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OFC Professional League matches thread

523 replies · 16,477 views
7 days ago
Ingham and Smith start for Vanuatu U in the 2nd game today against Tahiti U.

https://twitter.com/OFCProLeague/status/2045019683829792815

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7 days ago
Vanuatu Utd definitely started the game better with a lot of momentum and some decent chances... really thought Tahiti United weren't up for the top 4 conversation but they wrestled control back and it's the new caledonians combining again Haewegene setting up Athale on the cross for 1-0 at HT!
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7 days ago · edited 7 days ago · History
Late drama in 100th min, and Owen Smith has a last ditch shot saved by a TU defender scrambling back with the keeper beaten.

Tahiti finish 1-0 winners, and keep their top 4 hopes alive.

Tomorrow PNG v Sth Meb and thern Bula FC host AFC II.
Must win for Bula FC to make the top 4.
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7 days ago
coochiee wrote:
Late drama in 100th min, and Owen Smith has a last ditch shot saved by a TU defender scrambling back with the keeper beaten.

Tahiti finish 1-0 winners, and keep their top 4 hopes alive.

Tomorrow PNG v Sth Meb and thern Bula FC host AFC II.
Must win for Bula FC to make the top 4.
Not sure I would call it a must win. But yes important not to lose.

They can only drop below Kings if they lose by 5+ - unlikely.

A draw would ensure that Tahiti have to win midweek against South Melbourne (lose and the Tahitians only need a draw).
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6 days ago
Sounds like Ba is definitely more a football (soccer) town in Fiji than Suva.

Ba and the surrounding areas sugar cane farming areas are largely a Fijiain-Indian popn. So imagine that's the link.
Indigenous Fijians more into rugby.

https://twitter.com/OFCProLeague/status/2045292654003626270

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6 days ago
Todays games

South Melbourne v Hekari - little on the line for either side as their groupings are confirmed for next circuit, SM will just want to keep up momentum and avoid injuries and should win this handsomely, last game for Hekari before the last circuit starts, can they get any momentum ahead of that?

Bula v Auckland - very good circuit so far for Auckland and they'll just want to continue momentum, massive game for Bula. A win seals the deal, anything else (apart from a total humiliation which would knock them out) leaves their fate in South Melbournes hands.
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6 days ago · edited 6 days ago · History
LT01 wrote:
Todays games

South Melbourne v Hekari - little on the line for either side as their groupings are confirmed for next circuit, SM will just want to keep up momentum and avoid injuries and should win this handsomely, last game for Hekari before the last circuit starts, can they get any momentum ahead of that?

Bula v Auckland - very good circuit so far for Auckland and they'll just want to continue momentum, massive game for Bula. A win seals the deal, anything else (apart from a total humiliation which would knock them out) leaves their fate in South Melbournes hands.
Despite juggling their squad around two comps, SM are currently top of the VIC NPL after 8 games.

They play 3rd placed Oakleigh Cannons tomorrow. Since the Hekari match is a bit of a nothing, they may have flown a few guys from Fiji back to Melbs for the Oakleigh game??
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6 days ago
Genuine upset on the cards here... SMs Menelaou sent off for a last man challenge, Hekari took the later minutes later and do look in command here. Hope their fitness lasts.
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6 days ago
coochiee wrote:
 LT01 wrote:
Todays games

South Melbourne v Hekari - little on the line for either side as their groupings are confirmed for next circuit, SM will just want to keep up momentum and avoid injuries and should win this handsomely, last game for Hekari before the last circuit starts, can they get any momentum ahead of that?

Bula v Auckland - very good circuit so far for Auckland and they'll just want to continue momentum, massive game for Bula. A win seals the deal, anything else (apart from a total humiliation which would knock them out) leaves their fate in South Melbournes hands.
Despite juggling their squad around two comps, SM are currently top of the VIC NPL after 8 games.

They play 3rd placed Oakleigh Cannons tomorrow. Since the Hekari match is a bit of a nothing, they may have flown a few guys from Fiji back to Melbs for the Oakleigh game??
image.png 466.89 KB

Not sure if any have gone home, but yes it is a weaker side today with Jankovic, Swibel, Uchida on the bench. I think their third GK is playing too. Great to see Coveny and Ishveer Singh in there!
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Endorsed by
coochiee
6 days ago
image.png 3.44 MB
Upset complete! PNG Hekari win it late and shock South Melbourne!

SMs record in the islands as of now - 2 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses
Compare that to Auckland who by comparison are 5 wins, 1 draw 1 loss in the islands!
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6 days ago
Where is the crowd in Ba? Both this game and the game against SM they've had poor home crowds
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6 days ago
Bula beat Auckland 2-1 and qualify for the top four! Excellent performance after the meek one against South Melbourne. Think on the whole they deserved to make it. Only Aucklands second defeat, and they'll face again in NZ!
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6 days ago
LT01 wrote:
Where is the crowd in Ba? Both this game and the game against SM they've had poor home crowds
https://twitter.com/OFCProLeague/status/2045424334584664256

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6 days ago
Re AFCII's record in the Islands compared to Sth Melb's, that might have a bit to do with Auckland having OFC old heads like Tade, Den Heijer and Drake in their squad.

