Well there goes my ball knowledge, South Melbourne going into HT a goal down to Tahiti who were supposed to be one of the weaker sides.
South have a lot of attacking potential especially with their throw ins basically being corners. Unfortunately for them they just aren't able to make do with their opportunities and the Tahiti defense if giving their runners a fair bit of trouble. It's also worth mentioning that they're not going to improve as much as the comp goes on like other clubs since they're actually fielding an established squad unlike everyone else.
On the other hand you gotta give it to Tahiti United. Basically no one has been giving them a shot so Tahiti pulling ahead already is great stuff.
South Melbourne equalise! Tahiti nearly saved themselves at first but South were just relentless
Yep good pressure finally pays and it's a nice strike for the equaliser from Uchida. Just what SMFC needed now they have the whole second half to win it
South get the win but I can't imagine it's a win they'll be too pleased about. Coming in with an experienced team you would expect them to be strong from the start and while they were dominant Tahiti's defence just refused to give up an inch. Frankly as everyone else contineus to improve South Melbourne might end up being the most dissapointing team this season. That said it's early days so no need to jump to conclusions.
Props to Tahiti United I think they put on a much better performance than anyone was expecting, their defence was ruthless.
South Melbourne are also coming off a mega season with the Vic NPL and Aus Championship, and I'd be surprised if many of their players have much island experience. Could be a long tournament for them.
Need to take the advantage of having an established team and being on good pitches while they can.
Yipe there is a very good reason why both SIU and AFC II have recruited some ex ACFC old heads like Gray, Tade, Drake and den Heijer with tonnes of experience playing in the Islands.
It's just much tougher there. Especially Honiara. So yes could definitely be a weakness for SM, that lack of experience playing in OFC.
Not sure why they're checking VAR that seems like a pretty clear pen
edit: even with the 2nd angle that still seemed like a pen but we move on for now
Lea'i went down very easily for what I could see. Seemed like he ran into Erick Joe more than Erick Joe leaving a leg out.
I have to say, I think Solomon Kings have a decent team, but they needed to sign some Aus/NZ experience in defence like some other sides have done. They constantly seem to be getting opened up by Hekaris attack, and there's better attacks in the league than them.
Need to have 2 day gap minimum between games so guessing this game will be played tomorrow or on Sunday/Monday? Might mess with Bulas travel arrangements! Hopefully no more delays
Need to have 2 day gap minimum between games so guessing this game will be played tomorrow or on Sunday/Monday? Might mess with Bulas travel arrangements! Hopefully no more delays
Reckon they'll play the match/es in the 4th circuit in March where there are only two matches for each team scheduled. Although it is bookended somewhat by the international window starting on the 23rd.
Who knows. Weren't Auckland Council's stadium management arm accused by a North Shore local councillor of letting things run down at NHS? Council hoping the Stadium would just be demolished?
I was worried that playing all the PNG hub's games at one venue might be an issue. You know PNG being a 2nd/3rd world country. Touch ironic.
Can't expect them to know the drainage capability or lack of, given NHS is one of Auckland's top 3 stadiums hosting many sporting fixtures. Plus it sits right alongside the headquarters of both NZ Football and Auckland FC.
But yes it reflects badly on Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), the council-controlled organisation for Auckland Council.
Lot more changes for Auckland than Vanuatu. Wonder if this will show in fitness later or even earlier in the game. Certainly they've understood the assignment in building such good squad depth for the heavy scheduling of this comp.
Not bad attendances on Day 1. Crowd were quite loud through the telly for the 2nd game.
Still you have to wonder why the games weren't played at Mt Smart, with Auckland's ALM side away in Australia. That and there being a significant Fijian expat community in South Auckland.
2-0 to auckland now - don't think that foul on Tade was a penalty tbh. Worry this could get ugly now. Questions will be asked of OFC if Auckland FC dominate every game like this.
