Kiwi and Solomon Warriors are out of playoff contention after consecutive losses in the first two rounds of matches.
The Samoans had an admirable run as underdogs but were outdone by a strong performance by Pirae in their last outing.
The passing of Samoa’s federation president, Toetu Petana, last Thursday has impacted the team as well.
“It’s really hard for us, because back home in Samoa, if a high chief passes away we don’t have to play,” says coach Martin Tamasese.
“We will have a rest and recover and then come back strong for our third game.”
Their opponents today, Solomon Warriors, almost created an upset against Waitakere after taking the lead on the stroke of half-time, when Micah Lea’alafa paired up with James Naka to beat Waitakere keeper and 2013 Golden Glove Danny Robinson.
It was a frustrating match for the two teams who were unable to finish their chances and it wasn’t until the 86th minute that Joel Stevens put in a cross that beat Warriors keeper Silas Seda, who punched it into the back of his own net.
Despite the draw and subsequent end to Warriors’ OFC Champions League tournament, coach Moses Toata was still pleased with his team’s performance.
“I was very impressed by the way the boys played against Waitakere and am now very much looking forward to the game against Kiwi.
“We are definitely looking forward to a win,” he says.
Next up and the last of the group stage matches sees Waitakere United play AS Pirae, where the New Zealanders need a win to secure a spot in the semi-finals, after a last gasp own goal kept their dreams alive in a 1-1 draw against Warriors.
Waitakere co-coach Paul Temple remains pragmatic about his team’s chances against the Tahitians. “We’ll just approach it the same way we were going to approach it,” he says, reacting to the 8-0 scoreline.
“Kiwi obviously didn’t put in the effort that they did in the first game and AS Pirae have got some good players.
“But [we are probably] better off having a game as tough as we did [against Warriors], whereas [Pirae] had a pretty easy afternoon so hopefully we can come out fighting and get the result that we want,” Temple says.
Naea Bennett was the hero for AS Pirae on Saturday, scoring four out of AS Pirae’s eight goals against Kiwi. Raimana Li Fung Kuee added to the tally with a brace while captain Marama Vahirua and Augustin Dallera scored one each.
AS Pirae coach Samuel Garcia is optimistic about his team’s chances of advancing given their stellar form so far but knows that Waitakere United, with two titles under their belt and a wealth of experience in the OFC Champions League, is not to be underestimated.
“These are players with experience,” he says of Waitakere United’s squad. “We need to be serious, stick to the path we’re on now and that requires the players and the staff to concentrate on our objectives.
“Today we feel a little bit reassured because we put in some goals, but Tuesday will be a completely different match,” he says.
A win for Waitakere United would secure their place in the semi-final, while a loss or draw for the New Zealanders will send AS Pirae through to the next round, with Waitakere losing out to Amicale or Auckland City FC for the best runner-up slot, who play today at 4pm. Warriors and Kiwi are playing the tournament out and cannot advance.
“Kick Dengue Out of Fiji” – UNICEF Pacific/OFC/Fiji Government/Fiji FA
The OFC Champions League also marks the UNICEF Pacific, Fiji Government, OFC and Fiji FA social responsibility campaign “Kick Dengue Out of Fiji”, aimed at raising awareness of Dengue Fever.
For an informative videos on this campaign click here and here
For more information about “Kick Dengue Out of Fiji” please visit www.oceaniafootball.com and download the official Media Guide located under the “Fans” banner.
The OFC also acknowledges competition partners Vodafone Fiji, Courts and Sports World.
Media Coverage
Television stations EMTV – Papua New Guinea, Solomon Telekom TTV – Solomon Islands, VBTC – Vanuatu, FBC Fiji, Fiji TV and TNTV – Tahiti will broadcast all matches live in their nations and territories.
For radio, broadcasters FM 107 – Vanuatu, FBC Radio – Fiji and Communications Fiji Ltd will provide live coverage of matches, while OFC Radio will present live audio coverage of every match in English.
The OFC Radio (ENG) link can be accessed here: http://bit.ly/1okoVwU – with Jason PINE.
Live streaming of matches is suspended but full coverage of matches can be viewed at the official OFC TV YouTube channel.
Ends
Extra information
Kiwi FC v Solomon Warriors
Churchill Park, Lautoka
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Kick-off: 1pm
Referee: Ravitesh BEHARI (FIJ)
KIWvSOL
Kiwi FC Form: L-L
The players: Linton DAUARA was injured in Saturday’s clash against AS Pirae and may not be fit to play.
The vital statistics: With two losses in two games it is the end of Kiwi FC’s OFC Champions League tournament, the first since 1999. They will be playing for their first win since coming out of the preliminary stage. Kiwi FC is also seeking its first goal in the group stage proper, the Samoan club registering just one strike in their previous four matches at this tournament dating back to 1999.
