PAPEETE: Tefana caused a sensation last weekend when they beat league champion AS Pirae in the Tahiti Cup final at Pater Stadium. The game was locked at 1-1 after regulation and extra-time but Tefana goalkeeper Xavier Samin proved to be the hero, saving a vital shot to give his side a slim 5-4 win on penalties.
Tefana’s victory was made sweeter as it was the first major title or trophy the club had won since its inception way back in 1933. The closest they have got was when Tefana made the inaugural Tahiti Cup final in 1999-2000 but were thrashed 6-1 by AS Venus.
Joan Petillon got Tefana off to a great start in the 6th minute, using his speed to get behind the Pirae defence to receive a long ball which he duly dispatched past the isolated goalkeeper.
However, Tahitian international Teva Zaveroni struck back for Pirae scoring a well worked goal in the 27th minute which put his side back on even terms.
The defences on both sides tightened up after the break with minimal chances to score. Tefana were in trouble after defender Vehia Maurirere was sent off ten minutes from full-time. But the underdogs held on till the final whistle to put the game into extra-time. There was no addition to the scores in extra-time as Pirae became frustrated at its inability to break down the 10-man Tefana side.
With the scores still locked at 1-1 after extra-time, FIFA referee Charles Ariiotima signalled that penalties would decide the encounter. As the buzz from the capacity crowd at Stade Pater grew to fever pitch. Both sides matched goal for goal. But the decisive moment came when former Samin, the former Tahitian international saved the attempt by René Devendeville which gave Tefana a famous victory and just reward for their faithful supporters.