National League / OCL

OFC Professional League matches thread

425 replies · 11,932 views
21 Feb 00:45
Some good games this weekend. Funny kickoff times with a 3pm and a 9pm our time.

South Island vs Tahiti - feels like an important one to win for SI against one of the comps weaker teams with three difficult fixtures coming up. Tahitians looking to keep punching after beating Bula surprisingly.

Auckland FC vs South Melbourne - marquee fixture for obvious reasons.

Bula vs Vanuatu - rematch from R1, Chiefs still winless but big pressure on Bula to get more wins.

Solomon Kings vs hekari - another rematch from R1, Kings need to back up a good performance while Hekari just need points and fast.
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21 Feb 01:16 · edited 21 Feb 01:26 · History
SIU resting a few regular starters with one eye to the game against AFC II on Tuesday.

Will be quite a bit of rotation in this Melb hub. SIU one of the 6 teams with a catchup match, so 4 games in 11 days.

For SIU that is Tahiti, AFC II, Sth Melb & Bula FC. No easy games.



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21 Feb 02:25
Header from Tahiti United
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21 Feb 02:35
Been a close game so far, chances both ways. SI struggling to find space in Tahitis box at times. Tahiti using their height from set pieces and crosses very well. Very interested to see who comes on at half time for SI for a potential rescue mission.
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21 Feb 09:38
South Melbourne been knocking on the door here, Oscar Mason with some excellent saves. Uchida and Mikkola are very sharp for MS
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21 Feb 09:54
And looks like Auckland fc have won it late, blistering run from Gillion, South Melb will be disappointed with the defending, Sinisa Coladzic their coach looks like he's about to explode
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21 Feb 10:17
Last minute equaliser means it ends 1-1, Auckland stay top, South Melbourne stay undefeated.
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21 Feb 10:23
Deserved result perhaps, both will be a bit disappointed though, Knights had a great chance to stride well ahead just by holding on, Souths will have wanted to win at home and were the better side. 

Return fixture should be interesting esp as it looked like there were some afters following that equaliser...
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21 Feb 11:24 · edited 21 Feb 11:25 · History
A quite amazing individual goal from Gillion. Seems out of favour with Corica.

Nix could do worse than sign him.

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22 Feb 03:03
Great scenes as Vanuatu go up 1-0 over Bula FC, fans going crazy behind the goal after Alex Saniel puts them ahead. 

There's not 1000's of them. Hell there's probably not even 100 of them, but they are up waving the national flag and dancing around. Good stuff.
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22 Feb 03:42
Bula down 2-0, but the stream has cut out on FIFA+ disappointingly. Big loss for them if it finishes that way, they'd drop to 7th
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22 Feb 04:19
2-0 win for Vanuatu. They jump into 5th or 6th I think? Bula drop down to 7th and perhaps the most under pressure team in the league now
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22 Feb 04:33
YoungHeartHM
Great scenes as Vanuatu go up 1-0 over Bula FC, fans going crazy behind the goal after Alex Saniel puts them ahead. 

There's not 1000's of them. Hell there's probably not even 100 of them, but they are up waving the national flag and dancing around. Good stuff.

Hopefully next season there is actual games in Vanuatu, either a Pod there or becomes an actual proper H&A league.

They love their football in Port Vila.

3 Kiwis started the match. Supyk, Smith & Ingham.



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22 Feb 06:27
coochiee
YoungHeartHM
Great scenes as Vanuatu go up 1-0 over Bula FC, fans going crazy behind the goal after Alex Saniel puts them ahead. 

There's not 1000's of them. Hell there's probably not even 100 of them, but they are up waving the national flag and dancing around. Good stuff.

Hopefully next season there is actual games in Vanuatu, either a Pod there or becomes an actual proper H&A league.

They love their football in Port Vila.

3 Kiwis started the match. Supyk, Smith & Ingham.




Unfortunately that won't be the case in the short term - Freshwater stadium has been deemed unfit to host matches as of the end of last year. A shame that, given I think them and the Solomons would have to have the most vibrant supporters in Oceania.

No idea on what is behind it specifically, but in the islands I'd imagine there are more pressing issues than remediating problems with stadium infrastructure.

