Vaivase-Tai FC are heading to their first ever OFC Men’s Champions League after victory over Vaiala Tonga SC, edging out hosts Veitongo FC on the final match day in Nuku’alofa.

The equation was simple for the Samoan side – win big and hope that later the same day Veitongo FC would at least be held to a smaller victory in their match against Tupapa Maraerenga FC.

Dilo Tumua of Vaivase-Tai, wearing the number 11 jersey, quickly put the team ahead inside the opening two minutes but despite all their defensive struggles, Vaiala Tonga SC showed great resilience to halt the Vaivase-Tai attack for the opening quarter of an hour.

Fielding a defensive line-up and a high line, the American Samoa side were susceptible to the through ball and Falaniko Nanumea was able to capitalise on two pinpoint passes to successfully score consecutive goals in the 13th and 14th minute.

At the 18-minute mark, Vaivase-Tai were given a penalty kick, which Tumua promptly converted into the team’s fourth goal. A fifth duly followed as they slowly increased their goal difference advantage.

Vaivase dominated possession and shots on goal, but Vaiala’s robust defense managed to thwart several of Vaivase’s attempts on goal, including successfully defending a free kick in the 39th minute.

Approaching half-time however, the flood gates opened. Vaivase-Tai capitalising on some fatigue and sloppy defence, scoring four goals in six minutes, three of those coming in additional time – stretching the lead to 8-0 at the break.

When play resumed, Vaivase quickly reasserted their dominance, camping inside the opponents half for majority of the second period. That pressure showed swiftly, scoring two goals inside three minutes of the restart.

Despite Vaiala deploying a comprehensive defensive strategy, an unfortunate own goal contributed to an 11th concession, quickly followed by a fourth goal for Dilo Tumua, who drilled the ball into the net to make it 12.

Eager to clinch their place in the OFC Champions League later in the year, Vaicase-Tai continued to pour forward, conscious of the opportunity to increase their goal difference to give themselves the best possible chance.

Dilo Tumua netted his team’s 13th goal and his fifth of the day, before captain Xavier Tanielu rounded off the scoring with practically the final kick of the match, sealing a 14-0 victory.

Vaivase-Tai FC: 14 (Jerrymiah MAIAVA 2′, Falaniko NANUMEA 13′, 14′, 48′, Dilo TUMUA 18′ (P), 46′, 66′, 80′, Vaa TAUALAI 26′, Alman KWAN 44′, 45’+3′, Alton LEIATAUA 45’+5′, OWN GOAL 62′, Xavier TANIELU 90’+5′)|
Vaiala Tonga SC: 0

(Information sourced from OFC Press Release)