Conditions had greatly improved on yesterday with the field having drained of all the surface water which forced the match to be postponed yesterday.
While the delay wasn’t ideal for Kiwi coach Martin Tamasese, he was incredibly pleased to see his side rise to the challenge.
“I’m satisfied with the game today. I really wanted to play yesterday but according to the weather that wasn’t possible so we’re just happy with how things went,” Tamasese says.
Pago Youth were off the mark strong making an early attack on the Kiwi goal but the Samoan side soon took control of the match. An early chance was thwarted by the off-side rule but Kiwi soon caught a break as a foul in the area led to a penalty. Joseph Gaughan stepped up to convert from the spot and give Kiwi an early advantage over the host team.
The second goal came less than ten minutes later when Adam Cowan found himself open at the far-post to knock home a cross from Mike Saofaiga. In the 30 minute Gaughan was put through with a pass that split the defence allowing him to calmly slot home past Pago goalkeeper Taufaiula Mavaega.
The next four minutes saw referee Matt Conger forced to brandish his yellow card three times as Pago Youth’s Ailao and Gun Kang were booked for unsporting behaviour along with Kiwi’s Barry Lewis.
Kiwi continued to press the Pago defence with the tactic finally paying off with Cowan earning his brace after breaking through and beating keeper Mavaega.
Down 4-0 and nearing the break the news got worse for Pago as they found themselves down a man in the 44 minute after Ailo Taulaulelei Jnr. received a second caution for delaying the restart of play and with it a red card.
Pago came back from the break firing and keen to get themselves back in the game but a very organised Kiwi continued to quash their attacks. They finally caught a break in the 61 minute when FFAS National League MVP Gun Kang found the back of the net with a stunning display.
Unfortunately the celebrations were short-lived as Gaughan scored again to earn his hat-trick and seal the victory for the Samoans. The striker was incredibly pleased with his and the team’s performance in securing a comprehensive opening win.
“I think the boys worked really hard and I think we knew coming into the game it wasn’t going to be the biggest test of the three games,” he says.
“I think we worked hard and got the early goals and they managed to pay off in the end. We worked really hard on pressing, defending from the front – I don’t think we did it to the best of our ability – but you know, it paid off and we won comfortably.”
Gaughan says the delay to kick-off only inspired his side to perform.
“I think the delay last night made the boys a bit more passionate towards the game and a bit hungrier to play it but I don’t think it mattered too much.”
Pago Youth coach Ailao Tualaulelei while disappointed with the loss was happy with his players’ performance.
“It’s a good experience for them, in fact the Kiwi team is a lot different from last year with some players from overseas and it’s really helped us for technique – I’m really happy.”
The opening match of the OFC Champions League was held yesterday and saw Tupapa Maraerenga of Cook Islands beat Tongan club champions Lotoha’apai United 3-1.
Tomorrow the action continues with Match Day 2 of the competition when Lotoha’apai United (TGA) will face Kiwi (SAM) at 12h00 and Pago Youth (ASA) taking on Tupapa Maraerenga (COK) at 15h00 (local time).
To see the Match Summary for Kiwi vs. Pago Youth click here
To see the Competition Summary for Kiwi vs. Pago Youth click here

Share