AS Magenta puts eight-past Vaivase-tai as Germain Haewegene shines bright

AS Magenta opened their OFC Men’s Champions League 2024 campaign with a solid 8-0 win against Samoa’s Vaivase-tai FC in Tahiti. The New Caledonian team, whose original first fixture against Ifira Black Bird FC was rescheduled, dominated from start to finish.

Forward Germain Haewegene, 27, played a pivotal role in AS Magenta’s success, scoring five of the eight goals. Haewegene’s first goal came early, tapping in from close range following a cross from Romarick Luepak. He quickly followed up with a second goal, capitalizing on a loose ball to lift it over the goalkeeper.

Haewegene completed his hat-trick in the 37th minute with a header that found the corner of the net. Just before half-time, he added a fourth with a low shot inside the near post. Florian Gope added another goal with a long-range effort, making it 5-0 at the break.

Three minutes into the second half, Haewegene scored his fifth goal, finishing a through ball from Luepak. He then assisted Gilbert Kugogne, whose shot went through the goalkeeper’s hands. Substitute Louis Brunet completed the scoring, finding the far corner with a shot from the edge of the area.

AS Magenta will face AS Pirae next, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals. Vaivase-tai FC will look to end their group stage on a positive note against Ifira Black Bird FC. Germain Haewegene’s performance was key to AS Magenta’s convincing win, highlighting his importance to the team.