Vanuatu’s two 2017 OFC Champions League-bound clubs Malampa Revivors and Erakor Golden Star took a share of the spoils in two friendly matches in Santo preparing them both for the regional club competition kicking off in March.
Hosts Malampa Revivors were the first to get on top when they shocked Erakor 3-2 at Luganville Stadium, Santo on 28 January.
The visitors were almost able to snatch a draw after being awarded a penalty kick but captain Brian Kaltack missed his opportunity, allowing Malampa to claim the victory.
The two sides met again at Luganville Stadium on 30 January, but this time the Port Vila Premier League champions made the most of their opportunities to reverse the previous match’s score and secure a 3-2 win.
Erakor Golden Star’s Romain Carlot finished two goals for his side before Vanuatu U-20 captain Jason Thomas secured the win with the successful conversion of a penalty kick in the last 15 minutes of the match.
Both sides will feel confident with a win under their belts as they await kick off for the 2017 OFC Champions League.
Malampa Revivors FC will face Papua New Guinea’s Lae City Dwellers in their first Group C fixture of the 2017 OFC Champions League at Mangere Centre Park, Auckland on 11 March before facing defending champions Auckland City FC and Solomon Islands’ Western United for a place in the semi-final.
Erakor Golden Star FC have been drawn with Solomon Islands’ Marist FC, Tahiti’s AS Tefana and Fiji’s Rewa FC in Group D and will take on the group hosts at Stade Pater in Papeete, Tahiti in their first match on 11 March.