OFC Champions League 2018 - Guide to the Group Stage

THE OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IS ENTERING ITS 16TH EDITION AND REMAINS OCEANIA’S PREMIER INTERNATIONAL CLUB COMPETITION.

E

very year this event draws interest from across the

With its nine victories, eight of them consecutive, Auckland

globe as the hunger to learn more about the football

City FC are by far the most successful club to have

and footballers developing in the Pacific grows.

participated in the competition, with Waitakere’s two titles placing them a distant second.

The history of this event runs deep.

It will take a lot to put a stop to this seemingly endless run What began with nine teams competing in the OFC Club

of success for Auckland City, you need only ask three-time

Championship, to the O-League, to its current incarnation

finalists Team Wellington who have yet to unseat their

as the OFC Champions League, almost 40 different clubs

rivals.

have attempted to stake their claim on the regional title.

However, the beauty of this competition is that anything Only a select few have succeeded; nine-time champions

can happen on the day even with the best laid plans.

Auckland City FC and Waitakere United from New Zealand, Sydney FC, Wollongong Wolves and South Melbourne from

Over the next three and-a-half months we are in for a treat

Australia, and Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United.

as the most exciting club football competition this region has to offer, plays out on fields across Oceania.

OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2018 QUALIFIER

20 January

Tupapa Maraerenga 1-0 Lupe Ole Soaga Veitongo FC 0-4 Pago Youth

23 January

Veitongo FC Pago Youth

2-9 Tupapa Maraerenga 3-1 Lupe Ole Soaga

26 January

Lupe Ole Soaga Pago Youth

6-0 Veitongo FC 0-5 Tupapa Maraerenga

CLUB

MP

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1

Tupapa Maraerenga

3

3

0

0

15

2

+13

9

2

Lupe Ole Soaga

3

2

0

1

19

2

+17

6

3

Veitongo FC

3

0

1

2

3

16

-13

1

4

Pago Youth

3

0

1

2

2

19

-17

1

THE TALENT POOL THE SOLOMON ISLANDS IS RENOWNED FOR THE TALENT IT PRODUCES. And the OFC Champions League has long been a platform for this seemingly endless flow of special talent.

The first to catch the eye was Laugu-born goal-getter Bartram Suri.

Starring for Makuru in 2005, the fleet-footed diminuitive strikersometimes-midfielder proved a constant menace to defences with his unpredictability inside and outside the penalty box.

Suri formed a deadly partnership with young-up-and-comer and nephew Alick Maemae and with the late Commins Menapi spearheading the attack, Makuru should have done a lot better than finish third in a group that contained AS Magenta, Tafea and AS Manu Ura. His preference was always to attack defenders from wide areas ghosting into the penalty box unnoticed and his talent was identified early with Suri regularly finishing among the top names in the Oceania

- THEY RIPPED UP THE PLAYBOOK AND WERE GIVEN LICENCE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES -

In 1996, aged 24 and playing his football in New Zealand for Nelson Suburbs, Suri finished fourth in the awards that year behind Lazio’s Paul Okon and Sampdoria’s Christian Karembeu.

Suri was rarely away from the Top 10 but Maemae, by contrast, remained an enigma.

Blessed with talent, skill and a languid style that caught the eye, Maemae’s blistering pace rendered him almost unplayable.

He bagged two goals in the 2005 OFC Club Championship for Makuru but that gave no indication of what he was to later produce firstly for YoungHeart Manawatu then Hekari United.

The Solomon Islands gun-for-hire tag came when he and fellow compatriot Benjamin Totori joined Palmerston North-based YoungHeart Manawatu in 2006-07.

Coached by former All Whites

striker Colin Tuaa, the MaemaeTotori double-act blew the doors off defences in New Zealand.

Totori shared a lot more of Maemae’s other qualities - pace, finishing, skill and balance - but they were different people off the pitch.

They ripped up the playbook under Tuaa at Manawatu and were given license to express themselves.

Totori hammered home 24 goals in 21 regular season domestic matches as YoungHeart Manawatu pushed Auckland City FC all the way in the New Zealand Football Championship.

Thrown into the mix with Totori and Maemae was another outstanding striker already mentioned - Menapi.

The three Solomon Islanders took the 2006 OFC Club Championship by storm.

Totori scored seven goals in just five games including a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Nokia Eagles at North Harbour Stadium.

Menapi chimed in with three goals in the group stage - one in each match - while the irrepressible Maemae pulled the strings in midfield.

YoungHeart Manawatu reached their highpoint in this competition and from there the franchise nosedived into football oblivion as they failed to qualify for the 2007 edition and by 2012 they had folded completely.

For Maemae, Menapi and Totori the story was just beginning and they would each taste OFC Champions League glory with different clubs.

Menapi and Totori were the first of the three to do so.

Inevitably their eye-catching displays ended with big moves

to Waitakere United in successive years with Menapi signing on at Fred Taylor Park first in the autumn of 2006.

Five goals in the OFC Champions League played a major part in Waitakere United’s first Champions League success as they snatched the title from Super City derby rivals Auckland City FC in a dramatic home-and-away final with Ba FC.

Asian champions Sepahan in front of 24,788 fans at the Olympic Stadium.

Totori’s ambitions were realised but with Menapi’s career starting to wind down demands grew on his young successor to be the catalyst for more OFC Champions League success.

Totori duly delivered.

Menapi’s crucial away goal in the first leg gave Waitakere United breathing space as they lost 2-1 at Govind Park.