Squad list: 1. Masi TOETU [GK], 2. Lafi IOANE, 3. Linton DAUARA, 4. Andrew SETEFANO, 5. Tamoto FENIKA, 6.Albert BELL, 7. Jarell SALE, 9. Barry LEWIS, 10. Michael FIFI’I, 11. Mike SAOFAIGA, 13. Lionel TAYLOR, 15. Rajendra SINGH, 16. Jamie MASON, 17. Gary TAYLOR, 19. Yuta SAHARA, 20. Jimmy HOASIHITA, 22. Max HOEFLICH, 23. Iutizak MOHAMMED
Coach: Martin TAMASESE (SAM)
Solomon Warriors Form: L-D
The players: Coach Moses TOATA has a full squad to select from today. James NAKA, Warriors most experienced player, is chasing his tenth OFC Champions League goal in what is his 16th competition appearance.
The vital statistics: The Warriors will be playing for pride and the earthquake-struck Islands in their 9th OFC Champions League match this afternoon. The Warriors have won only one OFC Champions League match in their previous eight matches but are strong favourites to make that two tomorrow.
Squad list: 1. Samson KOTI [GK], 2. Hadisi AENGARI, 3. Matson FENNY, 4. Fred FAKARI, 5. Dennis IFUNAOA, 6. Molea TIGI, 7. Brian FENI, 8. Michael MOLEA, 9. James NAKA, 10. Judd MOLEA, 12. Jerry DONGA, 13. Chris TAFOA, 14. Jeffrey BULE, 15. Molis GAGAME, 16. Emmanuel POILA, 17. Micah LEA’ALAFA,18. Willy DAUDAU, 19. Gibson DAUDAU, 20. Casper AENGARI, 22. Bata FURAI, 23. Gagame FENI, 24. Lency NORMAN, 25. Nicholas LEE, 26. Loea TAISARA, 27. Erekona LOEA, 28. Silas SEDA [GK], 30. Alfred LOFANA [GK]
Coach: Moses TOATA [SOL]
AS Pirae v Waitakere United
Churchill Park
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Kick-off: 4pm
Referee: Bertrand BILLON (NCL)
PIRvWTK
AS Pirae Form: W-W
The players: All players present and accounted for. Skipper Marama VAHIRUA continues to be on-form and will be a force alongside Naea BENNETT. If Stevens HIRIGA can maintain a clean sheet from Saturday, Pirae will be on track for the semi-finals.
The vital statistics: Naea BENNETT is a top contender for the Golden Boot award in the group stage with four goals to his name. Bolstered by the largest margin scoreline in the group stage to date AS Pirae can be confident in their goalscoring form going in today. BENNETT has scored 12 goals in just eight OFC Champions League career matches. Prior to the Kiwi FC match, BENNETT’s last goal in this competition was against YoungHeart Manawatu in the semi-finals back in 2006.
Squad list: 1. Stevens HIRIGA [GK], 2. Tauirai TE
IVA, 3. Ariinui TAPU, 4. Ken WARREN, 5. Raimoana BENNETT, 6. Gael MESLIEN, 7. Raimana LI FUNG KUEE, 8. Salomon TEVEPAUHU, 9. Naea BENNETT, 10. Charles LABASTE, 11. Teva ZAVERONI, 12. Franck REVEL [GK], 13. Raumatahi NOHO, 14. Augustin DALLERA, 15. Teriinoho TIHONI, 17. Marc VAKI, 18. Jimmy TEPA, 19. Marama VAHIRUA, 20. Jay WARREN, 21. Javier PAEZ, 22. Tainui LEHARTEL, 23. Hubert TAUHA, 24. Jonathan TOROHIA [GK], 25. Heimanu TAIARUI, 26. Huimana PARKER
Coach: Samuel GARCIA (FRA)
Waitakere United Form: W-D
The players: Coach Paul TEMPLE has all his players available to him, which will be good news heading into today’s important fixture.
The vital statistics: Captain Jake BUTLER and Benji TOTORI make their 35th OFC Champions League appearances today. Benji TOTORI extends his lead as all-time goalscorer with 20 goals. The last time Waitakere United missed out on the playoffs was in 2012 when they were pipped at the post by eventual runners-up AS Tefana.
Squad list: 1. Danny ROBINSON [GK], 2. Aaron JONES, 3. Steven GRAY, 4. Tim MYERS, 5. Brian SHELLEY, 6. Adam McGEORGE, 8. Tom BISS, 9. Sam FRENCH, 10. Benji TOTORI, 11. Joel STEVENS, 12. Sam MATHEWS, 14. Maksim MANKO, 16. Tristan PRATTLEY, 17. Jake BUTLER, 18. Martin BULLOCK, 19. Dylan STANSFIELD, 20. Jarrod YOUNG, 21. Paul TEMPLE, 22. James McPEAKE [GK], 26. Harshae RANIGA
Coach: Paul TEMPLE (ENG)
Ends