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2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February 2006

Final Standings

The 2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary has been completed with Nadi-based United Eagles of Fiji winning the 5-day tournament and booking their ticket to the final competition in New Zealand from 10 - 21 May.

A draw between Polynesian rivals Tuanaimato Breeze of Samoa and Tonga's Lotoha'apai FC was enough to seal qualification for the Eagles, who were held by winless Nikao Sokattak of the Cook Islands in the final match of the competition.

United Eagles will now join the club champions of New Caledonia, New Zealand, and Vanuatu in Group B of the 2006 OFC Club Championships - New Zealand. A second New Zealand side, AS Pirae of Tahiti, Papua New Guinea's Sobou FC, and the Solomon Islands champion club comprise Group A.

Final Standings (after 3 matches)

Team P W D L GF GA DIFF PTS

United Eagles 2 2 0 1 7 2 +5 6

Tuanaimato Breeze 2 1 1 1 4 4 0 4

Lotoha'apai FC 2 1 1 1 5 6 -1 4

Nikao Sokattak 2 0 1 2 2 5 -3 1

Leading Scorers (after 3 matches)

Name Club Goals

Desmond Faaiuaso Tuanaimato Breeze 3

Waisake Sabutu United Eagles 2

Simione Tamanisau United Eagles 2

Maake Uhatahi Lotoha'apai FC 2

Pita Bolaitoga United Eagles 1

Ovini Duguca United Eagles 1

Valerio Nawatu United Eagles 1

Titi Esau Tuanaimato Breeze 1

Ilaisa Makasini Lotoha'apai FC 1

Lafaele Moala Lotoha'apai FC 1

Inoke Vaihu Lotoha'apai FC 1

Tuka Tisam Nikao Sokattak 1

Steve Willis Nikao Sokattak 1

2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February 2006

Match Day 1 (6 February 2006)

Nikao Sokattak 1 - 2 Tuanaimato Breeze

Lotoha'apai FC 1 - 5 United Eagles

Match Day 2 (8 February 2006)

Lotoha'apai FC 3 - 1 Nikao Sokattak

United Eagles 2 - 1 Tuanaimato Breeze

Match Day 3 (10 February 2006)

Lotoha'apai FC 1 - 1 Tuanaimato Breeze

United Eagles 0 - 0 Nikao Sokattak

2006 OFC Club Championships

North Harbour Stadium, Albany, New Zealand

10 - 21 May 2006

Group A - New Zealand (1)*, AS Pirae (Tahiti), Solomon Islands*, Sobou FC (Papua New Guinea)

Group B - New Zealand (2)*, United Eagles (Fiji), New Caledonia*, Vanuatu*

*NB. Teams TBC

2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February 2006

Match Day 3 - Match 6

EAGLES HELD IN FINAL MATCH

Nikao end tournament on a high

Nadi-based United Eagles confirmed their place at the 2006 OFC Club Championships, New Zealand despite being held to a scoreless draw against Cook Islands champs Nikao Sokattak in their final match of the preliminary competition at Govind Park, Ba, Fiji.

And while the match ended as a draw, the result was a victory for teamwork and determination as a gritty Nikao absorbed everything the Fijians could throw at them. Nikao rarely threatened Shamal Kumar's goal piling men behind the ball, stifling the usually free-flowing Eagles attack. The frustration was evident, culminating in an 89th minute red card to defender Josefa Tabasau.

The Eagles did manage to find the net, but Waisake Sabutu's early strike was disallowed as the customary Nikao offside trap was called into action early. At the other end Mona Vaine Keu was proving a useful target up front regularly winning balls in the air, but a lack of support meant his knock downs went to waste.

Flamboyant Nikao goalkeeper Junior Rapena, was a standout performer for his side, coming for, and often claiming, anything in his 18-yard box for the full 90 minutes. However, his showmanship nearly cost his side dearly in the 19th minute as he was penalized for time wasting, but the Eagles could not capitalize, slamming the resulting indirect freekick into the wall.

Moments later Rapena came and missed a teasing cross from the right, leaving Valerio Nawatu with an open net to aim for, but the striker amazingly volleyed over the crossbar. Rapena redeemed himself a couple of minutes later smothering Emosi Baleinuku's rasping 20-yard drive.