Scoring twice in the 2008 edition, Totori helped retain Waitakere United’s precious Oceania title and with it their ticket to the Club World Cup.

Waitakere United somehow clung on to take out the second leg 1-0 with just nine men and book their tickets for the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2007.

Domestically, Waitakere United had no equal and that gap was poised to grow wider when the West Aucklanders signed Fijian striker Roy Krishna.

Menapi’s success and the allure of a Club World Cup were too good for Totori to turn down and soon he was swapping Palmerston North for Tokyo as Waitakere United took on then

Krishna hit the ground running and at first Totori struggled to define his own role within a team that now had two pacey skilful front runners augmented by the more methodical Allan Pearce.

He came off the bench in Waitakere United’s 2-1 defeat to Adelaide United at the FIFA Club World Cup with only five minutes to go.

If Totori was wondering what the future held for him at Waitakere United then Alec Maemae’s present was even less certain.

At least as talented as both Totori and Krishna, perhaps even better in open play, Maemae disappeared off the radar.

Following his stint with YoungHeart Manawatu Maemae opted for Richmond Athletic in Nelson before trying his luck with Makuru in 2008 where it had all started.

Auckland City FC then came calling when his ex-YoungHeart Manawatu boss Tuaa took over the reigns at Kiwitea Street but the stay proved disastrous and brief.

Maemae missed training sessions, didn’t adapt to the club’s football

philosophies and no sooner was he in the door, then he was back at YoungHeart Manawatu where he failed to match the dynamism of his first stint.

Not quite 24 years old with seemingly no options left, Maemae signed for Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United and the touchpaper was lit.

Maemae fell into step with a club going places.

Hekari United were winning the Papua New Guinea domestic league at a canter and with players like the freescoring Kema Jack, the combative Joachim Waroi and the leadership of Henry Fa’arodo, Maemae had found his spiritual football home in Port Moresby.

Hekari started poorly with a 3-3 draw at Tafea and a 2-1 home defeat to Lautoka but blew their group apart with a severe backlash in their next four games.

Jack, Maemae, Waroi and Fa’arodo made for a devastating

combination in attack winning four games scoring 11 goals and conceding two en route to the final with Waitakere United.

In midfield Stanley Waita pulled the creative strings and set the work-rate. Fiji’s Pita Baletoga provided the muscle.

Waitakere United had undergone a sequence of downsizing in operation and by the time the New Zealand and Oceania champions turned up in Port Moresby for their first leg final they were only a pale shadow of their former selves.

Maemae took full advantage.

Following Kema Jack’s first half opener, Maemae unlocked the floodgates with a brilliant free-kick nudged not only the game but the tie out of Waitakere United’s reach.

Maemae’s performance was sublime and when Jack added a late third even home advantage in the second leg would not be enough to save Waitakere United

from a humiliating defeat.

History shows Hekari United lost the second leg 2-1 but they were hardly pushed as Waitakere United plodded towards no more than a consolation win in a contest where Maemae and Hekari United created history by becoming the first non-Australian, non-New Zealand football club to win the OFC Champions League.

That this Hekari United victory remains the only time for a Pacific team outside of the “Big Two” to do so is difficult to fathom.

Hekari United would lose to Al Wahda 3-0 in their FIFA Club World Cup playoff but the name Alec Maemae would not be among those on the team sheet.

In keeping with his aura of mystery, the Solomon Islands enigma disappeared from view, taking up a contract with Amicale in Vanuatu alongside Waita, thus foregoing the opportunity to take his talents onto the global stage.

GROUP A Lae City Dwellers / Nalkutan FC Ba FC / Tupapa Maraerenga

Looking at the line-ups, you would have to consider Fiji’s Ba FC as one of the group frontrunners based on past performances. The Men in Black are one of the most frequent appearing teams with several semi-final appearances to their name.

While the past two editions haven’t been so kind to the pedigreed Fijian side, they failed to progress from the Group Stage, it hasn’t been for lack of trying.

Generally the team has been missing the mark by the narrowest of margins and with the introduction of the quarter finals for this edition, they’re likely to claim at least one of the two guaranteed spots.

Over the course of their previous appearances, both of which saw them drawn alongside regining champions Auckland City FC, Lae City Dwellers have showcased their ability to make the step up to the regional stage.

Blessed with the talents of local goalscoring duo Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba, plus a couple of shrew Solomon Islands imports, Peter Gunemba has the pieces in place to execute his plan.

Nalkutan FC may be an unfamiliar name, but with OFC B Licence-coach Moise Poida in charge and a slew of local talent, it’s a side hoping to make a name for itself.

Already they knocked off fellow Champions League side Erakor Golden Star to take out the domestic play-off and now they’re eyeing further success on the regional stage.

Finally, after years of trying, Cook Islands club Tupapa Maraerenga have finally progressed through the Qualifier. The names haven’t changed much over the past few years; Harmon and Joseph standing out among others.

However under coach Alex Napa the side has evolved. into a strongly structured, adaptable group that makes clever decisions. This side shouldn’t be ruled out.

The level of experience is wide-ranging, but that by no means rules out any one of these sides from making a run for the quarter-finals.

