The 2022 Rarotonga football season will today enter knockout eliminations where two venues will host unpredictable thrillers that will decide teams who will live to fight another day.

Takitumu grounds and Teimurimotia Park will host some exciting matches in all divisions this afternoon.

Matavera’s ‘Men in Maroon’ will take on Avatiu’s ‘Golden Giants’, while Puaikura’s ‘Western Warriors’ will travel down further to battle Titikaveka’s ‘Boys in Blue’.

Meeting for a second time in the knockout stage, Avatiu versus Matavera is building into a mouthwatering contest. Avatiu will be looking to take this win from Matavera, while the home side will be eager to repeat their upset from last year and play in the semis a second time in a row.

Matavera’s Ron Rai and George Ellis have to bring their A-game upfront, and ensure any scoring opportunity get the execution it deserves.

However they have to contend with a tough Avatiu defence led by Jarves Aperau and Ariki Kiriau.

Avatiu will need to support their forwards, as the usual scorers Aaron Smith and Viiga Reupena, will need clear balls when running down the line.

Matavera’s defence will be led by sturdy Alex Stewart who will be tracking Avatiu’s every move, while Ed Brogan will keep a close watch for any sneaky cross passes or through balls that go anywhere near their goal.

The last match between the two saw Avatiu dominating, stealing possession and heading straight for goal.

Matavera will have to elevate their intensity if they want to progress into the semi-finals.

Out in Titikaveka, Puaikura’s Paul Luiz Van Ejik, staunch as ever, will be leading his side against the hosts. Titikaveka’s Rua Oti will be spearheading the home team’s campaign in this do or die battle.

Round Cup champions Tupapa Maraerenga and Nikao Sokattak have booked their spots in the semis.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Takitumu school, Matavera – 12.30pm Under 15 Girls. Matavera FC vs Titikaveka FC (Ref: Terry Piri, Assist: Carl Fredrick, Kimberly Uini) 1.30pm Under 15 Boys. Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Titikaveka FC (Ref: Ua Savage, Assist: Junior Savage, Noovao Noovao), 2.40pm Senior Women. Avatiu FC vs Matavera FC (Ref: Robert Savage, Assist: Carl Fredrick, Ua Savage), 4.15pm Premier Men. Avatiu FC vs Matavera FC (Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist: Teina Savage, Robert Savage). Teimurimotia Park, Titikaveka – 12.30pm Under 15 Girls. Nikao Sokattak FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Merian Noovao, Assist: Penina Katuke, Ratai Kaukura), 1.30pm Under 15 Boys. Nikao Sokattak FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist: Teupoko Tuariki, Matilda Auua), 2.40pm Senior Women. Titikaveka FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC (Ref: Mata Iroa, Assist: Theressa Kaukura, Merian Noovao), 4.15pm Premier Men Titikaveka FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: John Pareanga, Assist: Penina Katuke, Mata Iroa).