Tahiti opened up their international Futsal account with a 3-1 win over Tuvalu in the final game of Match Day Two in the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva, Fiji.

Tuvalu and Tahiti are both new to the Futsal code and it was a game of firsts with both sides finding their first international goal in an international match

Tahiti survived an early scare when Tuvalu target Imo Fiamalua opened the scoring in the 11th minute, blasting a freekick through the wall and into the Tahiti net.

But Tahiti were quick to respond and three minutes later Michael Maihuri levelled the scores with a well placed drive from just outside the box.

Maihuri gave Tahiti the lead three minutes later with a free kick of his own blistering the Tuvalu net and the bench of Tahiti players and officials reacted in euphoric celebration.

Steeven Tino put the icing on the cake for Tahiti when he found the net from close range with 42 seconds left on the clock.

Tahiti coach Rani Bea was pleased with the result but was looking for a better performance from his side.

“We were looking for a better performance and I think the boys were a little stressed out over their first game.

“Most of our players are from a small island in Rapa and they are not used to this kind of competition. This was their first time in a big stadium.

“We need to play easier and play as we practice. But it is always difficult in the first game and I think their confidence will grow as the tournament does.”

“I was very happy with the way the bench contributed today and was very happy with the win.”

Tuvalu coach Sami Neemia was quick to admit his team didn’t stick to their game plan tonight.

“The boys have shaken off their nerves but they are still taking time to adjust to playing on this surface that they are not used to. I think the boys are ready to do some damage in the few remaining games.

“In general Tuvalu football and futsal is developing very quickly and I think we will be a major threat at these events in the future.”

TUV: 5.Mau PENISULA; 9. Starchel SOLOSENI; 8. Peniuna KAITU; 6. Paitela KELEMENE; 1. Sopepe TAILOLO (GK);

SUBS: 2. Felo FEOTO; 3. Tioti Maati TOAFA; 17. Neemia ONOSEMU; 19. Mahanga TEIAPUTI; 11. Imo FIAMALUA; 21. Maio ETIMANI; 10. Semalie FOTU

Coach: Sami NEEMIA (TUV)

TAH: 1. Rehia DAVIO (GK); 3. Jimmy RIARIA; 4. Romeo PATIRA; 6. Michel MAIHURI; 7. Steeven TINO;

SUBS: 2. Matana BEA; 5. Lysis TAUHA; 8. Tetuanui TINOMOE; 9. Lorama BEA; 10. Usiera PUKOKI; 11. Amau TETUANUI; 12. Fernand TUANUA;

Coach: Rani BEA (TAH)

Source : Oceania Football Confederation
Photos : Marc Peretic Wilson
Published : 9/6/2008

The Solomon Islands survived an early scare to establish themselves as both the crowd pleasers and tournament favourites of the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva after a resounding 8-5 win over New Caledonia.

New Caledonia got off to the best possible start scoring two goals in the opening eight minutes through Alexandre Rosso and Edouard Muraccioli.

But it was the Solo boys who dominated the possession, shots on goal and the crowd support and the 1000-strong crowd was brought to life as they equalised and then went ahead just before halftime with two goals from Moffat Sikwa’ae and a converted penalty kick from Elliot Ragomo.

Solomon goalkeeper Alick Lioka was shown a straight red card for his foul play on New Caledonia’s Jerry Iaruel but reserve goalkeeper Stanley Puairana saved spectacularly from the resulting penalty.

The Solomon’s came out of the second half buzzing and three minutes into the second half they made it 4-2 with a great strike from Jenan Kapu.

Jack Wetney added to the tally two minutes later and New Caledonia pulled one back through Marcias Gino Rene in the 32nd minute.

The last two minutes produced a flurry of goals as both sides decided to go for all out attack.

Ragomo got his second with two minutes remaining before a late Micah Lea’lalafa double in the last minute.

Then it was New Caledonias turn and two goals to Yvan Pourouoro in the last 50 seconds created an entertaining end to the match.