LAE CITY DWELLERS 1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Matheson NASA (GK)

21/08/85

1

0

PNG

2

Maybon PWESEI

16/04/95

0

0

PNG

3

Valentine NELSON

12/04/87

6

0

PNG

4

Goropaul ALBERT

06/06/93

4

0

PNG

5

Mosie MILUBWA

06/06/84

6

0

PNG

6

Troy GUNEMBA

10/06/90

4

0

PNG

7

Raymond GUNEMBA

04/06/86

17

6

PNG

8

Jacob SABUA

25/08/94

2

0

PNG

9

Nigel DABINYABA

26/10/92

12

3

PNG

10 Obert BIKA

11/05/93

5

1

PNG

11 Adolf KUMISI

06/05/93

2

0

PNG

12 Mathew DAVID

17/08/94

5

0

PNG

14 Emmanuel SIMON

25/12/92

8

1

PNG

15 Ken KEPE

09/09/87

4

1

PNG

16 Japhet TIAMPO

05/07/91

6

0

PNG

17 Billson BULO

12/06/89

0

0

PNG

18 Peter DABINYABA JNR.

28/03/97

2

1

PNG

19 Makis GELMAL

12/12/91

0

0

PNG

20 Ronald WARISAN

15/09/89

5

0

PNG

21 Clement WILLIS

21/01/93

0

0

PNG

22 Andrew RARANGIA

01/06/94

0

0

SOL

24 Tutizama TANITO

27/11/93

9

2

SOL

30 Dennis GANNI (GK)

01/11/89

0

0

PNG

Coach: Peter GUNEMBA (PNG)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

NALKUTAN FC 1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

John DAVID YOKAI (GK)

28/08/07

0

0

VAN

2

Noah ROGER

18/02/95

0

0

VAN

3

Nelson SALE

10/07/86

35

0

SOL

4

Keven SHEM

05/12/93

5

0

VAN

5

Robert THOMAS

04/06/78

0

0

VAN

6

Raoul COULON

12/03/95

0

0

VAN

7

Bob ISSAC

02/06/97

0

0

VAN

8

Jean TAUSSI

17/07/96

0

0

VAN

9

James NAKA

10/09/84

22

11

SOL

10

Bong KALO

18/01/97

6

1

VAN

11

Azariah SOROMON

01/03/99

0

0

VAN

12

Eddison STEPHEN

02/10/92

0

0

VAN

13

Pierre ALICK

20/11/96

0

0

VAN

14

Kerry IAWAK

16/03/96

0

0

VAN

15

Ignace YAMACK

25/03/90

0

0

VAN

16

Daniel NATOU

25/11/89

11

0

VAN

17

Joses NAWO

05/03/95

31

8

SOL

18

Jeffery TES

12/06/87

0

0

VAN

19

Kawia LAVA

03/07/85

0

0

VAN

20

Kaloran FIRIAM

12/10/94

0

0

VAN

25

Roddy LENGA

22/04/90

0

0

VAN

27

Richard MANURIKI

25/01/92

0

0

VAN

30

Antonie TAIWIA (GK)

04/09/94

0

0

VAN

Coach: Moise POIDA (VAN)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

BA FC

1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Misiwani NAIRUBE (GK)

22/02/96

4

0

FIJ

2

Avinesh SUWAMY

22/02/86

29

7

FIJ

3

Meli CODRO

18/08/85

15

0

FIJ

4

Manasa NAWAKULA

03/06/94

3

0

FIJ

5

Amal SINGH

11/04/94

0

0

CAN

6

Aakash SHARMA

29/05/92

0

0

FIJ

7

Samuela NABENIA

16/02/95

4

0

FIJ

8

Malakai RAKULA

16/05/92

1

0

FIJ

9

Abbu ZAHID

14/02/91

8

2

FIJ

10 Amena BOLAITAMANA

06/02/98

0

0

FIJ

11 Sitiveni CAVUILAGI

26/07/94

0

0

FIJ

12 Troy WATSON

05/01/93

0

0

CAN

13 Jonetani NEWA

29/07/97

0

0

FIJ

14 Kishan SAMI

13/03/00

0

0

FIJ

15 Saula WAQA

12/10/95

6

6

FIJ

16 Malakai TIWA

10/03/86

38

6

FIJ

17 Narendra RAO

27/06/95

5

0

FIJ

18 Laisenia NAIOKO

14/10/90

14

0

FIJ

19 Shivneel SINGH

04/11/97

0

0

FIJ

20 Josaia RATU (GK)

24/04/90

3

0

FIJ

21 Nathan BROWN

02/04/94

0

0

CAN

22 Atunaisa NAUCUKIDI (GK) 03/08/97

0

0

FIJ

23 Sanaila WAQANICAKAU 07/03/90

0

0

FIJ

Coach: Ronil KUMAR (FIJ)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

TUPAPA MARAERENGA 1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Keegan INIA (GK)

