TAHITI  – Reigning champions AS Manu Ura cruised to an easy 5-0 win over TAC in the latest round of Championnat D1 in Tahiti at the weekend. TAC dominated the opening ten minutes but fell behind to a swift counter attack inspired by Jean-François Kabeu.

Célestin Taupua’s header on 12 minutes deflated TAC morale and Manu Ura could’ve added several further goals in quick succession were it not for the heroics of their goalkeeper.

Hiashi Kaké passed up a gilt-edged chance on 14 minutes to extend Man Ura’s lead but his weak effort proved a potential let-off as Luc Fraccalaglio’s charges  saw Derry Haapuea denied by Manu Ura goalkeeper Daniel Tapeta on 27 minutes.

Haapuea was left heart-broken again just four minutes later when his audacious chip was cleared off the line by Fraddy Tauihara.

AS Manu Ura emerged from the halftime break in more determined fashion with Hiashi Kaké making up for his earlier miss on with a superb shot on 54 minutes that left Gilbert Meriel without a hope.

Les Mauves finally broke TAC resistance through a double by New Caledonia striker Jean-François Kabeu on 70 and 73 minutes. Youth player Glen Taero sealed a memorable performance when he netted on 91 minutes.

For full coverage of the Championnat D1 in French please visit www.ftf.pf

CHAMPIONNAT D1 – Saturday 20 December 2008

TAC 0, AS Manu Ura 5 (Célestin TAUPUA 12’, Hiashi KAKE 54’, Jean-François KABEU 70’, 73’, Glen TAERO 91’)

AS Excelsior 2 (Ludo TAETA 50′, Maire Nui TEATA 89′), AS Vaiete 0

Fédération Tahitienne de Football (FTF)

Championnat D1

Standings – 20.12.2008

  PL W D L GF GA PTS GD
1. AS Tefana 11 11 0 0 37 2 44 +35
2. AS Manu Ura 13 10 0 3 46 15 43 +29
3. AS Pirae 13 8 2 3 32 14 39 +18
4. AS Dragon 13 7 2 4 30 19 36 +11
5. Tahiti U-20 11 6 2 3 20 16 31 +4
6. TAC 14 5 2 7 20 28 31 -8
7. T.Faaa 13 4 3 6 28 35 28 -7
8. AS Vaiete 14 3 0 11 9 35 23 -26
9. AS Excelsior 13 2 2 9 16 42 21 -26
10. AS JT 13 1 1 11 7 43 17 -36

 Win = 4 pts, Draw = 2 pts, Loss = 1 pt