I guess we'll wait and see what happens over the next little while though.
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22 Feb 06:37
YoungHeartHM
coochiee
YoungHeartHM
Great scenes as Vanuatu go up 1-0 over Bula FC, fans going crazy behind the goal after Alex Saniel puts them ahead. 

There's not 1000's of them. Hell there's probably not even 100 of them, but they are up waving the national flag and dancing around. Good stuff.

Hopefully next season there is actual games in Vanuatu, either a Pod there or becomes an actual proper H&A league.

They love their football in Port Vila.

3 Kiwis started the match. Supyk, Smith & Ingham.




Unfortunately that won't be the case in the short term - Freshwater stadium has been deemed unfit to host matches as of the end of last year. A shame that, given I think them and the Solomons would have to have the most vibrant supporters in Oceania.

No idea on what is behind it specifically, but in the islands I'd imagine there are more pressing issues than remediating problems with stadium infrastructure.

I guess we'll wait and see what happens over the next little while though.
Really? That sounds like a massive shame, I hadn't heard that.

Ideally for 2027 would love to see everyone host a circuit, and for NZs circuit to include Christchurch of course. It feels a bit silly that the last stage is just more games in Auckland, right? That challengers group should be in a different country, but I guess its hard for them to choose where ahead of time.
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22 Feb 07:12 · edited 24 Feb 06:38 · History
Re Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila - that seems strange news. 
Hosted the OFC Nations Cup in 2024 after a FIFA upgrade from memory.

Maybe it's more a lack of quality training pitches in Port Vila - of which you'd need a few with 8 professional teams in town.

The AWs at that 2024 ONC, had to get creative and find like some little ground up in the hills above Port Vila to train on. Everything else sub standard. 
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22 Feb 09:50
Kings up 2-1 against Hekari. It should be more, they have really dominated. Sota Higashide having another absolutely blinder, what a player
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22 Feb 10:42
LT01
Kings up 2-1 against Hekari. It should be more, they have really dominated. Sota Higashide having another absolutely blinder, what a player

They might have only scored six goals, but he's been involved in all six of them (3G + 3A).

They should have had far more across all games though. Dangerous side.
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22 Feb 10:57
YoungHeartHM
LT01
Kings up 2-1 against Hekari. It should be more, they have really dominated. Sota Higashide having another absolutely blinder, what a player

They might have only scored six goals, but he's been involved in all six of them (3G + 3A).

They should have had far more across all games though. Dangerous side.

Didn’t see this match but against AFC II in PNG he was awesome.

Shaping as the best player in this OFC League. Some A League clubs should be looking at him
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23 Feb 07:37
LT01
YoungHeartHM
coochiee
YoungHeartHM
Great scenes as Vanuatu go up 1-0 over Bula FC, fans going crazy behind the goal after Alex Saniel puts them ahead. 

There's not 1000's of them. Hell there's probably not even 100 of them, but they are up waving the national flag and dancing around. Good stuff.

Hopefully next season there is actual games in Vanuatu, either a Pod there or becomes an actual proper H&A league.

They love their football in Port Vila.

3 Kiwis started the match. Supyk, Smith & Ingham.




Unfortunately that won't be the case in the short term - Freshwater stadium has been deemed unfit to host matches as of the end of last year. A shame that, given I think them and the Solomons would have to have the most vibrant supporters in Oceania.

No idea on what is behind it specifically, but in the islands I'd imagine there are more pressing issues than remediating problems with stadium infrastructure.

I guess we'll wait and see what happens over the next little while though.
Really? That sounds like a massive shame, I hadn't heard that.

Ideally for 2027 would love to see everyone host a circuit, and for NZs circuit to include Christchurch of course. It feels a bit silly that the last stage is just more games in Auckland, right? That challengers group should be in a different country, but I guess its hard for them to choose where ahead of time.

There was an article about the stadium in Port Vila that I'll have a dig around for that basically outlined everything that was not up to standard. I have a feeling it was after feedback from OFC as well.

As for the next season it surely has to be spread around to the clubs that didnt get it this season, if the grounds are deemed fit of course.