Pita Bolaitoga then forced a smart reflex save from the Cook Islands `keeper, flicking his shot off a driven cross by the overlapping Taniela Waqa. Baleinuku hit the side netting in the 43rd minute following a similar cross from Tabasau.

Soon after halftime, Rapena's reflexes were again called into action, this time saving from his own defender, Mark Jamieson. Shamal Kumar started the sweeping move which ended up with Marika Namaqa's cross cannoning off Jamieson towards the roof of the net.

Nawatu had a chance to make amends for his earlier miss when Waqa spilt the defence with his pass, but the striker shot straight at Rapena. Bolaitoga's fleet footwork created an opening in the 62nd minute, but the legs of Rapena denied him, and substitute Simione Tamanisau could not convert the rebound.

The back three of Steve Willis, Paul Luiz Van Eijk, and Jamieson then saw off wave-after-wave of Eagles attack, as the Fijians were forced into bombing longballs toward the Nikao penalty area. The tactic almost paid off in the dying moments of the match as Tamanisau ghosted in behind Willis only to see his glanced header slide agonizingly wide.

The final whistle was greeted with cheers from the Nikao players and the handful of supporters that made the journey from Rarotonga. For the Eagles, Auckland awaits where they have been grouped with the representatives from New Caledonia, one of the New Zealand sides, and Vanuatu.

Match Facts

Result

United Eagles 0

Nikao Sokattak 0

United Eagles - 1. Shamal Kumar (c); 2. Samuela Vula; 4. Apisalome Turuva; 5. Taniela Waqa; 7. Marika Namaqa; 9. Valerio Nawatu (13. Simione Tamanisau 60'); 10. Pita Bolaitoga; 11. Ovini Duguca (8. Usaia Tadau 60'); 15. Emosi Baleinuku; 16. Josefa Tabasau; 19. Waisake Sabutu

Subs not used - 12. Dharnesh Reddy; 18. Ratu Sireli Soqosoqo; 20. Alifereti Baileloa

Red Card - 16. Josefa Tabasau (89')

Nikao Sokattak - 1. Junior Rapena; 2. Teatu Rangi Putere; 3. Albert Oti; 4. Paul Luiz Van Eijk; 8. Mona Vaine Keu (16. Anonga Tisam 73'); 9. Teariki Mateariki (12. Tuka Tisam 54'); 10. Steve Willis; 13. Poko-Long Pauka; 15. John Bataillard (6. Kunde Tangimetua 82'); 18. Nathan Tisam; 19. Mark Jamieson

Subs not used - 5. Tepou Taane; 11. Conrad Piri; 14. Steve Cuthers; 17. Papa Lee Ponini

Cautions - none

2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February 2006

Match Day 3 - Match 5

HONOURS EVEN IN SAMOAN TONGAN DUEL

Teams end tournament with draw

Lotoha'apai FC and Tuanaimato Breeze ended their 2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary campaigns with an entertaining 1-1 draw in Ba, Fiji.

Tuanaimato defender Titi Esau opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a 40-yard free-kick which replacement `keeper Taisi Tukimaka - in for the influential Kavakava Manumua - spilled into his net, which spoiled an otherwise spectacular display by the custodian. But, Maake Uhatahi, a constant threat throughout the match equalized five minutes from time to ensure parity at Govind Park.

With both teams having a mathematical chance at stealing top spot in the tournament it was Samoa's Tunaimato who started the better of the two sides and nearly opened the scoring in the first minute of play.

Andrew Setefano played Dennis Bryce in, but his tame shot was easily held by Tukimaka, and despite warming his hands early the `keeper, deputizing for the injured Manumua, seemed edgy and flapped at a corner minutes later.

His opposite number Joe Ugapo was forced into a smart save from Lotoha'api's Uhatahi flinging himself to his right in the 17th minute, the awkward impact left him in some distress, and for a while it looked as though he would not see the match out. Ugapo stayed on the field and was called into action again in similar fashion, this time saving from Lafaele Moala.

Lotoha'apai continued to mount pressure on Ugapo's goal and the Tongan's were nearly rewarded in the 27th minute through skipper Stanlessly Mafi, but the defender's header was misplaced and sailed wide. Minutes later Esau's lofted free-kick ended in the back of the net, 1-0 against the run of play. Tuanaimato should have scored again moments later but for Mafi's well-timed challenge on Setefano.