20/03/97

0

0

COK

2

Mii JOSEPH

14/08/88

0

0

COK

3

Sean LATIMER

07/09/93

0

0

ENG

4

Teina SAVAGE

23/08/86

0

0

COK

5

Roimata KARIKA

23/05/01

0

0

COK

6

Samuel MAOATE-COX

31/08/97

3

0

COK

7

Campbell BEST

12/03/86

0

0

COK

8

Lee HARMON

23/10/01

0

0

COK

9

Geoffrey STRICKLAND

17/06/86

0

0

COK

10 Grover HARMON

09/08/89

3

0

COK

11 Maro BONSU-MARO

26/02/97

0

0

COK

12 Willyn KARIKA

09/05/00

0

0

COK

13 Pachock ABBA

01/11/86

0

0

NZL

14 Edward BROGAN

05/03/85

0

0

COK

15 Pekay EDWARDS

07/06/96

3

0

COK

16 Flynn O’BRIEN

16/02/98

0

0

NZL

17 Tyrell BARRINGER-TAHIRI

20/04/94

3

0

COK

18 James HOYT

28/09/90

2

0

FIJ

19 Anthony SAMUELA

02/06/94

3

0

COK

20 Manaariki PIERRE (GK)

16/03/01

0

0

COK

Coach: Alex NAPA (COK)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

GROUP B Solomon Warriors / AS Dragon AS Lossi / Erakor Golden Star

Three sides make their return to the OFC Champions League after brief hiatus’ - hosts AS Dragon, Solomon Warriors and AS Lossi - who join 2017 debutants Erakor Golden Star in Tahiti for Group B. For AS Dragon, they’re hoping it will be a triumphant return to the regional stage on home soil. Former professional Marama Vahirua holds down the midfield, while smart recruitment has seen Reynald Lemaitre - who has over 300 Ligue 1 appearances to his name - join the ranks.

Surrounding them is a swarm of youth and senior internationals who each contribute to what happens on the field.

Solomon Warriors and AS Lossi are also making a return after a year off the radar. The squad assembled by Moses Toata is strong. There are senior internationals like Haddis Aengari and Jerry Donga, as well as rising talent Albert Witney. Alongside them are key recruits from Vanuatu defender Jason Thomas, John Alick and goalscorer Kensi Tangis.

Lossi meanwhile has seen a number of changes since their previous appearance, most notably the departure of former coach Stephan Drahusak. While there are some familiar names in the side, ultimately little is known about this side which finished mid-table during their previous domestic campaign.

Finally, Erakor Golden Star return to Tahiti with dreams of improving on their debut appearance last year. It remains very much a village-led side with the Kaltacks featuring heavily alongside Jacky Ruben and U-20 stars Ronaldo Wilkins and Joseph Iaruel and that tight-knit vibe is one of the precursors to success for this side.

For the second year in a row, Tahiti hosts a Champions League group but just one team returns from 2017 - Vanuatu’s Erakor Golden Star.

SOLOMON WARRIORS 1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Joseph KOMU (GK)

05/07/94

0

0

SOL

2

Haddis AENGARI

23/10/88

13

1

SOL

3

Allen PETER

15/09/95

0

0

SOL

4

Jason THOMAS

20/01/97

3

0

VAN

5

Fred FAKARI

09/11/89

5

0

SOL

6

Molea TIGI

24/09/92

9

3

SOL

8

John ALICK

25/04/91

0

0

VAN

9

Jerry DONGA

31/01/91

10

3

SOL

10 Judd MOLEA

23/08/88

8

0

SOL

11 Ian PAIA

28/10/90

12

1

SOL

12 Albert WITNEY

28/08/97

1

0

SOL

14 Roland MAMANIKA

07/07/88

0

0

SOL

15 Augustine SAMANI

13/04/91

3

0

SOL

16 Emmanuel POILA

16/07/90

14

0

SOL

17 Gibson DAUDAU

03/09/88

26

0

SOL

20 Harry MASAE

15/08/95

0

0

SOL

22 Bata FURAI

04/01/85

4

0

SOL

23 Gagame FENI

21/08/92

14

5

SOL

24 Kensi TANGIS

20/01/90

12

5

VAN

25 Matson FENNY

16/12/93

9

0

SOL

26 Lora MANI

02/06/89

0

0

SOL

28 Izomo BIRD (GK)

12/01/90

0

0

SOL

Coach: Moses TOATA (SOL)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

AS DRAGON

1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Gilbert MERIEL (GK)

11/11/86

0

0

TAH

2

Victor SNOW

27/10/91

1

0

TAH

3

Teata HAUATA

13/03/92

0

0

TAH

4

Heimana TAVERE

01/12/99

0

0

TAH

5

Gabriel VAKOUME

09/02/89

0

0

NCL

6

Hennel TEHAAMOANA

12/04/99

0

0

TAH

7

Salomon TEVEPAUHU

05/09/85

1

0

TAH

8

Ariitapu ASEN

05/03/93

0

0

TAH

9

Samuel HNANYINE

01/03/84

0

0

TAH

10 Marama VAHIRUA

12/05/80

5

2

TAH

12 Rainui TZE-YU

26/02/92

0

0

TAH

13 Logan LEDUC

24/10/90

0

0

TAH

14 Daniel SEINO

11/03/99

0

0

TAH

15 Sullivan DUEE

09/11/87

0

0

FRA

16 Jonathan MOU

24/10/96

0

0

TAH

17 Tamatoa TETAUIRA

17/03/96

0

0

TAH

18 Louis PETITGAS

03/10/93

0

0

TAH

21 Christophe GENDRON

24/02/90

0

0

TAH

22 Clyde TINIAU

11/01/92

0

0

TAH

23 Reynald LEMAITRE

28/06/88

0

0

FRA

24 Teinaore SEINO

06/04/93

0

0

TAH

27 Hubert TAUHA

02/11/85

0

0

TAH

30 Benjamin TARDIVEL (GK)

03/12/87

0

0

TAH

Coach: Timiona ASEN (TAH)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

AS LOSSI

1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Nicodem HMAEN (GK)

