The much-anticipated first round of the 2024 CIFA Knock-Out competition is finally here, and teams from across the island are gearing up for an action-packed day of football.

The Premier Men, Senior Women, Under 18 Men, Under 15 Boys, and Under 15 Girls teams will take to the fields today in a series of high-stakes matches that will determine which teams advance to the semi-finals.

This exciting first round of eliminations will be held across two venues: Takitumu School in Matavera and Titikaveka Field in Titikaveka.

The format for this round is simple but intense: the winner and runner-up from the Round Cup competition in each division will receive an automatic spot in the semi-finals, while the remaining teams will battle it out for the chance to keep their championship hopes alive.

In the event of a draw at full time, a penalty shoot-out will take place to decide the winner, as no extra time will be played.

The stakes are high, and every match promises to deliver thrilling action as teams push for glory.

The winners and runners-up from the Round Cup competition in each of the five divisions will be granted automatic entry to the semi-finals, making today’s knockout matches a crucial part of the tournament. Teams that finish in third and fourth place will face off in their respective categories, with the aim of securing a coveted spot in the next stage of the competition.

Congratulations are in order for all teams that have successfully navigated the Round Cup stages, and the competition is expected to be fierce as teams vie for a place in the semi-finals. Whether it’s the experienced Premier Men teams or the emerging talent in the Under 15 and Under 18 categories, the players are sure to bring their A-game to the field today.

As the first round eliminations unfold, all eyes will be on the teams that make it through to the semi-finals. For many, this will be a chance to prove their mettle and showcase the hard work and dedication that has gone into their season so far. For others, today’s matches will represent a final opportunity to push for the championship.

The path to the finals is never easy, but it’s a journey that promises to deliver unforgettable moments of skill, passion, and determination. With each match, we inch closer to crowning the champions of the 2024 CIFA Knock-Out competition.

The CIFA would like to extend its congratulations to all teams who participated in the Round Cup and have reached the Knock-Out stages. Your hard work and dedication to the game have made this competition a true celebration of football in our community.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Takitumu School, Matavera – 11:15am – Under 15 Boys Titikaveka FC vs. Matavera-Ngatangiia FC (3rd Place vs. 5th Place); 12:15pm – Under 15 Girls Nikao Sokattak FC vs. Puaikura FC (3rd Place vs. 5th Place); 1:15pm – Under 18 Men Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs. Matavera-Ngatangiia FC (3rd Place vs. 5th Place); 2:40pm – Senior Women Puaikura FC vs. Matavera-Ngatangiia FC (3rd Place vs. 5th Place); 4:20pm – Premier Men Avatiu FC vs. Nikao Sokattak FC (3rd Place vs. 5th Place).

Titikaveka Field, Titikaveka– 11:15am – Under 15 Boys Puaikura FC vs. Tupapa Maraerenga FC (4th Place vs. 6th Place); 12:15pm – Under 15 Girls 

Avatiu FC vs. Matavera-Ngatangiia FC (4th Place vs. 6th Place): 1:15pm – Under 18 Men Nikao Sokattak FC vs. Puaikura FC (4th Place vs. 6th Place);

2:40pm – Senior Women Titikaveka FC vs. Nikao Sokattak FC (4th Place vs. 6th Place); 4:20pm – Premier Men Puaikura FC vs. Titikaveka FC (4th Place vs. 6th Place).