Setefano was denied twice after half-time by Tukimaka, first the `keeper palmed a point-blank drive onto the crossbar, before saving with his feet in a one-on-one situation.

With the match looking as though the points would go to Tuanaimato, Uhatahi popped up to score his second goal in as many matches ensuring honours were even at fulltime. The draw meant that regardless of the second match of the day, United Eagles would travel to New Zealand for the 2006 OFC Club Championships.

Match Facts

Result

Tuanaimato Breeze 1 (Titi Esau 32')

Lotoha'apai FC 1 (Maake Uhatahi 85')

Tuanaimato Breeze - 1. Joe Ugapo; 2. Kiwi Timo; 3. Kennedy Faalavaau; 4. Sapati Umutaua; 5. Fauivi Ugapo; 6. Victor Lui; 8. Lionel Taylor; 10. Desmond Faaiuaso; 11. Andrew Setefano; 13. Dennis Bryce (Iosefa Ioane 77'); 14. Titi Esau

Subs not used - 15. Danny Punimata; 16. Michael Poutasi; 17. Martin Tamasese; 20. Romeo Sa

Cautions - 4. Sapati Umutaua (26')

Lotoha'apai FC - 20. Taisi Tukimaka ; 2. Kava Huihahau; 4. Stanlessly Mafi (c) (7. Kainasi Uhatahi 65'); 6. Heimula Leakona (18. Feao Finau 62'); 8. Mailele Papani; 9. Maake Uhatahi; 12. Lafaele Moala; 13. Teu Fakava; 14. Halapua Falepapalangi (17. Sione Tuhitahi 40'); 15. Lui Muavesi; 16. Taisi Tukimaka

Subs not used - 1. Kavakava Manumua; 10. Semisi Tufiangaloka

Cautions - 16. Taisi Tukimaka (42'); 15 Lui Muavesi (45')

2006 OFC Club Championships

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February 2006

OFC REFEREES PUT THROUGH PACES

The Oceania Football Confederation is committed to developing world-class match officials, and part of that development programme began in Fiji this week as the first team of OFC match officials were put through the new FIFA referee's fitness test in the build-up to the 2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary in Ba.

The new test is designed to simulate match conditions and combines a speed test with interval and endurance training. Referees are required to pass the fitness test before officiating at OFC tournaments.

The match officials were also the first within the confederation to receive the new OFC referee's kit provided by Lotto, as the confederation moves to improve the standard of match officials throughout the region.

"Referee development is one of the key areas of importance for our Confederation, we want as many of our top officials consistently appearing on the world stage" noted OFC President Reynald Temarii.

10 match officials from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, Tonga, and Vanuatu undertook the test under the watchful eyes of OFC Referees' Committee members Massimo Raveino of Tahiti and Fiji's Chandra Segran.

The majority of the referees selected for the OFC Club Championships - Preliminary are new to FIFA International Panel and as well as officiating in the five day tournament they are also undertaking a "new referees" course facilitated by Raveino and Segran.

Similar courses will be run for women's referees at the 2006 OFC U20 Women's Championship in Samoa in April, and at the 2006 OFC Club Championships in New Zealand a month later.

2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February

Match Officials

Referees - Jacques Averii (Tahiti), Leonie Rakoroi (Fiji), Rakesh Chand Varman (Fiji), Tevita Vea (Tonga), Robert Tino Wohler (Tahiti)

Assistant Referees - Mahit Kalou Chillia (Vanuatu), Rohitsh Dayal (Fiji), Jeremie Hoata (Tahiti), Tevita Makasini (Tonga), Peter Paliwa

2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February 2006

Progressive Standings

After two Match Day's and four matches the United Eagles club of Fiji lead the way with two wins from two matches. Samoa's Tuanaimato Breeze and Lotoha'apai FC of Tonga trail three points behind.

And Nikao Sokattak of the Cook Islands is yet to gain a point, despite leading at the halfway stage of both their matches at the tournament.

The winner of the preliminary competition will join New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu to compete the line-up at the 2006 OFC Club Championships to be held in Auckland, New Zealand from 10 - 21 May.