05/03/93

0

0

NCL

2

Jules KAUMA

26/10/94

0

0

NCL

3

Jonathan KAKOU

18/12/89

5

0

NCL

4

John Paul READ

28/07/90

6

0

NCL

5

Pierre KAUMA

04/08/95

3

0

NCL

6

Fonzy RANCHAIN

22/07/94

0

0

NCL

7

Damien WANAPOPO

27/02/92

0

0

NCL

8

Morgan MATHELON

12/09/91

0

0

NCL

9

Raoul WENISSO

20/07/00

0

0

NCL

10 Mone WAMOWE

31/10/86

3

0

NCL

11 Nathaneal HMAEN

04/08/93

3

0

NCL

12 Clarence NYIPIE

03/04/99

0

0

NCL

13 Warren SAIKO

01/09/87

0

0

NCL

14 Robert WAOUKA

07/01/90

1

0

NCL

15 Paul OZIKA

10/11/81

1

0

NCL

16 Jimmy WELEPANE

05/01/99

0

0

NCL

17 Henri WAIMA

06/08/91

0

0

NCL

18 Fabio KELA

10/04/87

0

0

NCL

19 Amy HNAGEJE

07/05/92

0

0

NCL

20 Arrinui TAPU

30/01/97

0

0

NCL

21 Ben-Drela HMAEN

13/03/98

0

0

NCL

29 Emmaniel WEKIEME (GK) 06/09/87

0

0

NCL

30 Patrick NYIKEINE (GK)

0

0

NCL

25/02/98

Coach: Victor WEJIEME (NCL)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

ERAKOR GOLDEN STAR 1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Chikau MANSALE (GK)

13/01/83

19

0

VAN

2

Jack WANEMUT

02/02/92

5

0

VAN

3

Jesse KALOPONG

01/01/98

1

0

VAN

4

Gordshem DONA

27/08/96

0

0

VAN

5

Selwyn VATU

13/06/98

0

0

VAN

6

Robert TOUKOUNE

25/04/96

0

0

VAN

7

Kaltfer KALTAK

01/11/97

0

0

VAN

8

Ronaldo WILKINS

30/12/99

0

0

VAN

9

Tony KALTACK

05/11/96

3

5

VAN

10 Jacky RUBEN

10/11/96

5

0

VAN

11 Nemani ROQARA

09/06/93

3

0

VAN

12 Bernard DANIEL

11/12/89

3

0

VAN

13 Godine TENENE

03/05/98

0

0

VAN

14 Joseph IARUEL

25/01/95

0

0

VAN

15 Elkington MOLIVAKARUA

03/03/93

1

0

FIJ

16 Barry MANSALE

01/11/95

6

0

VAN

17 Jean KALTACK

19/08/94

8

4

VAN

18 Antonio WANEMAT

13/03/98

0

0

VAN

20 Serge DANIEL (GK)

16/02/91

1

0

VAN

22 Gershom KALSRAP

23/04/96

0

0

VAN

23 Remy KALSRAP

27/06/96

0

0

VAN

24 Abraham ROQARA

16/07/94

1

0

VAN

Coach: Obed JIMMY (VAN)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

MATCH OFFICIALS GROUP A

GROUP B

Referees: Ben AUKWAI (SOL) George TIME (SOL) Medric LACOUR (NCL) Kader ZITOUNI (TAH) Matthew CONGER (NZL)

Referees: Salesh CHAND (FIJ) Sione LELENGA (TGA) Peter LINNEY (NZL) Nick WALDRON (NZL) Campbell KIRK-WAUGH (NZL)

Assistant Referees: John PAREANGA (COK) Simon LOUNT (NZL) Tevita MAKASINI (TGA) Douglas METE (SOL) Sione MAU (ASA)

Assistant Referees: Glen LOCHRIE (NZL) Avinesh NARAYAN (FIJ) Mark RULE (NZL) Sione TEU (TGA) Isaac TREVIS (NZL)

Referee Assesor: Neil POLOSO (SOL) Fitness Instructor: Jeremy GARAE (VAN)

Referee Assesor: Tevita VEA (TGA) Fitness Instructor: Raimana TAUOTAHA (TAH)

GROUP C Auckland City FC / Lautoka FC Madang FC / AS Venus

For the three teams drawn alongside the defending champions, knocking off Auckland City FC has been the key to success.

However with both the first and second-placed teams in the group progressing to the quarter finals, there is some room for these teams to breathe this time around. Although finishing in top spot will still be the aim for each of them.

With a tenth consecutive regional title on the line, Auckland City are out for victory. The regulation change means just four non-New Zealand players can be listed, including one Oceania player, meaning the approach from Auckland City has been a little different. Captain Angel Berlanga, goalkeeper Enaut Zubikarai and proven goal scorer Emiliano Tade have all made the cut, with Albert Riera’s citizenship coming through in time for him to be included.

In addition to these key stalwarts, the opportunity to include young Kiwis like Callum McCowart and Owen Parker-Price brings a new element to the squad.

Lautoka are another side that have trawled the Oceania talent-pool to strengthen their side with defender Brian Kaltak of Vanuatu and striker Benji Totori of Solomon Islands set to line-up beside some of Fiji’s top players.

Mauri Wasi, who has seen great success with Aucklandbased club Western Springs’ youth teams, has taken over the reins at Madang FC. The key inclusion is Papua New Guinea captain Michael Foster, but overall there is a great foundation for Wasi to work with.

Finally AS Venus is back in the OFC Champions League and out to do some damage. One of the leading goalscorers in the domestic league over the past few years, Teaonui Tehau, will be key to the team’s success. As captain he leads by example with a high work rate and strong leadership style.

Upsetting Auckland City FC on their run to the title is a feat so far reserved to an elite few.