Tahiti should be gearing up for one circuit, as they're already undertaking a $10-15 million NZD upgrade of the stadium over there for the 2027 Pacific Games. I would also not be against going back to Honiara, as I think that will be the best attended circuit of the current season.
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23 Feb 22:55
So South Island vs Auckland FC again today.... anyone thinking SIU have a chance? It's turning into a close league but on form I still fancy Auckland FC though it seems SI rested more top players on the weekend than they did.

Late game - South Melbourne vs Tahiti. SM should win comfortably on paper, but the first game between them in Auckland was very close and Tahiti arrive off the back of a couple decent results. Then again Auckland did beat them 4-0...
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24 Feb 00:01
Good luck to anyone trying to predict matches in this league. Absolute lottery!
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24 Feb 00:22
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/02/24/south-islanders-out-to-turn-tables-on-ofc-pro-league-leaders-auckland-fc/

“Considering that the Auckland game was our first ever match together as a team, I think we competed very well for large parts of the match, and we have improved with each match together since,” says Sherman, who adds that a good result against Auckland FC is vital to keep the semi-final hopes alive.

“We felt we should have taken all three points in the Tahiti match after we came back strongly in the second half, and we were very disappointed to drop two points in that match.”

As a result, the Solomon Kings jumped ahead into third place after beating PNG Hekari on Sunday and are now two points ahead of South Island United.

Auckland FC were close to claiming all three points in their recent match against South Melbourne, but had to settle for a draw after the home side scored an injury-time equaliser.

With a game in hand, a win for South Island United on Tuesday would put them within four points of Auckland FC, with the rained-off match against Bula FC still in hand.

Sherman says recent results show the competition is more competitive than many had predicted.

“We have been competitive in every match, but at the same time we have been pushed to the limit by every team have played so far, and there are no easy matches or easy points in this league, which is exciting for the fans.”

Sherman will have a nearly fully fit squad at his disposal, aside from winger Oli Fay picking up a foot injury in the match against Tahiti, while captain Christian Gray returns after a one-match suspension.

“The boys have been training well, and there is lots of competition for places, which is a great problem to have as a coach,” says Sherman, who will have to manage suspension risks with five players on two yellow cards, and only one card away from suspension.

“You are suspended after three yellow cards, and that does not give you much leeway, but we are comfortable that we have a strong squad to deal with any suspensions or injuries.”
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24 Feb 05:18
Anyone know why this is not on?

Auckland will rise once more

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24 Feb 05:27
LT01
So South Island vs Auckland FC again today.... anyone thinking SIU have a chance? It's turning into a close league but on form I still fancy Auckland FC though it seems SI rested more top players on the weekend than they did.

Late game - South Melbourne vs Tahiti. SM should win comfortably on paper, but the first game between them in Auckland was very close and Tahiti arrive off the back of a couple decent results. Then again Auckland did beat them 4-0...
 
Resting players cost SIU 2 points, and now gave them no advantage against AKL. 
Should always take the points on the table.
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24 Feb 06:34 · edited 24 Feb 06:37 · History
SIU are one of the 6 teams with a catchup match this Hub, so it was to be 4 games in 11 days. They would have had to rotate players at some point, in Melbs.

Plain unlucky to have two of their first eight games rained off in a NZ/Aussie summer. Very rarely happens at all in the ALM.

What happens now? An additional catchup match next week in Melbourne?

Probably preferable for the players than playing the extra catchups during Honiara & Fiji hubs which will played in taxing heat & humidity.
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24 Feb 08:22
Robbed of an Auckland humbling
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24 Feb 20:50
I wonder if they could just replay the game in NZ? Could be a cool opportunity for SI Utd to play at the new CHCH stadium?

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24 Feb 23:15 · edited 24 Feb 23:17 · History
Marshy
I wonder if they could just replay the game in NZ? Could be a cool opportunity for SI Utd to play at the new CHCH stadium?

Not possible. Final hub/circuit in Fiji finishes 18th April.

Post which I guess will be announcements on the finals series format in NZ, draw etc etc. Finals series to be in May

Earliest Te Kaha will be available for any football is about 27th April, post the Super Rugby Round which opens Te Kaha over ANZAC weekend. So too late for the OFC Pro League regular season.

