The OFC Champions League group stage is drawing nearer and our focus on the competing clubs continues as we shine the spotlight on Vanuatu’s Amicale FC.
Since entering the OFC Champions League for the first time in 2011, Amicale have built a solid reputation for themselves.
With only four appearances in the competition, Amicale have already reached a final and a semi-final.
In 2011, the newly crowned Vanuatu champions begin their Champions League campaign on the best way as they won their first game of the competition 2-1 against 2010 champions Hekari United.
A perfect start for the Red Roosters who saw them finishing first of their group with only one point ahead of Solomon Islands champions Koloale with three wins, two losses and a draw.
Their first place in the Group Stage guarantee them a straight access to final against New Zealand’s Auckland City FC. In a final played on a home and away format, Amicale lost the 1st leg 2-1 at home and 4-0 the 2nd leg in Auckland.
To conclude their performance for their first ever appearance, striker Fenedy Masauvakalo finished top scorer to win the Golden Boot trophy.
The following year, Amicale experienced a difficult campaign and missed the final round.
The 2013 OFC Champions League edition was more colourful for the Red Roosters reaching the semi-finals after finishing second of their group six points behind Fiji’s Ba.
They met Waitakere United in the semi-final but a 2-0 loss at home in the 1st leg and a 2-1 loss in the 2nd leg ended the hopes of a second final.
For this year’s edition, Amicale have made a strong recruitment on the international level but without forgotten their local talents.
Their squad have been reinforced with three Serbian players Nicola Vasilic, Marko Dordevic and Milan Matic and 2013 OFC Champions League top scorer and best player Nigerian Sanni Issa, transferred from Ba.
Also former Aston Villa, St Johnstone and Dundee player Scotland’s Colin Marshall will be one of the attraction at the midfield.
Amicale can also rely on a strong local contingent and experienced Solomon Islands players like 2010 trophy older Alick Maemae and internationals Jack Wetney and Nelson Sale Kilifa.
Amicale are ready to face their opponents but are aware about the strong and tough challenge waiting for them in Fiji.
“I am now looking forward to the next exciting competition in Fiji and to be honest the competition will be strong” Amicale Vice-President Andrew Leong says.
Amicale will open their 2014 campaign against Dragon on April 8, following by Nadi on April 11 and to finish with current trophy holder Auckland City FC on April 14.
OFC
