The fiercely contested Rarotonga Football competition Knockout Cup semi-finals will get underway this afternoon at CIFA Complex in Matavera.

Kicking off the do-or-die fixtures will be the U15 boys and the senior women’s division semis this afternoon.

Tupapa Maraerenga’s “Ladies in Black” will be facing off Avatiu’s “Golden Girls” in the opening senior women’s semi-final at 5pm.

The last time these two teams met Avatiu pulled off a major scare, holding the much fancied Tupapa to a nil-all draw. Tupapa defenders had to work hard to keep a clean sheet in the match they were favoured to win.

In this top four battle anything can happen, and an upset is possible if Avatiu are able to go up a notch from their last performance.

Avatiu’s impressive defender Susan Williams has a huge role to play to keep Tupapa’s superstar striker Jan-Marie Taia assisted by her midfield link Teretia Teinaki at bay.

For Tupapa, Christina Areai will be their saviour in defence against the likes of

Mahana Sjip and Nicole Tiaore, a young Avatiu pairing that can prove lethal with possession.

Both teams will have to give their all throughout the match in order to remain standing and book their spot in the final.

On Friday, Nikao Sokattak’s skillful eleven will be taking on Avatiu’s “Golden Giants” in first premier men’s semi-final.

After losing the Round Cup trophy to Tupapa Maraerenga FC in the final round, Nikao Sokattak will be going all out against Avatiu who have proven a tough opponent this season.

The battle between the two neighbours will be an interesting one and not to be missed.

Before the major battles, the U15 Boys semi-final between Tupapa Maraerenga and Matavera on Thursday, and the U15 Girls clash between the two teams on Friday, will serve as the curtain raisers.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Today at the CIFA Complex, Matavera – 4pm Under 15 Boys Matavera FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Ua Savage, Assist: Lai Gukisuva, Theressa Kaukura), 5pm Senior Women Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Avatiu FC (     Ref: Lai Gukisuva, Assist: Kimberly Uini, Ua Savage). Tomorrow at the CIFA Complex, Matavera – 4pm Under 15 Girls Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Matavera FC (Ref: John Pareanga, Assist: Maara Kaukura, Teina Savage), 5pm Premier Men Nikao Sokattak FC vs Avatiu FC (Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist: Teina Savage, John Pareanga)