A Leagues Ins and Outs had Liam Gillion in Auckland's squad verus Mariners for tomorrow, but that seems unlikely.

https://twitter.com/fc_auckland/status/2045381816736182286


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Endorsed by
LT01
4 days ago · edited 4 days ago · History
Tomorrow - catch up matches
AFC II v SIU
SM v TU

South Island United will be hoping Sth Melbourne play a relatively strong side against Tahiti.

Of course if SIU get at least a point against AFC II, and clinch a top 4 spoty, they will make the TU v SM result moot.
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https://twitter.com/OFCProLeague/status/2045767998439567730

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4 days ago
A good win from South Island and Tahiti please. Bump up the Southerners to 2nd
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Endorsed by
coochieeLT01Southernix
3 days ago · edited 3 days ago · History
One cool thing about the Hub setups is that because the 8 teams are all based in one location for 1-2 weeks, there is plenty of time for local school visits, community events and the like.

The league may not be the highest standard in the world, but it's neat that kids around the Islands now have some sporting heroes, and get chances to meet them up close. I wouldn't be against the Hub concept continuing next season. 

But be nice if there could somehow also be games in Vanuatu, Tahiti, ChCh plus a New Caledonia team as well.

https://twitter.com/OFCProLeague/status/2046394083518935220
A day in the life of South Island United midfielder, Jaylen Rodwell 💥

Watch South Island United take on Auckland FC at Four R Stadium, Ba later today at 3pm! 🤩

Get your tickets at the gate! 🎟️#OFCProLeague pic.twitter.com/LpTFGsJJie
— OFC Pro League (@OFCProLeague) April 21, 2026 

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Endorsed by
Simon BSouthernix
3 days ago · edited 3 days ago · History
Plenty of Auckland City matchups in this one.
Gray, Yoo, Manuel & Zeb verus Den Heijer, Drake, Ellis, Gillion & Tade. I've missed someone no doubt.

Feutz a big big out for SIU. Weakens them considerably.

https://twitter.com/OFCProLeague/status/2046410880888492121
The second North v South Island New Zealand derby has finally arrived! 🇳🇿

Here are your starting line-ups as South Island United and Auckland FC battle for bragging rights.

📺 Watch the action LIVE and FREE on FIFA+ or through your local broadcaster. #OFCProLeague pic.twitter.com/6YbF858lh4
— OFC Pro League (@OFCProLeague) April 21, 2026 

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3 days ago
 
AUCKLAND STRIKE FIRST! Den Heijer clips a long ball forward and Ellis chases with three South Island defenders dawdling and making a mess of dealing with it. Faulds nips in, strides into the box and guides a right foot finish low into the bottom left corner past the onrushing Van Dijk. Really poor defending from South Island and Auckland make them pay. 
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3 days ago
Prins has been really, really poor all tournament, considering the raps on him and what we saw in the Central League. Hasn't taken to the step up at all, not really technically ready
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3 days ago
Well, he's scored! Awesome chip. David Yoo with a wonderful touch into a volley before that
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3 days ago
Evidently justice is not prevalent in this world and Auckland will never lose to a fellow NZ club
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3 days ago
Disappointing, but not surprising. SIU not helped by players out injured (most notably Feutz) and defensive errors cost them today. Hard to see them beating Auckland in the near future, although getting some better visa players could make the difference.

Now need South Melbourne to do them a favour.
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Endorsed by
LT01
3 days ago
mrsmiis wrote:
Well, he's scored! Awesome chip. David Yoo with a wonderful touch into a volley before that
He owes you for the jinx
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Endorsed by
coochiee
3 days ago
mrsmiis wrote:
Prins has been really, really poor all tournament, considering the raps on him and what we saw in the Central League. Hasn't taken to the step up at all, not really technically ready
Will have to watch the goal as would otherwise agree from what I’d seen prior to today he’d been poor. Lots of low percentage stuff that might work on a futsal court but not at this level

I’m sure he’s learnt a bit the last few mths about pro football 
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3 days ago · edited 3 days ago · History
Interesting fact is that Bula, Hekari, Kings and Vanuatu have all registered a win against the top two (and Tahiti could join that group tonight), but SIU haven't.

All 4 upsets came in the islands too - think there's a part there that SIU haven't had a climate advantage over Auckland/SM at any point.
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Endorsed by
coochiee
3 days ago
Coveny starts for Sth Melb. No Singh. Look like they have put a few of their better players on the pine.

