Matavera progresses to semis

Yet another exciting chapter in the CIFA knockout elimination was written last Saturday as Matavera’s Premier Men’s team secured a spot in this week’s semi finals after defeating Avatiu 2-0.

Matavera took the lead through their striker Junior Moetaua within 20 minutes of play from a corner kick and was struck in with a header.

Their second goal was ominous as they kept attacking at the Avatiu defence and was awarded a penalty when a foul was committed by an Avatiu defender, Matavera leading before the half time break 2-0.

Avatiu regrouped at the half time break and came into the second half with a never-say-die attitude hammering at the Matavera defence but blew their many chances of scoring.

Plenty of industry and determination were required in a physical game of few chances and Avatiu came up short in those areas.

“We were hungry for this win,” said Matavera captain John Pareanga.

“Avatiu put up a tough match against our team but we were determined to go through to the semi finals”.

Pareanga also thanked Avatiu for a good but tough match and look forward to their next challenge this coming week.

“Matavera played really well and it was obvious that they wanted this win and they deserved it,” said Avatiu captain Fale Elikana.

“We tried to slot through those missed opportunities but Matavera kept the pressure on us which we were unable to finish.”

In the other matches played last Saturday, Nikao Sokattak’s Premier Men’s team demolished Arorangi by 8-1 at Nikao while Titikaveka caused an upset by defeating Takuvaine 3-2.

In the senior women’s division Titikaveka defeated Takuvaine by 2-0 on Takuvaine home soil while Nikao overpowered Matavera by 9-0 and Arorangi won by penalty shoot-out against Avatiu 4-3. - CIFA Media

Results for games played in Takuvaine: Under 14 Boys Arorangi 0 vs Titikaveka 3

Under 15 Girls: Nikao 1 vs Titikaveka 2, Under 17 Boys Takuvaine 7 vs Titikaveka 8, Senior Women Takuvaine 0 vs Titikaveka 2, Premier Men Takuvaine 2 vs Titikaveka 3.

Results for games played in Nikao: Under 14 Boys Nikao 3 vs Takuvaine 1, Under 15 Girls Tupapa 3 vs Takuvaine 0, Under 17 Boys Tupapa 2 vs Nikao 1, Senior Women Nikao 9 vs Matavera 0, Premier Men Nikao 8 vs Arorangi 1.

Results for games played in Matavera: Under 15 Girls Avatiu 1 vs Arorangi 3, Under 14 Boys Avatiu 12 vs Matavera 0, Senior Women Avatiu 3 vs Arorangi 4, Premier Men Avatiu 0 vs Matavera 2.