AUCKLAND CITY FC 1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Enaut ZUBIKARAI (GK)

26/02/84

7

0

ESP

2

Liam GRAHAM

14/08/92

0

0

NZL

5

Angel BERLANGA

24/02/87

32

1

ESP

6

Te Atawhai HUDSON-WIHONGI

27/03/95

5

0

NZL

7

Cameron HOWIESON

22/12/94

6

1

NZL

8

Albert RIERA

28/12/83

22

1

NZL

9

Darren WHITE

24/03/89

25

7

NZL

10 Ryan DE VRIES

14/09/91

44

14

NZL

12 Kris BRIGHT

05/09/86

0

0

NZL

13 Alfie ROGERS

06/02/95

2

0

NZL

14 Cole PEVERLEY

07/03/88

5

0

NZL

15 Daniel MORGAN

20/11/90

5

0

NZL

16 Sam BURFOOT

01/03/92

10

1

NZL

17 Reid DRAKE

19/01/96

4

1

NZL

19 Micah LEA’ALAFA

01/06/91

21

11

SOL

20 Emiliano TADE

03/03/88

23

12

ARG

21 Harry EDGE

01/03/94

1

1

NZL

22 Harshae RANIGA

01/10/94

3

0

NZL

24 Conor TRACEY (GK)

13/04/97

0

0

NZL

25 Owen PARKER-PRICE

10/12/98

0

0

NZL

26 Callum McCOWATT

30/04/99

0

0

NZL

27 Dalton WILKINS

15/04/99

0

0

NZL

Coach: Ramon TRIBULIETX (ESP)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

LAUTOKA FC

1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1 Senirusi BOKINI (GK)

06/02/94

0

0

FIJ

2 Edward JUSTIN

15/03/93

0

0

FIJ

3 Zibraaz SAHIB

09/09/89

0

0

FIJ

4 Sgazuk ALI

13/10/95

0

0

FIJ

5 Poasa BAINIVALU

18/11/92

4

0

FIJ

6 Jone VESIKULA

30/04/86

32

1

FIJ

7 Dave RADRIGAI

15/03/90

3

0

FIJ

8 Kavaia RAWAQA

20/09/90

0

0

FIJ

9 Liesari QALICA

09/12/94

0

0

FIJ

10 Cory CHETTLEBURGH

21/08/91

0

0

NZL

11 Praneel NAIDU

29/01/95

0

0

FIJ

12 Laitia TUILAU

08/05/87

13

1

FIJ

13 Josevata DUGUCAGI

09/10/88

0

0

FIJ

14 Samuela DRUDRU

30/04/89

6

0

FIJ

15 Peni FINAU

05/08/81

12

1

FIJ

16 Osea VAKATALESAU

15/01/86

28

13

FIJ

17 Kolinio SIVOKI

10/03/95

3

0

FIJ

18 Arami VOLAVOLA

13/11/98

0

0

FIJ

19 Benjamin TOTORI

20/02/86

41

17

SOL

20 Brian KALTACK

30/09/93

15

1

VAN

21 Muni NAIDU

24/03/00

0

0

FIJ

22

19/08/87

8

0

FIJ

18/10/90

0

0

FIJ

Benaminio MATEINAQARA(GK)

23 Villiame TABUCALA (GK) Coach: Kamal SWAMY (FIJ)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

MADANG FC

1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Mikes GEWA (GK)

29/06/95

0

0

PNG

3

Abel REDENUT

17/04/95

0

0

PNG

4

Darren POLLY

06/06/95

0

0

PNG

5

Langarap SAMOL

21/07/89

3

0

PNG

6

Samuel KINI

10/10/86

15

1

PNG

7

Maximillion SEGUM

31/12/91

0

0

PNG

8

Michael FOSTER

05/09/85

6

1

PNG

9

Pulung STEVEN

13/11/94

0

0

PNG

10 Emmanuel AIREM

21/11/94

0

0

PNG

11 Vanya MALAGIAN

04/03/96

3

1

PNG

12 Nigel MALAGIAN

05/02/96

3

0

PNG

13 Jonnel KAMBUAL

09/04/95

0

0

PNG

14 Neil HANS

24/04/88

5

0

PNG

15 Hanson TOPIO

30/10/87

3

0

PNG

16 Papalau AWELE

01/03/95

3

0

PNG

18 Stahl GUBAG

17/07/99

20

1

PNG

19 Romo RAYMOND

05/05/91

0

0

PNG

20 Neville MANASSEH (GK)

30/03/89

0

0

PNG

21 Charles LEPANI (GK)

20/08/94

0

0

PNG

22 Steven INIA

04/03/96

1

0

PNG

23 Solomon MAPAI

21/12/96

2

0

PNG

25 Darren STEVEN

04/06/94

0

0

PNG

Coach: Maurie WASI (PNG) *Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

AS VENUS

1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Tamatiti PATIA (GK)

