PORT VILA – Tafea FC’s domination of football in Vanuatu shows no sign of stopping after the reds edged nearest rivals Amical FC 2-1 in a crucial Port Vila Football Association (PVFA) TVL Premier League showdown at the weekend.
Amical FC – who recruited aggressively in the off-season – started the matc at a blistering pace and nearly opened the scoring through Eric Ishmael.
Despite the encouraging start by Amical FC, it was Tafea FC who opened the scoring when Hubert Nake evaded the challenges of desperate Amical defenders before unleashing a 30 metre shot into the back of the net.
Samson Obed put Tafea FC in total control on 50 minutes after he converted from the penalty spot after Amical FC defender Jean Robert Yelou brought down Richard Iwai in the penalty area.
Tafea FC allowed Amical FC back into the match on the hour mark after unmarked Antoine Bosco scored at the far post following a fast break and cross down the left by Jerry Shem.
Eric Ishmael and Iakar Tess missed chances for Amical FC to level the score as Tafea FC held on for victory to increase the feeling of déjà vu amongst Port Vila football fans.
Yatel FC appeared to be cruising to an easy win over Ifira Blackbirds until a late comeback by the league’s cellar dwellers nearly caught them out.
Sithy Thompsen gave Yatel FC the lead and then two quickfire goals from Robert Tasso and Papison Tatley appeared to have the result sealed and delivered just a minute before the halftime break.
But Vanuatu international Andrew Chichirua and his brother Waoute Chichirua scored twice for Ifira Blackbirds as wobbly Yatel FC stumbled to the finish line in a lively and entertaining second half.
Yatel FC were relieved to hear the final whistle to claim a 3-2 win as fortune, luck and time deserted hapless Ifira once again.
Erakor Golden Star FC ended its losing sequence when they crushed Westtan Broncos 4-1. Veteran Striker Hubert Reuben signalled his return to the TVL Premier League with a double after missing the beginning of the season through injury.
Campbell Sakary and Albert Frem added the other two goals to give Erakor a rather flattering score line. Jacques Harry scored the only goal for Westtan from the penalty spot.
Erakor in action at Port Vila Municipal Stadium
Tafea FC look on course for a 14th consecutive PFVA TVL Premier League title
Port Vila Football Association
Telecom Vanuatu Limited
Premier League
Results – 07.10.08
Yatel FC vs. Ifira Blackbirds 3-2
Tafea FC vs. Amical FC 2-1
Erakor vs. Westtan Broncos 4-1
Result – 30.09.08
Tupuji vs. Seveners United 2-2
Standings – 07.10.08
|
|
PL. |
W. |
D. |
L. |
GF. |
GA. |
PTS. |
GD. |
|
|
1. |
Tafea FC |
6 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
21 |
4 |
16 |
+17 |
|
2. |
Amical FC |
6 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
10 |
8 |
10 |
+2 |
|
3. |
Erakor |
6 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
12 |
10 |
+1 |
|
4. |
Yatel FC |
6 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
8 |
7 |
9 |
+1 |
|
5. |
Seveners Utd |
6 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
12 |
15 |
7 |
-3 |
|
6. |
Westtan |
6 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
8 |
14 |
7 |
-6 |
|
7. |
Tupuji |
6 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
12 |
6 |
-10 |
|
8. |
Ifira |
6 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
7 |
19 |
1 |
-12 |