Samoa’s Vaivase-Tai FC and American Samoa’s Pago Youth FC shared the points in an entertaining 1–1 draw at Samoa Football HQ, in the opening fixture of the first OFC tournament of the year.

With only one qualification spot available for the OFC Men’s Champions League in August, both sides began with urgency despite challenging windy conditions. Pago Youth goalkeeper Felise Fata was called into action early, reacting sharply to punch clear a dangerous cross from Vaivase-Tai’s Roland Scanlan.

The match quickly became physical. Vaivase-Tai’s Jefferson Fa’amatau received a yellow card in the seventh minute following a long ball from Pago captain Ueli Taulaulelei, while further cautions followed for Vaivase-Tai captain Xavier Tanielu and Pago midfielder Ken Kerewi after a strong challenge left both players on the ground.

Pago Youth threatened through Tuni Fiso, whose pace saw him drive through the middle of the pitch, though his final effort drifted wide. At the other end, Vaivase-Tai combined well through Tavita Alapati and Scanlan, but Fata continued to impress, producing several key saves to keep the scores level.

A major turning point came in the 20th minute when Fata was shown a yellow card for bringing down Nathan Viliamu outside the box, conceding a penalty. Viliamu stepped up but failed to convert, placing his effort straight at the goalkeeper. Pago Youth’s task became even harder four minutes later when Fiamamtai Itamua was sent off for a dangerous studs-up tackle.

Vaivase-Tai finally broke the deadlock early in the second half, Viliamu slipped a pass through two defenders, allowing Roland Scanlan to finish clinically.

Despite being a man down, Pago Youth responded admirably. In the 54th minute, a defensive error allowed Jonika Collins to surge through the centre and calmly slot home the equaliser.

Vaivase-Tai pushed hard for a winner, but resolute defending and an outstanding performance from Fata ensured the points were shared.

Vaivase-Tai FC: 1 (Roland SCANLAN 47’)
Pago Youth FC: 1 (Johnica COLLINS 54’)

HT: 0–0

 

Tupapa Maraerenga FC proved far too strong for OFC Men’s Champions League Qualifying debutants Nukuhetulu FC, recording a commanding first-half performance to secure victory in their opening match.

The fixture marked a historic moment for Tonga’s Nukuhetulu FC, who were playing their first ever OFC Men’s Champions League Qualifying match, coming up against last year’s qualifying winners Tupapa Maraerenga FC. However, the defending champions quickly showed their pedigree, asserting their dominance early against the newcomers.

Tupapa wasted little time stamping their authority on the match, opening the scoring inside the first ten minutes. Daniel Bunch produced a moment of quality in the 10th minute, juggling the ball past multiple Nukuhetulu defenders before powering his finish into the corner of the net to give Tupapa the lead.

Nukuhetulu were handed a chance to respond in the 18th minute after Maloni Manu’Olevao was brought down just outside the box by Tupapa’s Oscar Wichman. Kulisitofola Kita stepped up to take the resulting free kick, but his effort was struck directly into the defensive wall in front of goalkeeper Kima Webb, allowing Tupapa to regain possession.

The Cook Islands side doubled their advantage six minutes later, with Bunch once again the difference. Jordan Boon delivered a dangerous ball across the top of the box, finding Bunch in space, who calmly sent his strike into the back of the net in the 24th minute to complete his brace.

Tupapa continued to apply relentless pressure, and a third goal arrived shortly after. In the 29th minute, Ngametua Tukana capitalised on Tupapa’s superior pace, reacting quickest after an initial effort from Bunch was parried by Nukuhetulu goalkeeper Ge’ofa’aki Aho. Tukana pounced on the rebound, edging the ball over the line to extend the lead to three.

Despite the scoreline, Nukuhetulu showed moments of promise. A yellow card issued to Dallas Rongokea led to another free kick opportunity outside the box, with Morgan Lyman attempting to deliver the ball into a dangerous area. However, Tupapa’s defence stood firm, forcing the ball clear.

Daniel Bunch remained a constant threat throughout the opening half, repeatedly testing Nukuhetulu’s defensive line as Tupapa headed into the break in complete control.

To their credit, Nukuhetulu FC returned from halftime with renewed determination, tightening defensively and producing a much more resilient performance. Their disciplined approach in the second half prevented Tupapa from adding to their tally, as the debutants showed their ability to adapt at this level.

While Tupapa Maraerenga FC demonstrated why they are defending champions, the match also marked an important milestone for Nukuhetulu FC, who gained invaluable experience in their first appearance on the OFC Men’s Champions League Qualifying stage.

Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 3 (Daniel BUNCH 10’, 24’, Ngametua TUKANA 29’)
Nukuhetulu FC: 0

HT: 3–0

Photo Credit: OFC Media via Avii Faalupega