The new season kicks off in Fiji, while top place in Tahiti takes another step away from the pack. Read about all of the action in this week’s wrap of the competition activity in Oceania.
Suva FC made a powerful statement to start the new Digicel Premier League season in Fiji, overcoming an early 1-0 deficit to beat defending champions Lautoka 3-1 at ANZ Stadium.
Lautoka had looked set to pick up how they left off last year when Sairusi Nalaubu netted to give them the lead, but a minute into the second half Dave Radrigai equalised for Suva, before he bagged a second in the final minute of regulation time to secure victory for his side.
Tailevu Naitasiri were the round’s biggest winners, running away 3-0 over Nadi, who had Ame Votoniu sent from the field just before the hour mark.
A goal from Rusiate Matererenga with 14 minutes to play gave Rewa a 1-0 win over Ba, while Navua were convincing 3-1 victors against Nadroga FC.
Nasinu FC downed Labasa FC 2-0 in the remaining match.
In Tahiti’s Ligue 1 Vini, AS Dragon extended their lead at the top of the table thanks to their 6-0 demolition of AS Tiare Tahiti, coupled with second-ranked AS Venus being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with AS Tefana.
Fresh off their trip to the UAE for the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021™, AS Pirae ran out 4-2 winners against AS Pueu, while AS Tamarii Punaruu secured a 3-0 victory against AS Excelsior.
AS Temanava and AS Mataiea played out an 11-goal thriller, eventually won 8-3 by Temanava.
(Main photo: Suva celebrate a goal in their come-from-behind win over Lautoka)