21/01/91

0

0

TAH

2

Tauarii TAPUTUARAI

03/01/93

0

0

TAH

3

Kevin BARBE

02/09/97

0

0

TAH

4

Jean-Claude PARAUE

24/05/89

0

0

TAH

5

Marcel TIHONI

28/12/85

0

0

TAH

6

Hitinui VERNAUDON

08/04/95

0

0

TAH

7

Marama ANAU

13/01/91

0

0

TAH

9

Tefai FAEHAU

26/02/88

0

0

TAH

10 Teaonui TEHAU

01/09/92

11

6

TAH

11 Raiamanu TETAUIRA

11/01/93

0

0

TAH

12 Mauarii TEHINA

16/10/93

0

0

TAH

13 Yann PENNEQUIN-LE BRAS

10/01/94

0

0

FRA

14 Faretua MARAETEFAU

29/10/89

0

0

TAH

16 Heiarii TAVANAE

15/02/92

3

1

TAH

18 Tivini TEUMERE

14/04/99

0

0

TAH

22 Tevaearai TAMATAI

15/01/01

0

0

TAH

23 Mauri HEITAA

31/07/99

0

0

TAH

24 Hauragi HURI

07/03/99

0

0

TAH

25 Ramanui AMAU

09/06/00

0

0

TAH

26 Louis GITTON

02/04/02

0

0

TAH

27 Kittin MARO

01/05/99

0

0

TAH

29 Christian TEPAU

08/01/99

0

0

TAH

30 Roonui TEHAU

15/12/99

0

0

TAH

Coach: Sam GARCIA (TAH) *Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

GROUP D Team Wellington / AS Magenta Lupe Ole Soaga / Marist FC

For three years running, Team Wellington and AS Magenta have met in the semi-finals of the OFC Champions League and on each occasion the side from New Zealand’s capital have prevailed.

Meeting in the Group Stage takes the pressure of the Caledonians somewhat, but given the competitive nature of the club getting one over their rivals will still be a priority.

Like Auckland City, Team Wellington have also had to make critical decisions around their recruitment this season.

Ross Allen is one of Guernsey FC’s top scorers, and has made the move Down Under with the hopes his previous success will translate.

Roy Kayara of New Caledonia has returned to Wellington and already is seeing more game time than before. He’s used to the heat and pressure of Champions League football, having made nine appearances for three different clubs previously.

For Magenta, the times are changing and although the backbone of the squad remains Alain Moizan has incorporated a lot of youth in his squad. A key inclusion is U-17 national team captain Cameron Wadenges whose leadership and talent shone through at India 2017.

Lupe Ole Soaga have made it through as the secondranked Qualifier team for the second season in a year, and although the step up is at times a struggle, to their credit Lupe never give up.

Marist FC rose to Champions League material under the guidance of Brazilian Juliano Schmeling. After leading them through much of the S-League season, he left the squad in the hands of brothers Jerry Allen, former Hekari United coach, and Jerry Sam. Although the squad has been through some upheaval, they are close-knit and capable of greatness. They’re also playing on familiar ground which could be the advantage they need to attain that coveted quarter final spot.

A three-time runner-up has a target on their back as their rivals go in search of some glory of their own.

TEAM WELLINGTON 1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Scott BASALAJ (GK)

19/04/94

12

0

NZL

2

Justin GULLEY

15/01/93

10

0

NZL

3

Scott HILLIAR

25/07/94

0

0

NZL

4

Mario ILICH

23/06/95

1

0

NZL

5

Liam WOOD

30/03/98

0

0

NZL

6

Taylor SCHRIJVERS

20/12/96

4

0

NZL

7

Eric MOLLOY

12/12/92

0

0

IRE

8

Tiahn MANUEL

22/05/99

0

0

NZL

9

Tom JACKSON

14/02/91

16

9

NZL

10 Nathanael HAILEMARIAM

08/03/94

5

2

NZL

11 Mario BARCIA

05/11/89

12

1

ARG

12 Andrew BEVIN

16/05/92

12

3

NZL

13 Roy KAYARA

02/05/90

9

0

NCL

14 Jack-Henry SINCLAIR

23/02/98

0

0

NZL

15 Joel STEVENS

07/02/95

9

4

NZL

16 Angus KILKOLLY

18/04/96

0

0

NZL

19 Ross ALLEN

02/03/87

0

0

GUE

20 Hamish WATSON

17/04/93

0

0

NZL

21 Daniel MULHOLLAND

20/04/97

0

0

NZL

22 Marcel KAMPMAN (GK)

15/01/98

0

0

NZL

23 Steve DIMAKIS (GK)

30/11/80

0

0

NZL

Coach: Jose FIGUERA (ENG)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

AS MAGENTA

1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Steeve IXOEE (GK)

28/08/70

0

0

NCL

2

Jean-Christ WAJOKA

18/02/95

12

3

NCL

3

Jean-Brice WADRIAKO

10/07/86

9

0

NCL

4

Gregory TARAMOIN

05/12/93

0

0

NCL

5

Mickael TIAOU

04/06/78

1

0

NCL

6

Iler HNAUK

12/03/95

0

0

NCL

7

Renzo WEJIEME

02/06/97

0

0

NCL

8

Yorick HNAUTRA

17/07/96

3

1

NCL

9

Emile OUNEI

10/09/84

0

0

NCL

10 Richard SELE

18/01/97

0

0

NCL

11 Kevin NEMIA

01/03/99

5

2

NCL

12 Benjamin BERNARD HERVE

02/10/92

2

0

NCL

13 Cameron WADENGES

20/11/96

0

0

NCL

14 Jean-Claude JEWINE

16/03/96

3

0

NCL

15 Didier SIMANE

25/03/90

5

0

NCL

16 Mickael ULILE (GK)

25/11/89

1

0

NCL

17 Wilsen POAMENO

05/03/95

3

0

NCL

18 Bill NICHOLLS

12/06/87

8

4

NCL

19 Joseph ATHALE

03/07/85

5

1

NCL

20 Maraima TCHAO

12/10/94

0

0

NCL

22 Henri WARAWANE

22/04/90

0

0

NCL

23 Pierrot JELEWED

25/01/92

5

2

NCL

29 Leon IXOEE (GK)

04/09/94

3

0

NCL

Coach: Alain MOIZAN (FRA)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

LUPE OLE SOAGA 1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Faalavelave MATAGI (GK) 13/03/97