Nothing game really for them, they are finishing 2nd regardless of the result. Wouldn't surprise if Tahiti U won and pinched that 4th spot off SIU.

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3 days ago · edited 3 days ago · History
SIU will be happy.
Sth Melb up 2-0 mid first half. 

Edit - make that 3-0!
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3 days ago · edited 3 days ago · History
Tahiti completely fluffing their lines. They are awful, with it all to play for.
5-0 at 36 mins. SM looking slick.

Edit - make that 6-0.
Tahiti don't want to be out there. Coach needs to make sweeping changes at HT.
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3 days ago
Now 6-1. 

So in Auckland the 4 teams in each Group play each other, ie another 3 games?? Presumably the points from the round robin carry over??

South Island will join Auckland FC, South Melbourne and Bula in the Leaders Group.
The top three sides in the Leaders Group go into the semi-finals.

Tahiti, SI Kings, Vanuatu & PNG into the Challengers Group.
The winner of that Challengers Group, playing off against the bottom side in the Leaders Group for the 3rd semi-final spot.
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Endorsed by
coochiee
3 days ago
coochiee wrote:
Now 6-1. 

So in Auckland the 4 teams in each Group play each other, ie another 3 games?? Presumably the points from the round robin carry over??

South Island will join Auckland FC, South Melbourne and Bula in the Leaders Group.
The top three sides in the Leaders Group go into the semi-finals.

Tahiti, SI Kings, Vanuatu & PNG into the Challengers Group.
The winner of that Challengers Group, playing off against the bottom side in the Leaders Group for the 3rd semi-final spot.
Clean slate for the next phase
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Endorsed by
LT01
3 days ago · edited 2 days ago · History
Finished a 8-1 drubbing.

Kiwi Ishveer Singh was actually on the pine and came on to score SM's 7th.
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3 days ago
This is completely out of left field but did the Nix ever consider loaning players to SIU?
Players like Cassidy, Smith the CB, Gabriel Sloane??? and any other fringe player not needed for the first team. Because getting plenty of game time in a pro setup like the Oceania comp would really develop their game. It would make the jump to the AL easier.
Not sure on the legality of moving players around like that.
Also any rumours on OL expansion. We really need to be in on this.
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2 days ago
austin111 wrote:
This is completely out of left field but did the Nix ever consider loaning players to SIU?
Players like Cassidy, Smith the CB, Gabriel Sloane??? and any other fringe player not needed for the first team. Because getting plenty of game time in a pro setup like the Oceania comp would really develop their game. It would make the jump to the AL easier.
Not sure on the legality of moving players around like that.
Also any rumours on OL expansion. We really need to be in on this.
I think the implication by a few folks in the know was that the comp could add a Nix team when it adds a New Caledonian team to reach 10 teams.
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2 days ago · edited 2 days ago · History
austin111 wrote:
This is completely out of left field but did the Nix ever consider loaning players to SIU?
Players like Cassidy, Smith the CB, Gabriel Sloane??? and any other fringe player not needed for the first team. Because getting plenty of game time in a pro setup like the Oceania comp would really develop their game. It would make the jump to the AL easier.
Not sure on the legality of moving players around like that.
Also any rumours on OL expansion. We really need to be in on this.
Dave Dome came out and strongly criticised SIU's inclusion at the expense of the Nix, in this first Pro League edition. I'd say with hindsight DD regrets some of those almost emotional kneejerk comments, but the Nix and SIU were never going to be doing loan deals after that. And yes not sure the OFC Pro League/ALM comp regs allow it anyway.

Also tricky with many of the games played in Honiara and Port Moresby, destinations not so easy to get to from Welly. So if say Cassidy, Smith & GSR were away in the Islands and the Nix had a sudden spate of injuries, it would take time to get them back to Welly or Aus and into the ALM squad.

The good news is, there is a solid rumour the Nix will have a OFC Pro League team in 2027. 

But as has been posted elsewhere you can't have any OFC League entrant being solely young Academy guys. Need some older non Nix (or ex Nix) Kiwis recruited as well. Just like Auckland have successfully done.
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Endorsed by
Noah4thenix
2 days ago · edited 2 days ago · History
Shame they couldn't take some of these matches to Christchurch.

When the league started in Auckland in January that was before local domestic football had kicked off. Already small crowds might be lower this time as OFC games clash with local football stuff.