Solomon Island coach Voctor Wai’ia was expecting a hard game and was impressed with the approach his side adopted.

“The boys didn’t settle down very quickly and I feel that we fell into their way of playing in the opening half.

“But the second half was different and we found our rhythm. We will try to find that rhythm quicker and we will need to tomorrow against Fiji.”

New Caledonia coach Eric Michalak was in admiration of the way the Solomon team played.

“They play with speed and great movement. We were well organised in defence but they were to quick at times.”

“There was so much time left on the clock when we went up 2-0 that I knew it would be difficult.”

SOL: 1. Alick LIOKA (GK); 3. Elliot RAGOMO; 7. James EGETA; 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA; 12. Jack WETNEY;

SUBS: 4. Alfred PUNGUIKA; 5. Jenan KAPU; 6. Maffat SIKW’AE; 8.Francis LAFAI; 11. Ron GINIO; 13. StanleyPUAIRANA (RGK) 2. Phillip HOUTARAU

COACH: Victor WAI’IA (SOL)

NCL: 1. Ronan EUZEN (GK); 3. Alexandre ROSSO; 4. Albert HNAILOLO; 5. Jerry IARUEL; 7. EDOUARD MURACCIOLI;

SUBS: 2. Jean Phillipe WEMAMA; 6. Benoit MOGLIA; 8. Yvan POUROUORO; 9. Yoan GARIN; 10. Marcias GINO RENE; 11. Stevens GUILLEMIN; 16. Ronald GAYON (RGK);

Coach: Michalak ERIC (NCL)

Referee: Allan Alick (VAN)

2nd Referee: Jamie CROSS (NZL)

3rd Referee: Chris COLLEY (AUS)

Time Keeper: Teihotu TAEREA (TAH)

Referee’s Assessor: Chandra SEGRAN (FIJ)

Source : Oceania Football Confederation
Photos : Marc Peretic Wilson
Published : 9/6/2008

Gregory O’Connor kept New Zealands OFC Futsal Championship dreams alive with the winning goal in their last minute 2-1 win over Vanuatu in the first game of match day two.

O’Connor was thrown on as a late sub by New Zealand coach Erkin Osman and he repaid his coach’s faith with a right footed drive into the Vanuatu net to seal the valuable three points and throw his side a lifeline in the tournament.

New Zealand had gone ahead halfway through the second half when Andrew Gwilliam’s long range shot squeezed between the legs of Vanuatu goalkeeper Chikau Mansale.

Vanuatu replied with a well earned equaliser five minutes from the end and it looked like the spoils were going to be shared after a rough physical match between two very even sides.

But O’Connor had a different idea and his quick turn and shot from inside the box was just what osman ordered and sparked jubilant celebrations from the NZ bench.

It was a tough pill to swallow for Vanuatu who had dominated large periods of the match but were let down again by some poor finishing.

Both sides now have one win and one loss and will be relying on the Solomon Islands to drop points if they stand any chance of winning the tournament.

Osman was delighted with the win and said that his side can’t afford to drop any more points.

“We need to hope that someone can knock Solomon Islands over now and make sure we keep winning at all costs.”

“I sent Greg (O’Connor) on shortly after they equalised in search of a goal. He’s a very good player but a little in-experienced at this level and he had begun to run out of puff.

“He did the job and I’m proud of him and the boys of todays performance.”

Vanuatu coach Marcellino Barthelemy was proud of his sides effort and said ‘dissapointed’ was not the right word to some up his feelings.

“The boys did their best and our tournament is not finished yet. Our tournament will be over on Saturday. This is a game we expected to be difficult and it was, but I am proud of my team.”

