Pisano: The first 25 minutes are crucial

It’s an approach Vanuatu took to secure a 1-0 victory over New Caledonia, and it’s an approach they will once again employ in this afternoon’s encounter against Solomon Islands.Pisano has laid his cards on the table when revealing his side’s plan going into another important showdown.“I think the first 25 minutes is the crucial part…

The draw halted a run of seven straight defeats for the American Samoans dating back to 15 August 1998 and is their first ever point at this level.Their last meeting with Papua New Guinea resulted in a 5-1 thrashing. American Samoa coach Rupeni Luvu downplayed the result and performance.“We came here looking for the win…

oceaniafootball.com is pleased to be bringing you live updates of the match, please refresh your browser for the latest action.Download match summary here. Watch the replay via our YouTube account here. Starting lineups:American Samoa: 1. Fred MAIAVA [GK], 2. Johnny SIONE, 3. Neemia KALEOPA, 4. Paul COLLINS, 5. Paia IPINIU, 6. Sam KOME, 7. Rueben…

Papua New Guinea recorded an upset 2-0 victory over pre-tournament favourites Solomon Islands on the opening day and will now faceAmerican Samoa in their second match on Sunday.A positive result would no doubt be a major boost towards their OFC U-20 campaign but Davani adds that American Samoa having tasted defeat at the hands of…

Suri is a bona fide football legend in Solomon Islands scoring two goals in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Australia, winning league titles at home and abroad in a career that spanned just over two decades. “When Batram was playing I looked up to him and what he did. He was a very good…

Beaten in their opening match 1-0 by Vanuatu, New Caledonia must now win its next game with Fiji or face the prospect of missing out on the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand next year.But Fiji coach Ravinesh Kumar remains extremely wary of a New Caledonia targeting victory to stay in contention for the…

“My favourites players are Messi, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho and the two best teams I like are Barcelona and Real Madrid,” he says. It’s perhaps no surprise Rocha chooses three players who boast high work rates and pace when at their peak – he has those qualities himself. Rocha, who comes from American Samoan and Phillipino…

“Forget about our game against Fiji, our focus now is looking forward and not behind us as we prepare for Papua New Guinea,” said coach Rupeni Luvu during the team’s talk.“We made a lot of mistakes and we’re going to go over that during our training session today to try to iron those out.”Team manager…

American Samoa’s U-20 squad takes on Fiji in the curtain raiser for the OFC U-20 Championship at the ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji on Friday, 23 May at 2.30pm (Friday22 May at 3.30pm ASA time)“The coaching staff and I have selected our starting 11 and we believe they are ready to play,” Luvu says.They are:…

Vanuatu followed suit in the second match earning a hard-fought 1-0 win over neighbours New Caledonia before Papua New Guinea knocked two goals past Solomon Islands for an opening victory of their own.While Fiji are blessed with home advantage, the side is also having to deal with the weight of expectation as the winner of…