6

0

SAM

2

Vaalii FAALOGO

09/11/83

3

0

SAM

3

Spencer KELI

26/10/85

3

0

SAM

4

Vito LALOATA

15/10/96

6

0

SAM

5

Tauati TANOAI

19/04/98

0

0

SAM

6

Michael FIFI’I

24/12/87

3

0

SOL

7

Lawrie LETUTUSA

11/06/93

6

0

SAM

8

Darren ALATINA TALILAI 23/10/95

2

0

SAM

9

Samuelu MALO

04/04/99

3

0

SAM

10 Lapalapa TONI

04/07/94

8

1

SAM

11 Suivai ATAGA

21/04/87

5

1

SAM

12 Kareti SOAGA

23/03/84

3

0

SAM

13 Vaa TAUALAI

06/04/98

4

0

SAM

14 Albert BELL

26/11/92

2

0

SAM

15 Faafua ATAGA (GK)

27/04/94

5

0

SAM

16 Andrew SETEFANO

10/08/87

6

2

SAM

17 Ken KEREWI

08/05/82

0

0

NIG

18 Bird VAGAIA

26/10/87

3

0

SAM

19 Cihan ERBIL

06/04/87

0

0

SAM

20 Luki GOSCHE

13/01/86

5

1

SAM

21 Kevin AH KUOI

21/08/84

0

0

SAM

22 Eti FATU (GK)

25/02/01

0

0

SAM

23 Johnwesley TEO

19/02/96

0

0

SAM

Coach: Paul UALESI (SAM)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

MARIST FC

1.

NAME

D.O.B

APPEARANCES*

GOALS NATIONALITY

1

Anthony TALO (GK)

08/01/96

6

0

SOL

2

Joachim WAROI

20/09/88

27

6

SOL

3

Michael BOSO

03/09/91

3

0

SOL

4

John ROFETA

02/09/94

0

0

SOL

5

Jeffery BULE

15/11/91

26

1

SOL

6

Robert LAUA

08/09/91

3

0

SOL

7

Atkin KAUA

04/04/96

3

0

SOL

8

Henry FA’ARODO

05/10/82

21

1

SOL

9

Abraham INIGA

21/11/79

19

3

SOL

10 Timothy BAKALE

29/03/95

3

0

SOL

11 Mathias IANI

14/08/95

1

0

SOL

12 Zantas KABINI

21/02/85

0

0

SOL

13 Natanela BERO

28/11/94

0

0

SOL

14 Koriak UPAIGA

13/06/87

36

0

PNG

16 John AETA

02/09/00

0

0

SOL

18 Thomas AMASIA

25/08/98

0

0

SOL

19 Joel PAKALIKI

07/10/93

0

0

SOL

20 Davidson TOME

17/04/94

0

0

SOL

21 Alvin RAY

23/01/97

0

0

SOL

22 Harold NAUANIA

10/10/97

0

0

SOL

23 Fredrick DOLA

06/04/94

0

0

SOL

24 Thomas TALOGA

12/08/85

2

0

SOL

25 Joachim KAIRI (GK)

10/04/95

0

0

SOL

Coach: Jerry ALLEN (SOL)

*Denotes career apperances for all clubs in OFC Champions League only

MATCH OFFICIALS GROUP C Referees: Joel HOPKEN (VAN) Mederic LACOUR (NCL) Hamilton SIAU (SOL) George TIME (SOL) Assistant Referees: Bertrand BRIAL (NCL) Bernard MUTUKERA (SOL) Stephen SENIGA (SOL) Hilmon SESE (VAN) Marc SINYEUE (NCL) Referee Assesor: Neil FOX (NZL) Fitness Instructor: Greg GALLOP (NZL)

GROUP D Referees: Robinson BANGA (VAN) Norbert HAUATA (TAH) Averii JACQUES (TAH) David YAREBOINEN (PNG) Kader ZITOUNI (TAH) Assistant Referees: Mahit CHILIA (VAN) Jeremy GARAE (VAN) Noah KUSUNAN (PNG) Folio MOEAKI (TGA) Malaetala SALANOA (SAM) Referee Assesor: Petteson LUSI (SOL) Fitness Instructor: Hugo PADO (SOL)

OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COVERAGE

Stay up-to-date with all the OFC Champions League action with our dedicated media & television staff.

The OFC Media & Communications team, along with the television department and our media partners across the Pacific, will be bringing fans all the latest news and action from all four venues of the OFC Champions League 2018 Group Stage.

We invite fans to join the conversation via our dedicated Champions League twitter handle @ OFCChampsLeague and our facebook page, / OFCfootball.

The games will be available live across the globe thanks to the streaming platform Mycujoo.

Visit the Oceania Football Confederation channel, or head to the website to access the links.

As well as the matches, the teams will be working hard to bring the tournament to life with profiles of the players, peeks behind-the-scene, and also the culture and atmosphere in each of the unique venues - Tahiti, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Zealand.

We will be sharing daily galleries on Facebook and there will also be some additional content on instagram. Follow us and make sure you don’t miss a thing.

We hope you enjoy the tournament and invite you to share any feedback on our Facebook page or email us; media@oceanaifootball.com.

@OFCfootball