Progressive Standings (after 2 matches)

Team P W D L GF GA DIFF PTS

United Eagles 2 2 0 0 7 2 +5 6

Tuanaimato Breeze 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3

Lotoha'apai FC 2 1 0 1 4 6 -2 3

Nikao Sokattak 2 0 0 2 2 5 -3 0

Leading Scorers (after 2 matches)

Name Club Goals

Desmond Faaiuaso Tuanaimato Breeze 3

Waisake Sabutu United Eagles 2

Simione Tamanisau United Eagles 2

Pita Bolaitoga United Eagles 1

Ovini Duguca United Eagles 1

Valerio Nawatu United Eagles 1

Ilaisa Makasini Lotoha'apai FC 1

Lafaele Moala Lotoha'apai FC 1

Maake Uhatahi Lotoha'apai FC 1

Inoke Vaihu Lotoha'apai FC 1

Tuka Tisam Nikao Sokattak 1

Steve Willis Nikao Sokattak 1

2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February

Match Day 1 (6 February 2006)

Nikao Sokattak 1 - 2 Tuanaimato Breeze

Lotoha'apai FC 1 - 5 United Eagles

Match Day 2 (8 February 2006)

Lotoha'apai FC 3 - 1 Nikao Sokattak

United Eagles 2 - 1 Tuanaimato Breeze

Match Day 3 (10 February 2006)

Lotoha'apai FC vs. Tuanaimato Breeze

United Eagles vs. Nikao Sokattak

2006 OFC Club Championships

North Harbour Stadium, Albany, New Zealand

10 - 21 May 2006

Group A - New Zealand (1), Tahiti, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea

Group B - New Zealand (2), Preliminary Winner, New Caledonia, Vanuatu

*NB. Teams TBC

2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February 2006

Match Day 2 - Match 4

EAGLES COME FROM BEHIND TO REMAIN UNBEATEN

Home side in pole position

United Eagles took a big step toward the 2006 OFC Club Championships in New Zealand with a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Tuamaimato Breeze at Govind Park, Fiji. A goal down at the break the Nadi-based side rallied to secure the victory through a 73rd minute winner to Pita Bolaitoga.

Tuanaimato's captain for the day Desmond Faaiuaso added to the two goals he scored against Nikao after 27 minutes with a sublime free-kick that left Shamal Kumar standing. Substitute Simione Tamanisau equalized for the Fijian club nodding over Joe Ugapo, before Bolaitoga beat the offside trap and coolly slotted home sending the Eagles fans back to Nadi on a high.

Ugapo was called into action after five minutes denying Bolaitoga with an acrobatic save after a sharp turn and snap shot. The `keeper turned a cross-come-shot from Marika Namaqa away for a corner in the next meaningful Eagles attack.

The deadlock was eventually was eventually broken by Faaiuaso in the 27th minute after Andrew Setefano was brought down by Taniela Waqa just outside the Eagles 18-yard box. And the former Samoan international continued his successful return to the round-ball game after a stint with the Manu Samoa rugby side.

In the dying minutes of the first spell some magic counterattacking interplay between Bolaitoga and Ovini Duguca down the right touchline should have seen the Fijians on level terms, but Duguca shot straight at Ugapo.

Still holding a 1-0 lead the Samoans seemed content to clear their defensive lines as soon as possible, and the match turned into a scrappy stop-start affair. Viliame Toma again forced Ugapo into a smart save with a 30-yard piledriver, from the resulting corner Toma headed over.

With pressure mounting it was seemed a matter of time before the Eagles equalized, and on 55 minutes Tamanisau, on for the injured Dharnesh Reddy, calmly headed over the advancing Ugapo after a Namaqa longball found space behind the Tuanaimato defenders.

Eight minutes later an unmarked Duguca wasted another opportunity after being picked out by Bolaitoga. Toma played Waisake Sabutu in with a deft touch but his shot was well off target, then Tamanisau volleyed over from six yards after a driven cross from fullback Josefa Tabusau.

And the brave Tuanaimato rearguard was again penetrated in the 73rd minute, a defensive clearance by Toma was latched onto by the fleet-footed Bolaitoga who beat Ugapo to the ball and his touch was enough to roll the ball into the back of net. A minute later brave goalkeeping by Ugapo thwarted Tamanisau.

