Despite Tafea taking top honours in the pre-season Opening Cup tournament over arch-rivals Spirit 08 earlier this month, they were downed by Tupuji Imere in their season opener 1-0.
In other opening weekend matches at Port Vila Stadium, Shepherds United beat defending champions Amicale 2-0, Erakor Golden Star were held 1-1 by Ifira Black Bird and Spirit 08 took three points with a 5-0 win over Seveners United.
Tafea head coach Moise Poida, who also took his country to a third placing at the OFC U-20 Championship held in Auckland in April of last year, predicted it would be a tough season for all of the teams competing in the Premier League, including his own.
“I am happy we won the Opening Cup with a young team but I must say that what I have seen is every club in the premier division will be strong,” he said following the Opening Cup win.
“Shepherds United are always one of the first favourites when you look at the league. They are always there. But the other teams like us are trying to build something new. It’s going to be very tough for us.”
Tupuji captain Malon Kaltanak saluted his players for a great performance against the former champions.
“We got off to a poor start and there were doubts but I think we deserved to win this match,” he said.
“Tafea is a strong team and we know about the quality they have. We are happy to have beaten one of the strongest team in the competition and it feels good to have three points on the table.”
Ifira Black Bird captain Andrew Chichirua, whose outstanding showing at the back was a large reason for the securing of a point against Golden Star, said anything less would have been an unfair reflection on his side’s efforts.
“I thought that was the least we deserved,” he said.
“I’d have been disappointed not to have got anything but anyone who has seen us over the last few years knows we keep going and keep going. The point was important psychologically. We now know we can compete.”
The highlight of the weekend was the clash between reigning champions Amicale, Vanuatu’s representatives in the OFC Champions League, and challengers Shepherds, who largely had veteran goalkeeper David Chilia to thank for their victory.
The 40-year-old pulled off a string of superb saves to deny strikers Fenedy Masauvakalo and Moffat Deramoa as Shepherds opened their campaign in style thanks to goals from Erick Ismael and Richard Ben.
Amicale were arguably the superior team on the day, shading the possession stakes and creating more chances, but could not find a way past the resolute Shepherds defence.
“We beat a better side today and now we will have to keep going,” Chilia said. “Every point is fundamental and we are focused on our next game.”
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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