We have new champions in Tahiti, a gap forming at the top in Fiji and New Caledonia’s top two march on in this week’s Oceania competitions wrap.
AS Pirae have completed a miraculous turnaround to win Tahiti’s Ligue 1 for a third straight occasion on the final day of the season.
Pirae defeated AS Dragon 2-1 over the weekend to jump into first position – after previously looking out of the running.
In mid-May, Pirae looked like firm outsiders with Dragon and AS Venus the more likely title-winning candidates.
However, both dropped points in recent weeks while Pirae have gone on a 10-game winning streak to become champions.
Much like their entire campaign, Pirae had to come from the back to claim victory. Shawn Roonui Tinirauarii scored his 38th goal of the season after just two minutes to give Dragon an early advantage.
But Heimano Bourebare equalised ten minutes into the second-half before Benoit Mathon’s secured a stunning title comeback with just six minutes left to play.
The result took Pirae to the top of the table for the first time this season but at the most crucial period.
Elsewhere in Tahiti, Venus were confirmed as the third-place side, with Teaonui Tehau finishing as top-scorer on 42 goals.
AS Tefana beat AS Central Sport 3-0 and AS Tamarii Punaruu enjoyed a goalfest, winning 8-3 over AS Olympic De Mahina. AS Mataiea hosted AS Excelsior, both teams having already been relegated to next season’s Ligue 2, with the away side winning 5-2.
In Fiji’s Digicel Premier League 2022 Rewa FC have opened up a five-point gap ahead of Suva FC at the top of the table after beating Nasinu FC 2-1 over the weekend. Meanwhile, Suva could only muster a 1-1 draw against ninth-placed Tailevu Naitasiri FC and while they have a game in hand on Rewa they have now lost ground after two disappointing results in a row – following their 3-0 loss to Ba FC a fortnight ago.
Elsewhere, Lautoka FC v Nadi FC and Navua FC v Labasa FC both ended in 1-1 draws while Nadroga secured an impressive 2-1 victory over Ba.
New Caledonia’s leading teams continue to thrive in the Super Ligue. Tiga Sport remain top after defeating AS Dumbéa 3-0 with Hienghene Sport in hot pursuit in second after beating AS Kunié 4-2. AS Mont-Dore and SC Ne Drehu were both 2-1 victors over AS Magenta and AS Wetr respectively.