OFC Men’s Champions League Preview | Ifira Black Bird FC

Vanuatu side Ifira Black Bird FC return for another OFC Men’s Champions League campaign, perhaps still looking back on what could have been at last year’s tournament in Tahiti.

Travel complications brought about following the collapse of national carrier, Vanuatu Airlines, meant that the 2023 semi-finalists arrived in Papeete late, resulting in a fixture rescheduling and limited preparation time.

A 5-1 win in their final group stage match over Vaivase-tai-FC wasn’t enough and they departed at the first hurdle. It was a far cry from the year prior, when Ifira advanced to the semi-finals on home soil and were within seconds of eliminating Auckland City, only to concede a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser, eventually succumbing to a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss.

They will fancy themselves in making it to the semi-final once again, with Group B – which also features Tupapa Maraerenga FC, Hekari United and Central Coast FC – looking too tight to call.

There’s certainly no shortage of talent in the Ifira Black Bird squad for coach Robert Yelou to rely on. Forward Tonly Kalotang is a veteran on both the club and international stage, whilst Godine Tenene and Jordy Tasip were part of the Vanuatu national team during the FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers last year.

One significant loss for Ifira however is that of key creative outlet Johnathan Spokeyjack. Following eight years of service to Ifira Black Bird, the 26 year-old winger has moved to Australia, to join Western Strikers FC.