A finals game(s) for the OFC league, at Te Kaha? Maybe.


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25 Feb 07:42
Vanuatu 2-0 Solomon Kings.

The Chiefs really dominating in this circuit, should make it a perfect record vs Hekari on Saturday (after coming in winless!). Just looked brilliant going forward, shut down Lofthouse and Higashide really well, for the first time Kings just looked so average and out of ideas.

It could have been more too - I think I counted 4 disallowed goals. Fair offsides the first 3, not sure what the last one was all about.

One of the best attacks and two clean sheets in a row illustrating they've addressed defensive issues, looking like a real top 4 contender!
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25 Feb 08:32
Sounds like both Kiwis Ingham & Smith had some good involvement for VU.

https://www.oceaniafootball.com/vanuatu-united-power-past-solomon-kings/

William Cardona was back in the starting eleven for Vanuatu United and it was the instrumental midfielder who broke the deadlock. The American’s corner-kick from the left-hand side whipped over everyone, including Mango, nestling in the far corner to make it 1-0.

Lars Hopp’s side had the ball in the net again shortly after when Otto Ingham squared for Raymond Diho to finish, but Ingham had been flagged offside in the buildup.

Solomon Kings would have been thankful for the half-time break and a chance to reset but they were immediately under pressure after the restart and were two down within ten minutes.

Ingham crossed into the area from the left, Owen Smith laid the ball off and Bill Kaltack arrowed a stunning volley low and past Mango into the corner to spark joyous scenes from the loud and passionate Vanuatu United support.

There were some sparks of attacking intent from Solomon Kings, with Jez Lofthouse forcing a smart save from Matt Acton after cutting in from the right and firing low at goal.

Rafa Lea’i was brought off the bench on the hour mark as Ben Cahn looked to try and turn the tide, with his team struggling to create clear cut chances.

VAR was again involved to deny Vanuatu United. This time Owen Smith sprinting clear and after his initial effort hit both posts, the forward scrambled in the rebound, only for a subsequent check to deem he had strayed offside.

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25 Feb 22:34
coochiee
Sounds like both Kiwis Ingham & Smith had some good involvement for VU.

https://www.oceaniafootball.com/vanuatu-united-power-past-solomon-kings/

William Cardona was back in the starting eleven for Vanuatu United and it was the instrumental midfielder who broke the deadlock. The American’s corner-kick from the left-hand side whipped over everyone, including Mango, nestling in the far corner to make it 1-0.

Lars Hopp’s side had the ball in the net again shortly after when Otto Ingham squared for Raymond Diho to finish, but Ingham had been flagged offside in the buildup.

Solomon Kings would have been thankful for the half-time break and a chance to reset but they were immediately under pressure after the restart and were two down within ten minutes.

Ingham crossed into the area from the left, Owen Smith laid the ball off and Bill Kaltack arrowed a stunning volley low and past Mango into the corner to spark joyous scenes from the loud and passionate Vanuatu United support.

There were some sparks of attacking intent from Solomon Kings, with Jez Lofthouse forcing a smart save from Matt Acton after cutting in from the right and firing low at goal.

Rafa Lea’i was brought off the bench on the hour mark as Ben Cahn looked to try and turn the tide, with his team struggling to create clear cut chances.

VAR was again involved to deny Vanuatu United. This time Owen Smith sprinting clear and after his initial effort hit both posts, the forward scrambled in the rebound, only for a subsequent check to deem he had strayed offside.

Owen Smith has been brilliant for them all season, one of the top performing players in this league.

Considering the Nix are likely to have a midfield clearout end of season looking at contracts, and we're not exactly operating on a big budget, one for us to look at potentially? He's not sell-on value but would have plenty good years ahead of him
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25 Feb 23:02 · edited 25 Feb 23:02 · History
Previously at Weenix before heading off to a US College so might still be a possible transfer fee trail to the Nix?

National League player of the season last year
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26 Feb 09:25
Friday
AFC II verus Tahiti
Soth Melb verus South Island




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