By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

Samoa’s Vaivase Tai won the OFC Men’s Championship League qualifiers after defeating Vaiala Tonga and edging out Veitongo FC on the final day of the competition, 23 February, at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa.

In the three day competition, Vaivase Tai’ beat Tupapa Maerenga, Cook Islands and drew with Veitongo FC. This left Vaivase and Veitongo to fight for the single Group Stage spot on the final day.

Veitongo defeated the American Samoa’s Vaiala Tonga (13-0) on the first day before drawing with Vaivase, and watched as Vaivase took on Vaiala in the first match on Friday. Then 90 seconds into the game, Vaivase scored the first goal and by half time were leading 8-0, going on to defeat Vaiala Tonga 14-0.

Veitongo FC now needed to win by four points to surpass their goal difference with Vaivase. However, Tupapa took on Tonga by a surprise by winning the match 3-2 after losing their first game to Vaivase 4-0.

Vaivase Tai will continue to the national playoff winners of New Caledonia, Vanuatu. The Champions League hosts Tahiti for the group stage in Group B. Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands' Warriors, Hekari United from Papua New Guinea, Rewa from Fiji and the New Zealand playoff winner will play in Group A.