We have new cup winners in Vanuatu, the holders have been dumped out of New Zealand’s men’s domestic cup competition, we have new chasers in Fiji’s top-flight while one club is dominating in Samoa in this week’s Oceania competitions wrap.
Just one week after their place as winners of the PVFA Vodafone Premiere was confirmed, Ifira Black Bird have made it a double, after winning the Independence Knockout Cup over the weekend.
After the game finished 0-0 in normal time the tie had to be settled by penalties, with Ifira Black Bird winning 4-3 over their rivals Mauriki FC – who also finished runners-up to them in the league this season.
It brings to an end an elongated season for Black Bird, which began last September but had to endure a six month break from November 2021-May 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Black Bird went on a six-game winning streak when competitions returned to confirm their place as champions.
As well as Black Bird’s win, there was a victory for Tafea FC in the PVFA Woman’s Independence Cup, defeating Galaxy FC 8-1 in the final – with Leimata Simon scoring five of the goals.
New Zealand’s Chatham Cup holders Cashmere Technical will not be retaining their title this year after being knocked out at the quarter-finals stage over the weekend.
The Christchurch-based side lost 3-2 to Wellington Olympic AFC to end their reign as domestic cup champions.
Miramar Rangers, last year’s runners-up, are also out after losing a seven-goal thriller. Hamilton Wanderers advanced to the semi-finals with a 4-3 win at David Farrington Park.
Wellington Olympic’s reward for defeating the reigning champions is a semi-final tie with Auckland City FC, who beat Dunedin City Royals FC 6-0 in the final eight. Hamilton will face Eastern Suburbs AFC in the final four, who defeated Waiheke United AFC 1-0 in the quarter-finals. The semi-final ties will be played on the weekend of August 20-21.
With Rewa FC in Auckland preparing for the start of the OFC Champions League, their top-of-the-table clash with second-place Suva FC did not take place in Fiji’s Digicel Premier League over the weekend.
But there was still plenty of action and Lautoka FC took full advantage, winning 2-1 v Labasa FC to move into second. Suva, now third, do however have two games in hand on the new chasers.
Fourth-place Ba FC and the team one place below them in the ladder, Nadi FC, could not be separated, drawing 1-1, while Nadroga FC and Navua FC enjoyed wins over Tailevu Naitasiri FC and Nasinu FC respectively.
Fiji’s Digicel Women’s Super League returns this upcoming weekend, following the conclusion of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2022.
Severe weather saw the big game in New Caledonia’s Super Ligue between SC Ne Drehu and Tiga Sport postponed over the weekend, along with the clash between Horizon Patho and AS Magenta. Qanono Sports v Hienghène Sport has also been pushed back to October, due to the latter’s involvement in the OFC Champions League 2022.
From the games that did take place, AS Mont-Dore and AS Wetr picked up wins while bottom side J.S Baco avoided defeat for the first time this season, drawing 1-1 with Dumbea FC.
Kiwi FC continue to lead the way in Samoa’s National Premier League men’s competition after a 3-2 win over Lepea FC.
Elsewhere there were big wins for Lupe o le Soaga SC and Sogi SC while Lion of Judah, Vaivase-tai FC and Vaipuna SC were also victorious.
In the Premier Women competition, Faleasiu SC won 12-0 against Vaivase-tai but Kiwi are again on top of the league after a 3-0 win over Lupe o le Soaga but undefeated Faatoia United FC are just behind them after a 2-1 win over Vaipuna.