2024 Result: Did not qualify
Head Coach: Jacob Moli
Host nation side Central Coast FC return to the OFC Men’s Champions League for the first time since 2022, with expectations high that home advantage can help them match that semi-final finish from three years ago.
Their 2024 title success was their first since 2021 and only the second in club history, giving them another chance on Oceania’s biggest stage.
Central Coast narrowly missed out in 2024, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Solomon Warriors in the National Playoffs. With a change of qualifying format, last year’s title means no such hurdle is required and they take their place in Group B, alongside Ifira Black Bird FC, Tupapa Maraerenga FC and Hekari United FC.
On paper, it looks an evenly balanced group, with Ifira Black Bird impressive in 2023 – missing out on the final thanks to a heartbreaking loss to Auckland City FC in the semis – whilst Hekari United lifted the trophy in 2010. Qualifying tournament winners Tupapa Maraerenga FC are making their first OFC Men’s Champions League appearance since 2019 and will be highly motivated to make an impact in Honiara.
Head Coach Jacob Moli was also in charge of the side in 2022 and is in confident mood ahead of kick off in Honiara.
“The management have trimmed down the squad to its final 23 players, and preparation have shifted to how we want the team to play and their roles and responsibilities both as individuals and as units.
“Our focus is to take one game at a time. Our immediate task now is, how we can come up with a game plan against the might of Hekari United? Hekari is a great team with great players as well, so the onus is on us to prepare well before the first game,” Moli said.
Whilst home advantage can be a boost for his side, Moli is also conscious of the added pressure that comes from playing in front of a passionate and expectant Solomon Islands crowd.
“Playing at home always have its pressures. The fans expect that the team must win all their matches, thus putting a lot of unnecessary pressures on the players.
“However, on the other hand playing in front of the home fans can help boost the morale of the team to perform beyond expectations,” he explained.
It’s certainly a tough challenge in Group B, with no lack of experience at this level, from Hekari United and Ifira Black Bird especially.
“I must admit that this group is not an easy one. I believe that all four teams will be vying for the two qualifying spots available.
“Hekari and Ifira have been always at the previous championships, so they know all about the OFC Men’s Champions League and what to expect. For us, I will tell the boys just to go out there and enjoy every minute of the game,” Moli said.
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
Central Coast FC fixtures
Kick-off times local
v Hekari United FC
Monday, March 31 | 3:00pm
v Tupapa Maraerenga FC
Thursday, April 3 | 3:00pm
v Ifira Black Bird FC
Sunday, April 6 | 3:00pm