Soccer: Crunch match for O-League title

Waitakere United and New Caledonia's AS Magenta square off at Fred Taylor Park in Auckland this Saturday with both sides needing a win to stay in contention for the 2010 O-League title.

Group A leaders Auckland City, who have played one extra match, enjoy a five-point cushion over Waitakere while Magenta are unlucky not to have picked up more than two points in the competition after a series of close results including a 2-1 loss to Auckland City in November.

Magenta coach Alain Moizan admits qualifying for the home-and-away final has become more difficult after Auckland's win against Tahiti's AS Manu Ura last week.

"Qualification will be hard for us, and even Waitakere, because Auckland are so far ahead on the table," Moizan said.

"This O-League is a learning experience because we have young players who are still getting used to the high level. But we are confident about tomorrow and look forward to the match."

Magenta will miss regular striker Paul Poatinda and key defender Noel Kaudre, ruled out through suspension, but with former Ligue 1 defender Benjamin Longue leading the backline and New Caledonia captain Pierre Wajoka marshalling from the midfield, Magenta should prove a strong challenge for Waitakere.

Player-coach Neil Emblen said Waitakere had set high standards for this season, and players were eager to bounce back from a disappointing 4-3 loss to Wellington in the New Zealand Football Championship last weekend.

"Our form on the road hasn't been the best but we're unbeaten at home this season so we're pretty confident," said Emblen.

"A win tomorrow will keep us within reach and we still have Auckland City to play in the final group match."

Waitakere defender Jason Rowley will sit out the match having picked up two yellow cards in the competition.

There are two further rounds after tomorrow's game to determine who advances from Group A and B to the home-and-away final scheduled for April/May.

From there, the winner will go on to represent Oceania at the Fifa Club World Cup.

- NZPA