Tafea FC laid claim to their second consecutive title with the win, after downing Amicale 1-0 in last year’s final, which sees them set to make their second OFC Champions League appearance in a row.
An error from Amicale goalkeeper Chikau Mansale contributed to the opening goal with Tafea defender Ignas Imak capitalising to get things underway.
Tafea held onto their one-goal advantage going into the break, but relinquised the lead after the restart as Fenedy Masauvakalo leveled the scoreline in the 55th minute.
Former Amicale targetman Joses Nawo then opened his account for Tafea with a swift burst into the penalty area before unleashing a powerful close range shot that easily beat his former teammate Mansale.
Hoping to this time preserve the lead, coach Moise Poida made a tactical decision to bring Alista Kalip on for Robert Tasso with the move paying dividends.
Five minutes after his arrival on the field Kalip volleyed a shot past Mansale to make it 3-1.
An incredibly proud Poida praised the effort his side put in during the match, and in the lead up.
“Nothing comes easy in life. My boys have been working really hard for the last few months to play in this competition.
“Amicale, Erakor and Spirit 08 are strong clubs in town and if we want to beat them we have to work extra hard, and today the players have shown me that they can do it,” he said following the final whistle.
“Two wins in two finals of the National Super League against Amicale is a good story for the club. I congratulate my boys for a good win against a very good team, I also salute my assistant coach Graham Demas, sponsors, executive members and fans for their continuous support.”
For Solomon Islands international Nawo it was bittersweet to score past an old friend, but admitted that’s all part of the game.
“I performed well for Tafea. I knew I would score a goal to repeat last year’s story, I am so proud of myself because I continue to play well and score goals even though I am growing old,” he said.
“I felt sorry for Chikau but that is life, I must score for my team.”
His coach also paid tribute to the crucial role Nawo played in earning the victory.
“Joses Nawo is a great player that fits in well with the boys,” the Tafea coach said.
“I must congratulate him for his outstanding play and for the beautiful goal he scored for my team.”
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