s football is back in the Solomon Islands, cup competitions are underway in Fiji and New Caledonia while New Zealand’s National League make-up has now taken shape – all in this week’s Oceania competitions wrap.
Last weekend marked the beginning of the Solrais Women’s Premier League in the Solomon Islands and it proved to be an exciting round of action at DC Park.
In a battle between two potential title contenders, Koloale FC produced a confident performance to beat RSIPF Royals 4-0. It was however not enough to move top on opening weekend. That place is occupied by Henderson Eels, formerly known as Solright Eels, after their thumping 15-1 victory over Marist FC. Frigates United edged out a five-goal thriller with Ha’aroisa FC winning 3-2, while there were draws in the West Honiara v Haura FC and Geniagu FC v Naha FC fixtures.
In the men’s game, Solomon Warriors remain top of the Telekom S-League after a 2-0 win over Waneagu FC, while Laugu United FC remain in hot pursuit after a 4-1 triumph over Marist.
Henderson Eels welcomed back prodigal son Raphael Lea’i after his potential trial at Turkish club Alanyaspor was nixed by visa issues. The teenage sensation showed exactly why there is European interest in his services, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-2 win.
Defending champions Central Coast FC won their first game back since participating in the OFC Champions League – defeating FC Isabel United 1-0. Southern United FC and Honiara City FC also picked up wins.
In Fiji, Nadi FC will face Rewa FC in the final four of the Battle of the Giants 2022 while Labasa FC will take on Ba FC in the other semi-final fixture after the four clubs advanced from the group stages over the weekend.
Nadi won Group A to advance undefeated while Labasa secured second spot thanks to a win over Suva FC. Ba claimed top spot in Group B, with Rewa in second.
In New Caledonia, the Coupe de Calédonie round of 16 went ahead this weekend with Super Ligue side JS Baco being eliminated by OC Hmeleck Noumea. Current Super Ligue leaders Tiga Sport advanced, 2-1 winners over AS Mont-Dore. AS Kunie, AS Wetr, AS Magenta and AS Lössi are also through to the quarter finals. Hienghène Sport v Qanono Sport was postponed due to a travel issue.
The quarter-final draw is below.
The makeup of the 2022 New Zealand National Leagues is now confirmed after the most recent round of regional fixtures.
For the men, OFC Champions League winners Auckland City FC will be joined by Birkenhead United AFC, Auckland United FC, Melville United AFC, Wellington Phoenix Reserves, Wellington Olympic AFC, Miramar Rangers AFC, Napier City Rovers, Christchurch United FC and Cashmere Technical.
Northern Rovers FC, Eastern Suburbs FC , Western Springs FC, Auckland United, Central Football, Capital Football, Canterbury United Pride and Southern United will contest the New Zealand Women’s National League.