The Pago Pago soccer stadium in the American Samoa capital saw the first match on the opening day of the OFC Champions League Preliminary between Tonga’s champion club Lotoha’apai United and Cook Islands Tupapa Maraerenga yesterday afternoon.

Tupapa Maraerenga FC won their first match at the Oceania Club Preliminary competition against Tonga’s champions club Lotoha’apai United by three goals to nil.

Lotoha’apai United started strong in the early stage of the game but could not find the back of the net however in the tenth minute Tupapa’s Campbell Best scored the first goal – a rebound to give Tupapa the early lead.

Tupapa tried to extend their lead before the half time break but this did not eventuate with the half time score of 1-0 in favour of Tupapa.

In the early stage of the second half Tonga came out hungry for an equalizer but was unlucky. In the 83rd minute Grover Harmon scored Tupapa’s second goal with Hone Fowler adding the third and final goal bringing the final result to three goals to nil in favour Tupapa. Overall it was a tough match however Tupapa took their chances.

Tupapa will play their second match on Thursday 17 October against American Samoa’s Pago Youth at 4pm (Cook Islands Time).