The Tony Jamieson-coached team went into their match against Pago Youth this afternoon knowing a hefty win was likely to be necessary as home side Lotoha’apai United were hot on their coat tails. Prior to today, the pair were tied on points and a win for both would result in the group being decided on goal difference.
That’s exactly how it panned out as Tupapa dispatched Pago 9-0 and Lotoha’apai also managed a victory, 2-1 over Kiwi, to result in the Cook Islanders securing first place by a goal differential of three. They now have a couple of days to rest before facing Mont-Dore, who arrived in Tonga from New Caledonia this evening, in what is undoubtedly the biggest game in Tupapa’s history.
“I think we’ve done very well, the guys just keep giving more every game. Nine goals is a great scoreline and that’s exactly what we needed in preparation for this next game,” Jamieson said.
“We stuck to the game plan which was to see what Pago would throw at us and push forward at every opportunity. We wanted to play wide when we needed to and get numbers in front of goal but it certainly wasn’t easy,” he added.
“The boys have done everything they possibly can, I’m really proud of their efforts – every single one of them. And we’ve come away with minimal injuries which is another major bonus, especially considering how many games we have had in a short space of time.”
While his players have steered clear of injury, the player-coach hasn’t been so lucky and had to sit this one out, allowing deputy goalkeeper Iona Lupena to step in. Tupapa were also without key striker Campbell Best through suspension but the absent duo did not appear to be missed as Jamieson’s men went on the goal rampage required.
Leo Berlim did most of the damage with a four-goal haul while midfielder Roger Manuel notched a brace and Twin Tiro, Hone Fowler and Grover Harmon also got on the scoresheet.
The second match of the afternoon was a far tighter affair as Lotoha’apai looked to pip Tupapa to first place by beating Samoan outfit Kiwi and, while they did earn the win, it was not by a big enough margin to keep their O-League hopes alive.
“It was a hard game for us because we knew a win might not be enough – it had to be by a high score,” coach Timote Polovili said. “We tried our best to do it but it wasn’t to be. But I’m very happy with the performance of the boys across the tournament because they did as well as they could.”
Sporting contests between sides from traditional rivals Tonga and Samoa are always fiercely fought and today’s encounter proved no different, keeping the vocal crowd enthralled despite the wet and windy conditions. Kiwi, whose hopes of progressing had been dashed by that earlier Tupapa win, had a golden opportunity to put themselves in front early on from the penalty spot in the 18th minute.
But the usual deadly accuracy of Silao Malo deserted him at the worst possible moment and goalkeeper Soane Faupula saved his effort. Kiwi were made to rue that miss in first-half injury time when Lotoha’apai captain Mark Uhatahi led by example to put his side ahead.
The advantage was doubled just before the hour mark when Timote Maamaloa was brought down in the box and referee Mirko Benischke again pointed to the spot. Substitute Kilifi Uele kept his cool to slot the penalty home, despite having to take it twice after Benischke ruled some players had encroached into the area.
Kiwi finally replied through Mike Saofaiga as the final whistle drew near but it wasn’t enough to prevent Phineas Young’s charges finishing on a low note.
“We missed the penalty and a few other opportunities in the first half – we could have had four or five goals,” Young said. “We knew we no longer had a chance of making the second stage but wanted to go back home with our heads up.”
Tupapa Maraerenga and Mont-Dore will now meet in the O-League Preliminary play-off on May 8 at Loto-Tonga Centre from 3pm local time and the winner will qualify for the 2013 edition of the O-League.
Tupapa Maraerenga vs Pago Youth: Download Match Summary Here
Kiwi vs Lotoha’apai United: Download Match Summary Here
Competition Summary: Download Here

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