The Port Vila-based side has dominated the domestic scene in the football-mad nation over recent years and continued their emerging dynasty with another title triumph in the National Super League this week.
The hat-trick of titles was secured with a 1-0 win over Tafea at PVL Stadium on Tuesday in a match witnessed by over 8,000 spectators.
Solomon Islands import Moffat Deramoa was the hero, finally earning Amicale the memorable win with just five minutes left on the clock.
There appeared to be no danger when the midfielder trotted wide to take a regulation corner but Deramoa had other ideas and unleashed a curling effort that bent directly into Tafea’s net to send the Reds’ fans into ecstasy.
The goal was cruel on young Tafea goalkeeper Seiloni Iaruel, who had been magnificent all afternoon but could do little to prevent Deramoa’s unexpected strike from sailing over his head and looping under the cross bar.
The 17-year-old Iaruel is likely to get over the disappointment quickly though as he has next month’s OFC Nations Cup to look forward to after being named in the senior Vanuatu squad.
His Tafea team will have to settle for second place as they went into the season finale one point behind Amicale and needed a positive result to earn the title.
But the defending champions would not be denied in a climax being described as one of the most exciting ever endings to a season in Vanuatu.
It was very much a special occasion for Amicale president Jean Yves Chabod as he also turned 48-years-old on the same day.
The Amicale players paid tribute to him with a chorus of Happy Birthday during the title celebrations and Chabod said it was a touching moment.
“This is one of the best days of my life,” he said.
“That was a great finish to a tough season for the team. I think we played the best football throughout the season and deserved to win after scoring the most goals in the competition,” he added.
“I am very proud of the players. They wanted to win this title and worked very hard for it. To beat a strong team like Tafea is fantastic. It’s a huge achievement because we were second to Tafea after the first half of the season. Tafea are very strong and made our boys work hard today.”
Amicale, who finished runners-up in the 2011 O-League, will now go on to represent Vanuatu in the 2013 edition of the Pacific’s premier club competition.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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