NZL: 1. Elias BILLEH (GK); 4. Marvin EAKINS; 8. Joshua MARTIN; 10. Ouadhah RAGUED; 12. Luke FIELD;

SUBS: 20. Clayton CHAPPELL (RGK), 5. Yukin NAIDOO; 14. Bakr Al SAUDI; 3. Andrew GWILLIAM; 19. Michael CORRINGHAM; 17. Victor ZAIA; 23. Gregory O’CONNOR;

Coach: Erkin Osman (AUS)

VAN: 1. Chikau MANSALE; 3. Ben EDWARD; 5. Fedy VAVA; 6. Derek MALAS; 10. Jack Vira ALA;

SUBS: 2. Terry QUARE; 4. Lui SIFAS; 7. Ben HUNGAI; 8. Louis DOMINIQUE; 9. Siardon Mera TALKANAMAL; 11. Saen Wowut FANAI; 22. Daniel MANSALE;

Coach: Marcellino BARTHELEMY (VAN)

Referee: Scott KIDSON (AUS)

2nd Referee: Francois TROLLIARD (NCL)

3rd Referee: Amitesh BEHARI (FIJ)

Timekeeper: Rajnish DAVE (FIJ)

Referee’s Assessor: Massimo Raveino

Source : Oceania Football Confederation
Published : 9/6/2008

SUVA – The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in conjunction with Fiji TV is pleased to advise football fans around the region of broadcast details of the OFC Futsal Championship – Fiji 2008. OFC and Fiji TV have reached an agreement to cover all 21 matches of the championship for broadcasters around the region.

Full details of the exact broadcast arrangements for each country can be obtained by contacting your local broadcaster. OFC will provide updates at www.oceaniafootball.com of where and when you can follow the fortunes of your nation’s matches in Suva.

Host nation Fiji and its close rivals Solomon Islands and Vanuatu recorded opening day wins at the Vodafone Arena in Suva – Vanuatu handed Tuvalu a 6-0 defeat as Solomon Islands turned over New Zealand 5-1. Fiji scored what could be a pivotal win over highly fancied New Caledonia 4-2.

Australia won the OFC Futsal Championship title on four occasions in 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2004. However its last experience at the FIFA Futsal World Cup – Thailand 2004 resulted in three defeats: Brazil (0-10), Czech Republic (0-5) and Thailand (2-3).

Fiji and New Zealand have finished runners-up to Australia on two occasions with Vanuatu finishing third in the four previous editions of the OFC Futsal Championship.

The highest placing for a team from outside the traditional football powerhouses in Oceania came in 1996 when Samoa finished in fourth place.

Apart from Australia and New Zealand only Solomon Islands has previously qualified for a major FIFA event when it played at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2006 and 2007.

Solomon Islands are set to repeat that accomplishment when it travels to Marseille for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in July 2008 where it will play the opening match against Italy.

The broadcast details of host nation Fiji’s matches are listed below.

Stay tuned to www.oceaniafootball.com as updates for all the broadcast details for all nations is made known.

The FIFA Futsal World Cup takes place in Brazil from 30 September – 19 October 2008 in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro.

TV Coverage :

9/6/2008 – 22:30 – Sky Pacific Ch1 (Fiji One) – Fiji vs New Caledonia
11/6/2008 – 22:30 – Sky Pacific Ch1 (Fiji One) – Fiji vs Solomon Islands
12/6/2008 – 22:30 – Sky Pacific Ch1 (Fiji One) – Fiji vs Vanuatu
13/6/2008 – 22:30 – Sky Pacific Ch1 (Fiji One) – Fiji vs Tahiti
14/6/2008 – 22:30 – Sky Pacific Ch1 (Fiji One) – Fiji vs Tuvalu
16/6/2008 – 22:30 – Sky Pacific Ch1 (Fiji One) – Fiji vs New Zealand

Source : Oceania Football Confederation
Published : 9/6/2008

Three time consecutive NSW Futsal Premier League Club Champions Sydney Magic PCYC are seeking expressions of interest for Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Managers for the 2008/09 Premier League Season

Magic will be fielding 8 teams, and are accepting coaching and managing applications for six of the age groups :

Under 12 Boys
Under 14 Boys
Under 16 Boys
Under 19 Mens (Youth)
Under 13 Girls
Under 16 Girls

We are asking for nominations for the positions of :

Coach
Assistant Coach
Manager

Please Email or Fax your applications to the following addresses by no later than Friday the 27th of June 2008.

