On the second match of Group A in the OFC Champions League, Suva from Fiji faced off against Lupe o le Soaga from Samoa. The match took place at the Soccer City Stadium in Luganville, Vanuatu, which was the designated venue for Group A. Despite a slow start, Suva managed to secure a resounding victory, winning 6-0 against Lupe o le Soaga.
Suva’s attack was led by the Ni-Vanuatu duo of Alex Saniel and Azariah Soromon, along with Fijian international Samuela Drudru. Although Lupe o le Soaga’s defense was tough, Suva created opportunities and managed to break through at the 31st minute when Drudru assisted Soromon for the first goal of the match. Just four minutes later, Drudru assisted Saniel for Suva’s second goal.
Things got worse for Lupe o le Soaga as Lawrie Letutusa was sent off after receiving his second yellow card. Suva continued to dominate, and at the 44th minute, Karl Apelu scored an own goal after a shot from Azariah Soromon, making it 3-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Suva continued their dominance. At the 62nd minute, Marlon Tahioa, the Solomon Islands’ international, added another goal for Suva, and seven minutes later, Rusiate Matarerega scored with his first touch after coming on as a substitute. Suva’s final goal came from another substitute, defender Waisake Navunigasau, who headed the ball home to settle the 6-0 scoreline.
Suva could have scored even more goals if it weren’t for Lupe o le Soaga’s goalkeeper Osa Savelio and the posts. Suva wasted many goalscoring opportunities throughout the game. Despite the loss, Lupe o le Soaga will have another chance to bounce back in their next match against Solomon Warriors, while Suva will face Auckland City in their next match.
Oceania Football Center 