The Cook Islands Premier Men’s League defending champions took an early lead when national team striker Campbell Best sent an attempt into the back of the net in the 25th minute.
The Tupapa backline were then forced to battle to block a sustained period of pressure from Nikao managing to hold their one-goal advantage going into the break.
Nikao came out firing in the second half and it wasn’t long before they were rewarded after Julius David dribbled through the Tupapa defence and placed the ball past the goal keeper in the 40th minute.
Both teams fought for the lead in the remaining minutes of the match and much to the surprise of fans, it was Nikao’s Marciano McMahon who slotted in the winner.
In the other premier men’s matches, Puaikura dominated their Pool A match against Avatiu, winning 5-0. In the Pool B clash of the week, Titikaveka and Matavera battled evenly to end their match with a 1-1 draw.
For more on Cook Islands football visit www.cookislandsfootball.com

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