Defending champions, the NZFFI Auckland All Stars faced a setback, suffering a 1-0 loss to the USA All Stars in their second Group B match of the 2024 Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup held in Lautoka today. The match turned crucial when a penalty was awarded to the USA in the 35th minute, which was expertly converted by Javier Mariona, giving the Americans the lead.
Under the guidance of coach Josaia Bukalidi, the Auckland All Stars featured prominent players, including national representatives Gabriel Matanisiga and Mohammed Raheem, alongside several former national players and guest signings. Despite their strong lineup, they struggled against a well-organized and steadfast defense from the USA team.
Currently, the USA All Stars have accumulated four points from their two matches and are set to face Rewa in their forthcoming group encounter at 3 PM tomorrow. Meanwhile, the NZFFI Auckland All Stars sit on three points and will take on Labasa in their next match at 5:30 PM.
This defeat presents a challenge for the Auckland All Stars, but it also serves as an opportunity for them to regroup and showcase their resilience in the upcoming match against Labasa. Fans remain hopeful that the team will harness their experience and talent to bounce back stronger.
In summary, the USA All Stars secured a vital win to boost their position in the tournament, while the NZFFI Auckland All Stars will need a solid performance in their next game to continue advancing.
Leave a comment