AS Pirae celebrates Ligue 1 VINI title in Tahiti

AS Pirae secured a resounding victory against Central (3-0) at Pater Stadium in a postponed match of the third round of Ligue 1 in Tahiti. Before the conclusion of the playoffs, the orange team has ensured their status as champions of Ligue 1, marking their fourth title in five years after victories in 2020, 2021, and 2022, and their twelfth title in history. Tefana had halted Pirae’s winning streak last season. The Faa’a-based team also triumphed (2-0) against Dragon on Wednesday night and currently sits in second place in the playoffs, tied on points with Venus.

Pirae’s dominance in local football over recent years has once again been confirmed this season. This dominance was challenged last season when Tefana claimed the Tahiti Ligue 1 championship title, with Pirae finishing as runners-up. It was also partially challenged this season when Tefana eliminated Pirae (1-0) in the eighth-finals of the Polynesian Cup. Faa’a’s team, emerging as Pirae’s main rival over the past two years, only succumbed in the penalty shootout in the two qualifying playoff matches for the OFC Champions League after two draws (1-1). Pirae has not had an easy ride this season, having to contend with the solid opposition of Tefana, but their championship title is well-deserved, especially considering their decisive victory (3-0) last Thursday against Tefana, which marked a turning point in the playoffs. Furthermore, Pirae has won all eight of their playoff matches so far, demonstrating that the orange team thoroughly deserves their title.

Wednesday night’s success against Central at Pater Stadium seals Pirae’s triumph, and its players did not miss the opportunity to enjoy a stress-free end to the championship. Despite the absence of three starters, Heimano Bourebare, who was ill, as well as Heirauarii Salem and Patrick Tepa, who were injured, Pirae immediately took control of the match against a rather defensive Central team. The red and black team initially struggled before regaining composure. They created the first major opportunity of the match in the 16th minute, with a shot from Hanoa Temaiana. Pirae maintained pressure but faced Central’s defense until the 32nd minute when Narcisse Xowie fouled Sandro Tau in the penalty area. Referee Norbert Hauata awarded a penalty to Pirae, which Ariiura Labaste converted to give the orange team the lead (1-0). Another penalty was awarded to Pirae ten minutes later when Désire Ngiamba was fouled in the six-yard box. Ariiura Labaste doubled the lead (2-0). Pirae maintained this advantage until halftime, with their substitute goalkeeper, Teva Durot, only having to deal with back passes.

The second half saw Central play with more rhythm, but apart from a few minutes after halftime and around the 75th minute when coach Raimoana Bennett’s team created three successive chances, Pirae calmly managed the second half by controlling the ball with occasional bursts of acceleration. Taniava Barsinas, who had come on three minutes earlier, extended Pirae’s lead (3-0) with a close-range goal.

The orange team expressed their joy with caution at the end of the match, well aware that the title had been virtually theirs since their victory against Tefana the previous Thursday. Their coach, Vatea Terai, remained measured: “I took over the team in January, and it’s therefore a great satisfaction to win the title, but I have only continued the work put in place by my predecessors. The players have shown incredible spirit, and their performances are the result of a lot of hard work. We can now calmly prepare for the Champions League, where we have big ambitions considering it’s being held in Tahiti, and we could become the first Tahitian club to win the tournament.”

The end of the Ligue 1 playoffs will lack interest, not only because the champion is already known. The runner-up position was significant as it theoretically qualified for the national playoffs of the Oceania Champions League, with Tefana and Venus competing for it. However, the Oceania Confederation recently changed the rules of the tournament, and only national champions will participate next season. Despite this recent development, Tefana still managed to win on Wednesday night against Dragon with two goals from François Moux scored in the 14th second and Tehotu Gitton (65th). Tefana and Pirae will face each other again (for the sixth time this season) next Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Louis Ganivet Stadium in a postponed match of the fourth round, a game lacking significance for both teams. Venus, no longer motivated by a possible participation in the Champions League, will host Dragon at the same time at their Mahina field.