Photo Credit: OFC Media via Tonga FA
The battle for the final qualification spot at the OFC Men’s Champions League will come down to the last match day at Teufaiva Stadium in Tonga.
Veitongo FC the host club, sits top of the table on four-points thanks to a superior goal difference over Vaivase-tai FC. While Tupapa Mararerenga linger in third on three points, with Vaiala Tonga SC without a win.
Match Day three see OFC Men’s Champions League – Qualifying rookies Vaivase-tai take on Vaiala Tonga SC. Vaivase has been a surprise package at the tournament, upsetting Champions League veterans Tupapa Maraerenga in their opening game.
The Samoan side were unlucky to have not scored against Veitongo FC in their second match, after putting the ball into the back of the net, only to be denied by the linesman flag.
However, the equation is simple for Vaivase Captain Xavier Tanielu and his side, win, and score lots of goals, to have a chance of reaching the big dance in Tahiti in May.
“The boys have been preparing mentally for the last game. There are a couple of injuries towards the boys. We’ve had a day yesterday to relax and focus on the game tomorrow,” said Tanielu.
“Where going to do to do our best and to execute all scoring opportunities and score a lot of goals tomorrow.
“Yeah, I think if we go with the mentality to just score more than 15 goals it’s going to hard for the boys to pressure them. But if execute one by one and do our best, it’s going to be alright for the boys.”
Following that match, experienced Champions League campaigners Tupapa Maraerenga FC will go up against a Veitongo FC side full of confidence, who have the bonus of playing in front of a passionate home crowd.
After a tough first match against Vaivase-tai, Tupapa Maraerenga found their groove against Vaiala Tonga, scoring 14 goals. Giving the team belief, while putting them in with a chance on the final match day.
“Good victory over our last opponent and we will take that confidence. Mentally I think we’re more prepared now than our first match,” said Tupapa Maraerenga midfielder Paavo Mustonen.
“It’s going to be pretty tough it’s their (Veitongo FC) home advantage, but to block them out we just need to stick to our gameplan, execute the coaches plan he has for us and unite together as brothers, and I think we’ll do the job.”
Veitongo are no strangers to the qualifying stage, making their sixth appearance, so they’ll be fighting to advance past the initial round for the first time.
After a clinical first up win over Vaiala Tonga, they were pushed to the final whistle against Vaivase-tai. A draw that has put them in with a great shot to break their duck and book a spot on the plane to Tahiti.
“Their nervous, it’s a final match, like a final. It’s a tough game tomorrow, we look forward to it, we will do our best,” said Veitongo FC forward Elias Kendler.
The winner of the group in Nuku’alofa will come up against difficult opposition in Group B at the OFC Men’s Champions League in May. They’ll join representatives from Tahiti, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, following their respective National Playoffs.
Watch the final match day LIVE and free on FIFA+ (All times NZT).
Vaiala Tonga SC v Vaivase-Tai FC, 11:00am | WATCH LIVE
Tupapa Maraerenga FC v Veitongo FC, 4:00pm | WATCH LIVE