Fax : 02 9520 2832
Email : matteo@sydneymagic.com.au

All Premier League coaches must be at least Level One Futsal Coaching Accredited. Please indicate on your application form as to whether you will need to attend an accreditation course before the season begins.

If you are committed to improving as a futsal coach and want to join a successful and friendly family orientated club…Join the Magic Revolution!

For any further details check out our website www.sydneymagic.com.au

Or contact Matteo Maiorana : 0410 562 695 – matteo@sydneymagic.com.au
Or Craig Atkinson : 0412 001 650 – craig@sydneymagic.com.au

Source : Sydney Magic PCYC

Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji all got off to perfect starts on Match Day One of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Championship today at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, Fiji.The three Melanesian teams are now favourites to represent OFC at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil in September after combining for a total of 15 goals in their three respective games.

The tournaments opening match proved a real crowd pleaser as hundreds of Solomon Island fans packed into the indoor stadium to show their support for Victor Wai’ias young squad.

The Solomon boys didn’t disappoint and bounced out to a five goal lead with goals to Elliot Ragamo (2), Micah Lea’alafa, Maffat Sikwa’ae and Jenan Kapu.

New Zealand scored a consolation goal with one minute left on the clock through Bakr Al Saudi but it was not nearly enough to stop the Solomon side establishing themselves as tournament favourites.

Vanuatu fought through some stubborn first half Tuvalu defending to increase their one goal half time lead to six at the final whistle.

Jack Vira Ala was the star of the show finishing off a classy hat trick after goals from Ben Edward and Derek Malas.

In the final game of the night Kamal Hassan stole the show when his two late goals propelled Fiji to a well deserved 4-2 victory over New Caledonia.

Rosso Alexandre’s opener for New Caledonia was cancelled out by a Sandeep Sanjesh Nair screamer which shook the gathered crowd of over 1000.

Fiji went 2-1 up through Nayzal Siga Ali before New Caledonia equalized again three minutes from time through Hnailolo Albert.

Hassan then scored two goals in the space of a minute to earn Fiji a very valuable three points and please the local faithful.

Match Day Two kicks off tomorrow at 16H00 (local time) when New Zealand meets Vanuatu.

Source : Oceania Football Confederation
Published : 8/6/2008

In anticipation that Sydney Benfica FC is successful in its application to participate in the Football NSW 2008/09 Futsal Super League, the club is looking for exciting and talented futsal players to trial for the following age groups; 12 Boys, 14 Boys, 16 Boys, Youth, Mens, 13 Girls, 16 Girls and Womens.

Trials will also be held for our Little Eagles Academy U10 Boys/Girls. Trial dates for this academy will be advised at a later date.

Marrickville PCYC 531 Illawarra Road Marrickville NSW 2204.

Thursday 10th & 17th July 2008
U13 Girls 6.30pm – 7.30pm
U16 Girls 7.40pm – 8.40pm
Open Womens 8.50pm – 9.50pm

Sunday 13th & 20th July 2008
U12 Boys 3.30pm – 4.30pm
U14 Boys 1.00pm – 2.00pm
U16 Boys 2.15pm – 3.15pm
U19 Youth 4.45pm – 5.45pm
Open Mens 6.00pm – 7.00pm

All players must arrive 20 minutes prior to the commencement of trials.

All Sydney Benfica FC teams will participate in the FNSW State Titles, which will ensure that all players are eligible for selection trials for the Nationals.

For further details email: mailto:info@benfica.com.au
Andrew Demery – 0405 530 183
Lorenzo D’Addona – 0401 221 175

Source : Sydney Benfica FC
Published : 8/6/2008

Kamal Hassan was the toast of Suva tonight as his two late goals propelled Fiji to a 4-2 win over New Caledonia in the final game of the OFC Futsal Championships on match day one.The match was very evenly balanced with both sides making a cautious start, feeling each other out.