It was fitting that Bolaitoga, an influence in all of United Eagles meaningful attacks, had the last opportunity to score flicking the ball over Fauivi Ugapo before shooting straight at the `keeper.

The win leaves the Eagles three points clear of Tuanaimato and Tonga's Lotoha'apai, and with those two teams clashing on Match Day 3, the Nadi club need at least a draw to confirm their place in New Zealand in May.

Match Facts

Result

United Eagles 2 (Simione Tamanisau 55', Pita Bolaitoga 77')

Tuanaimato Breeze 1 (Desmond Faaiuaso 27')

United Eagles - 1. Shamal Kumar; 2. Samuela Vula; 3. Viliame Toma (c) (8. Usaia Tadau 80'); 4. Apisalome Turuva; 5. Taniela Waqa; 7. Marika Namaqa; 10. Pita Bolaitoga (9. Valerio Nawatu 90'); 11. Ovini Duguca; 12. Dharnesh Reddy (13. Simione Taumanisau 51'); 16. Josefa Tabusau; 19. Waisake Sabutu

Subs not used - 14. Ponipate Naulu; 15. Emosi Baleinuku; 18. Ratu Sireli Soqosoqo; 20. Alifereti Baileloa

Cautions - none

Tuanaimato Breeze - 1. Joe Ugapo; 2. Kiwi Timo; 3. Kennedy Faalavaau; 4. Sapati Umutaua; 5. Fauivi Ugapo; 8. Lionel Taylor; 10. Desmond Faaiuaso (c); 11. Andrew Setefano; 13. Dennis Bryce (15. Danny Punimato 56'); 14. Titi Esau; 17. Martin Tamasese

Subs not used - 12. Iosefo Ioane; 16. Michael Poutasi; 20. Romeo Sa

Cautions - 5. Fauivi Ugapo (44'); 8. Lionel Taylor (65'); 10. Desmond Faaiuaso (70'); 4. Sapati Umutaua (84')

2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February 2006

Match Day 2 - Match 3

LOTOHA'APAI SCORE FIRST WIN

Second half goals secure victory

Lotoha'apai FC scored a 3-1 win over Nikao Sokattak on the second match day of the 2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary with three goals midway through the second half. Goals to Lafaele Moala, Ilaisa Makasini and Maake Uhatahi gave the Tongan champions the victory.

Nikao's Steve Willis opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a sublime half volley that crashed into the net off an upright, leaving international `keeper Kavakava Manumua with no chance. But a fifteen minute flurry with goals in the 54th, 61st, and 67th minutes cancelled any hope the Cook Islanders had of a win.

Despite the early setback, Lotoha'apai looked likely to equalize, led by impressive midfielder Mailele Papani, and ably supported by the ball winning Sione Tuhitua the Tongan's angled balls frequently got their strikers in behind the Nikao back three.

As the match meandered towards the halftime break, John Bataillard brought the best out of Manumua, a Teariki Meteariki cross was whipped in from the left and the young strikers header seemed destined for the top corner, but the `keeper had other ideas spectacularly holding onto the ball at full strech.

Nikao took the slender lead in the break after an entertaining first half that saw both teams insisting on keeping the ball on the ground and shifting it around the pitch.

Nine minutes after the interval Moala equalized, shortly after Makasini scored a well taken goal to give Lotoha'apai the lead. Six minutes later Uhatahi slotted a third after the Tongan side beat the offside trap for the first time in the match. Uhatahi almost bagged a double in the 76th minute but Nikao's custodian Junior Rapena had other ideas bravely saving at the feet of the oncoming striker.

A minute later Rapena was called into action again, a deft backheel from Papani opened the Nikao defence, but Heimula Leakona squandered the opportunity tamely shooting straight at the `keeper. The Cook Islanders were running out of time and ideas, and with their main offense target Tuka Tisam frequently dropping into midfield, the Nikao attack lacked potency.

The lead proved too big a hill to climb for Nikao, who now play the unbeaten United Eagles in the final match of the tournament on February 10. Lotoha'apai will take on Polynesian neighbours Tuanaimato Breeze of Samoa.