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/04/22/wholl-play-who-when-ofc-pro-league-splits-into-leader-and-challenger-groups/

Fixtures
Leaders group — New Zealand
 
Games to be played on Wednesday May 6, 2026
Auckland FC v South Melbourne
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, kick-off TBC

Bula v South Island United
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, kick-off TBC

Games to be played on Saturday May 9, 2026
Auckland FC v Bula
Eden Park, Auckland, kick-off TBC

South Melbourne v South Island United
Eden Park, Auckland, kick-off TBC

Games to be played on Tuesday May 12, 2026
Auckland FC v South Island United
Eden Park, Auckland, kick-off TBC

South Melbourne v Bula
Eden Park, Auckland, kick-off TBC


Challengers group — New Zealand

Games to be played on Thursday May 7, 2026
Solomon Kings v Tahiti United
Eden Park, Auckland, kick-off TBC

Vanuatu United v PNG Hekari
Eden Park, Auckland, kick-off TBC

Games to be played on Sunday May 10, 2026
Solomon Kings v Vanuatu United
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, kick-off TBC

Tahiti United v PNG Hekari
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, kick-off TBC

Games to be played on Wednesday May 13, 2026
Solomon Kings v PNG Hekari
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, kick-off TBC

Tahiti United v Vanuatu United
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, kick-off TBC

Play-offs — New Zealand

Game to be played on Sunday May 17, 2026
4th-placed team from leaders group v 1st-placed team from challengers group
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, kick-off to be

Semi-finals: Auckland, New Zealand

Games to be played on Wednesday May 20, 2026
Semi-final 1
Auckland, New Zealand

Semi-final 2
Auckland, New Zealand

Final: Auckland, New Zealand
Game to be played on Sunday May 24, 2026
Winner semi-final 1 v winner semi-final 2
Auckland, New Zealand 
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2 days ago
coochiee wrote:
 austin111 wrote:
This is completely out of left field but did the Nix ever consider loaning players to SIU?
Players like Cassidy, Smith the CB, Gabriel Sloane??? and any other fringe player not needed for the first team. Because getting plenty of game time in a pro setup like the Oceania comp would really develop their game. It would make the jump to the AL easier.
Not sure on the legality of moving players around like that.
Also any rumours on OL expansion. We really need to be in on this.
Dave Dome came out and strongly criticised SIU's inclusion at the expense of the Nix, in this first Pro League edition. I'd say with hindsight DD regrets some of those almost emotional kneejerk comments, but the Nix and SIU were never going to be doing loan deals after that. And yes not sure the OFC Pro League/ALM comp regs allow it anyway.

Also tricky with many of the games played in Honiara and Port Moresby, destinations not so easy to get to from Welly. So if say Cassidy, Smith & GSR were away in the Islands and the Nix had a sudden spate of injuries, it would take time to get them back to Welly or Aus and into the ALM squad.

The good news is, there is a solid rumour the Nix will have a OFC Pro League team in 2027. 

But as has been posted elsewhere you can't have any OFC League entrant being solely young Academy guys. Need some older non Nix (or ex Nix) Kiwis recruited as well. Just like Auckland have successfully done.
Do we want the Nix in the Pro League. To be clear I think it would be cool, I'm just thinking about it more from the standpoint of how shaky things seem to be. Let's not forget that our attendances took a nose dive after that 1st Auckland loss at the start of the season. I'm just concerned about basically starting another professional team when we might not be the most stable club atm?
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2 days ago
Whilst the OFC Pro League is being reportedly heavily subsidised by FIFA/OFC, you definitely want to be involved. That may change if that money ever ends.

Despite the Nix's mens team struggling the last few seasons there has been nil rumours about the club having any financial stability issues. 

If anything this season Welnix opened their wallets re the ALW side and their signings. Player wages in the OFC Pro League sound like being low like the ALW, plus it's a short comp with the guys only on short term season by season contracts I think.

The Nix already have all the coaches and other resourcing they would need to support a 2nd (semi) pro mens team for 6 months per year. The extra young player development benefits, hopefully could lead to higher transfer fees a few years down the track.

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Endorsed by
Half a PintLT01Southernix
2 days ago
Fair enough, maybe I'm just overthinking the clubs situation lol

I do think the Nix being in the league would be cool, although it would make the competition heavily biased towards NZ seeing as we'd make up 30% of the competition (assuming a 9th team is added and we serve as the 10th team)
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2 days ago
Noah4thenix wrote:
Fair enough, maybe I'm just overthinking the clubs situation lol

I do think the Nix being in the league would be cool, although it would make the competition heavily biased towards NZ seeing as we'd make up 30% of the competition (assuming a 9th team is added and we serve as the 10th team)
Yes and no.

Yes having three teams would be a lot, but with their limited resources I think all the current island teams are better off having a "superclub" model for their country rather than competing rivals that will probably both struggle. I think only PNG and Fiji had surplus bids make it to the 2nd stage anyway.

The other associations, bar New Caledonia who I assume would be the 9th team, are all too small and lacking in resources to have individual teams, and can't say I fancy a combined team considering how Moana Pasifika went for the rugby.

I'd imagine the format might change too, potentially just a double round robin then finals rather than doing this leaders group, challengers group stuff.
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