Rosso Alexandre opened the scoring for New Caledonia in the fifth minute after some creative link up play through the midfield.

Five minutes later Sandeep Sanjesh Nair equalised for Fiji and brought to life the 600 strong crowd who screamed with anticipation whenever Fiji got near the goal.

New Caledonia missed their chance to regain the lead after Fiji goalkeeper Azmat Begg took out Pourouro Yvan and Wemama Jean Philippe missed the resulting penalty kick.

Fiji made them pay three minutes before halftime when Nayzal Siga Ali finished off a slick move tapping home from inside the box .

Hnailolo Albert equalised for New Caledonia with three minutes remaining and both sides looked comfortable with a hard fought point from their first endeavour.

But Hassan had other plans and two goals within the space of a minute produced a roaring ovation from the Fiji fans and locked up a valuable three points for the Fijian side.

Fiji Coach Imtiaz Khan was delighted with the result and said he was not happy to settle for a draw after New Caledonia equalised.

“This is what we have been waiting for,” said Khan. “This win is dedicated to the players and it’s a really good win.

“I am 100 percent sure we will do better in our next game and I noticed some tired legs out there who will benefit from our bye tomorrow.”

We have Solomon Islands next and it will be a very tough test. I think our approach is at 70 percent at the moment and to beat them this will need to improve.”

New Caledonia coach Michalak Eric said that it was difficult to be happy after losing a game late like that.

“I think the two teams were very even, and for the first time we partcipate in Futsal it was a good performance.

“We need more movement and to improve our finishing, but that will come with time.”

NCL: 1. Euzen RONAN (GK); 3. Rosso ALEXANDRE; 4. Hnailolo ALBERT; 5. Iaruel JERRY; 7.Muraccioli EDOUARD;

SUBS: 2. Wemama JEAN PHILIPPE; 6. Maglia BENOIT; 8. Pourouoro YVAN; 9. Garin YOAN; 10. Gino Rene MARCIAS; 11. Guillemin STEVENS; 16. Gayon RONALD;

Coach: Michalak ERIC (NCL)

Goals: 3. Rosso ALEXANDRE; 4. Hnailolo Albert;

FIJ: 1. Azmat BEGG (GK); 2. Mira SAHIB; 4. Alvin AVINESH; 5. Nayzal Siga Ali; 9. Kamal HASSAN;

SUBS: 3. Sandeep Sanjesh NAIR; 6. Assis CHAND; 7. Vikash PRASAD; 8. Muni Arvindra NAIDU; 10. Dinesh Chand MUDALIAR; 11. Imtiaz BEGG; 12. Nishad Wasim ALI (RGK)

Coach: Imtiaz KHAN (FIJ)

Goals: 3. Sandeep Sanjesh NAIR; 5. Nayzal Siga ALI;9. Kamal HASSAN 2;

Referee: Chris COLLEY (AUS)

2nd Referee: Scott KIDSON (AUS)

3rd Referee: Peter L. PAKOATONG (VAN)

Timekeeper: Allan ALICK (VAN)

Referee’s Assessor: Neil POLOSO (SOL)

Source : Oceania Football Confederation
Published : 8/6/2008

Vanuatu made their presence known at the OFC Futsal Championships with a smashing 6-0 win over Tuvalu in the second game of match day two.Jack Vira Ala opened the scoring in the second minute,added another just after halftime and one before the final whistle to complete his hatrick and a man of the match performance for Vanuatu

Terry Quare and Derek Malas also added to the scoreline which would make most coaches sleep easy at night.

But coach Marcellino Barthelemy was not impressed with the number of opportunities his side wasted in front of goal.

“I expect more than that. In the first half we panicked infront of goal. I gave the team some strong comment at half time and rebuilt their confidence and we were better in the second half.”