Match Facts

Result

Lotoha'apai FC 3 (Lafaele Moala 54', Ilasia Makasini 61', Maake Uhatahi 67')

Nikao Sokattak 1 (Steve Willis 10')

Lotoha'apai FC - 1. Kavakava Manumua; 2. Kava Huihahau; 4. Stanlessly Mafi; 6. Heimula Leakona; 7. Kainasi Uhatahi; 8. Mailele Papani; 11. Felise Tuhitahi (c) (9. Maake Uhatahi 45'); 12. Lafaele Moala; 15. Lui Muavesi (10. Semisi Tuifangaloka 77'); 17. Sione Tuhitahi (18. Feao Finau 72')

Subs not used - 5. Taisi Tukimaka; 13. Teu Fakava; 14. Halapua Falepapalangi

Cautions - none

Nikao Sokattak - 1. Junior Rapena; 2. Teatu Rangi Putere (13. Poko-Long Pauka 56'); 3. Albert Oti; 8. Mona Vaine Keu (c); 9. Teariki Meteariki (14. Steve Cuthers 56'); 10. Steve Willis; 12. Tuka Tisam; 15. John Bataillard (11. Conrad Piri ); 16. Anonga Tisam; 18 Nathan Tisam; 19. Mark Jamieson

Subs not used - 5. Tepou Taana; 6. Kunde Tangimetua; 17. Papa Lee Ponini

Cautions - none

2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February 2006

Match Day 1 - Match 2

UNITED EAGLES TOO STRONG FOR TONGAN CHAMPS

Nadi count missed chances

United Eagles downed Tongan powerhouse Lotoha'apai FC 5-1 kicking off their 2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary campaign in Ba, Fiji in the best possible fashion.

The scoreline could have been higher had it not been for an inspired performance by Togan international goalkeeper Kavakava Manumu'a and some erratic finishing by the Fijian attackers.

Manumu'a sustained a leg injury after a collision with defender Stanlessly Mafi in the 17th minute, and `keeper-turned-striker Simione Tamanisau pounced to give the Nadi-based Eagles the lead. Tamanisau could have added a second four minutes later but his close-range shot smashed against the crossbar as Lotoha'apai struggled to clear from a corner.

Despite the early pressure, the physical Tongans equalized against the run of play through Inoke Vaihu. The big defender capitalized on a mix-up between goalkeeper Shamal Kumar and defender Marika Namaqa. The goal sparked a period of dominance for Lotoha'apai, before the Eagles took the lead back via Valerio Nawatu.

The Fijians entered the interval 2-1 ahead, but not before Taumanisau blazed over the bar when it seemed easier to score.

And there was no letting up after the resumption of play, with Manumu'a forced into a string of good saves as he thwarted wave after wave of Eagles attack.

Like the opening match between Nikao Sokattak and Tuanaimato Breeze, a red card proved to be the turning point, when Lotoha'apai goal scorer Vaihu was sent from the field in the 56th minute.

From that moment the match ended as a contest with Ovini Duguca extending the lead three minutes later. Duguca was then brought down in the box and Eagles `keeper Kumar, a spectator for most of the match, was summoned to take the penalty. His tame effort was saved as Manumu'a again turned hero for his side.

The introduction of the fresh legs in the form of Waisake Sabutu and Usaia Tudua caused havoc in the tiring Tongan defence, and Sabutu was rewarded with a brace of goals in the 81st and 88th minutes, both from close range.

But it could have been more for the Eagles as in between the goals they missed a series of clear chances as the scoreline threatened to reach double figures. Nevertheless, a win and three points for the Fijian side who entertain Nikao Sokattak on Match Day 2.

Match Facts

Result

Lotoha'apai FC 1 (Inoke Vaihu 31')

United Eagles 5 (Simione Tamanisau 17', Valerio Nawatu 41', Ovini Duguca 59', Waisake Sabutu 81', 88')

Lotoha'apai FC - 1. Kavakava Manumu'a; 2. Kava Huihahau; 3. Inoke Vaihu; 4. Stanlessly Mafi; 6. Heimuli Leakona (14. Halapua Falepapalangi 69'); 7. Kainasi Uhatahi (13. Teu Fakava 55'); 8. Maliele Papani; 9. Maake Uhatahi; 11. Felise Tuhitua (c) (17. Sione Tahitua 64'); 12. Lafaele Moala; 15. Lui Muavesi