But our finishing and some of our posessional play still needs to improve for our next match.”

Tuvalu coach Sami Neemia was optimistic about his sides loss in their first ever appearance at a Futsal tournament.

“I thought we played well, and it was a good performance for our first game. We will learn a lot from this and I don’t think we will play a harder team in the tournament. The boys played their hearts out and thats all I can ask of them.”

Neemia was especially proud if his sides first half performance after they went in at halftime trailing by a single goal.

“They told me their bodies were numb from playing on such a special occasion. In the second half they calmed down a bit. In the next game we will be ready and I am looking forward to it.”

Neemia praised goalkeeper Sapepe Tailolo as his best player, after a stellar performance in the net.

“He made so many great saves for us tonight but he is also a great outfield player, which you will see later in the tournament.”

Source : Oceania Football Confederation
Published : 8/6/2008

“The perfect way to start the tournament,”

That was how Solomon Island futsal coach Victor Wai’ia described his sides 5-1 romp over New Zealand in the opening match of the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva.

It was an exciting opening to the tournament with an adrenelin pumping opening minute resulting in Elliot Ragamo scoring the tournaments first goal for the Solomons to the delight of their boisterous army of support.

New Zealand had a chance to equalise soon after but Ouadhah Ragued’s penalty was neatly saved by Solomon goalkeeper Alick Lioka.

Ellito Ragamo was the star of the show for the Solomon side and he added his second from the spot with one minute remaining in the first half.

He could have completed a first half hat trick if not for his missed penalty 30 seconds later.

But that wasn’t going to slow him or the Solomon side down and in the second half they quickly made it 4-0 with goals in quick sucession to Micah Lea’alafa and Maffat Sikwa’ae.

Jenan Kapu finished the scoring with a long distance blast from outside the box and provided the icing on the cake for an impressive Solomon Island performance.

Gregory O’Connor scored a consolation goal for New Zealand with two minutes remaining.

Wai’ia said he was very happy with the way his side opened the tournament, and that they played to the gameplan.

“I was very confident going into the game, and 5-0 is a great scoreline for us. From here we will work on our weaknesses that I saw like communication in defence.”

New Zealand coach Erkin Osman was dissapointed with the result but said his side will be better from the loss.

“Our defence was good but in our zone but we didn’t put enough pressure on them.”

“We lacked penetration and couldn’t get them turned around.

We didn’t deserve that game because we didn’t play well enough, but there won’t be many teams at this tournament better than the Solomon Islands.”

SOL: 1. Alick LIOKA (GK); 2. Phillip HOUTARAU; 3. Elliot RAGOMO; 7. James EGETA; 12. Jack WETNEY;

SUBS: 4. Alfred PUNGUIKA; 5. Jenan KAPU; 6. Maffat SIKW’AE; 8.Francis LAFAI; 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA; 11. Ron GINIO; 13. StanleyPUAIRANA (RGK)

COACH: Victor WAI’IA (SOL)

GOALS: 3. Elliot RAGAMO 2; 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA; 6. Maffat SIKWA’AE; 5. Jenan KAPU;

NZL: 1. Elias BILLEH (GK); 12. Luke FIElD; 19.Michael CORRINGHAM; 4.Marvin EAKINS; 8. Joshua MARTIN;

SUBS: 20. Clayton CHAPPEL; 5. Yukin NAIDOO; 14.Bakr AL SAUDI; 3. Andrew GWILLIAM; 10. Ouadhah RAGUED; 17. Victor ZAIA; 23. Gregory O’CONNOR;

COACH: Erkin OSMAN (AUS)

GOALS: 23. Gregory O’CONNOR

Referee: Amitesh BEHARI (FIJ)

2nd Referee: Rajnish DAVE (FIJ)

3rd Referee: Allan Alick (VAN)

Timekeeper: Peter L. PAKOATONG (VAN)

Source : Oceania Football Confederation
Published : 8/6/2008