Subs not used - 5. Ilaisa Makasini; 10. Semisi Tuifangaloka; 16. Talsi Tukimaka 18. Feao Finau

Cautions - none

Red Card - 3. Inoke Vaihu (56')

United Eagles - 1. Shamal Kumar; 2. Samuela Vula; 3. Viliame Toma (c); 4. Apisalome Turuva; 7. Marika Namaqa; 9. Valerio Nawatu (18. Ratu Sireli Soqosoqo 85'); 11. Ovini Duguca ; 12. Dharnesh Reddy; 13. Simione Tamanisau (19. Waisake Sabutu 69'); 15. Emosi Baleinuku (8. Usaia Tadau 54'); 16. Josefa Tabausau

Subs not used - 14. Ponipate Naulu; 20. Alifereti Baileloa

Cautions - 13. Simione Tamanisau (60'); 2. Samuela Vula (78'); 19. Waisake Sabutu (86')

2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary

Govind Park, Ba, Fiji

6 - 10 February 2006

Match Day 1 - Match 1

10-MAN TUANAIMATO TAKE VICTORY

Faaiuaso double sinks Nikao

Samoa's club champions Tuanaimato Breeze came from a goal down and a sending off to defeat Nikao Sokattak of the Cook Islands 2-1 in the opening match of the 2006 OFC Club Championships - Preliminary at Govind Park in Ba, Fiji.

Tuka Tisam gave the Cook Islanders the lead in the 15th minute, but a Desmond Faaiuaso five-minute double midway through the second half sealed the victory, despite Jerome Taua receiving his marching orders shortly after half time.

Both teams had half chances saved in the early exchanges of the first, with both goal scorers guilty of squandering early chances.

The pace of Paul Luiz Van Eijk down Nikao's right flank troubled the Samoan's defence and it was his teasing cross that led to the opening goal. A mistimed acrobatic effort from John Bataillard fell at Tisam's feet before he calmly slotted the ball past Joe Ugapo. Two minutes later Faaiuaso was played cleared through but badly mistimed his shot.

Nikao took their slender lead into the break.

The match turned in the 60th minute after Taua was sent from the field for an off the ball incident with Van Eijk. Taua had been booked six minutes earlier but received a straight red card for the infringement.

Despite being a man down Tuanaimato rallied and leveled matters in the 72nd minute, with Faaiuaso again played through one-on-one with Junior Rapena, this time giving the Nikao custodian no chance.

Five minutes later the former Manu Samoa rugby sevens rep had more reason to celebrate. A ball from deep in the Tuanaimato half caught the tiring Nikao back three out, substitute Dennis Bryce held the ball up before laying off to his strike partner who again gave Rapena no chance with his finish.

The goal was enough for the victory as the Samoans look forward to their next match with Tonga's Lotoha'apai FC on Wednesday.

Match Facts

Result

Nikao Sokattak 1 (Tuka Tisam 15')

Tuanaimato Breeze 2 (Desmond Faaiuaso 72', 77')

Nikao Sokattack - 1. Junior Rapena; 2. Teatu Rangi Putere (8. Mona Vaine Keu 77'); 3. Albert Oti; 4. Paul Luiz Van Eijk (13. Poko-Long Pauka 65'); 9. Teariki Mateariki (11. Conrad Piri 62'); 10. Steven Willis (c); 12. Tuka Tisam; 14. Steve Cuthers; 15. John Bataillard; 18. Nathan Tisam; 19. Mark Jamieson

Subs not used - 5. Tepou Taana; 6. Kunde Tangimetua; 17. Papa Lee Ponini

Cautions - 12. Tuka Tisam (90')

Tuanaimato Breeze - 1. Joe Ugapo; 2. Kiwi Timo; 3. Kennedy Faalavaau; 4. Sapati Umutaua (16. Michael Poutasi 92'); 5. Fauivi Ugapo; 6. Victor Lui (c) (14 Titi Esau 62'); 7. Jerome Taua; 8. Lionel Taylor; 10. Desmond Faaiuaso; 11. Andrew Setefano; 12. Iosefa Ioane (13. Dennis Bryce 45')

Subs not used - 15. Danny Punimato; 17. Martin Tamasese; 20. Romeo Sa

Cautions - 7. Jerome Taua (54')

Red Card - 7. Jerome Taua (60')