AS Pirae outclass struggling Ifira Black Bird in resounding victory at OFC Champions League

In a commanding performance, AS Pirae triumphed 5-1 over Ifira Black Bird in their OFC Champions League 2024 opener in Tahiti. Despite a valiant effort from the Vanuatu side, travel disruptions and a thin squad saw them succumb to the dominant hosts. Pirae secured their place in the semifinals as they collected their second win in two matches.

Ifira Black Bird’s arrival in Tahiti was marred by delays, with the team landing just the evening before the match. Compounding their troubles, they only had twelve players available for the game. Nevertheless, the team showed remarkable resilience early on, launching quick counter-attacks against a high-pressing AS Pirae.

However, the home team took the lead with a spectacular long-range strike from Yohann Tihoni, who fired a 25-yard shot into the top corner past Dick Sablan. The Tahitians quickly capitalized on their momentum, adding a second goal just four minutes later. Désiré Ngiamba’s shot from outside the box took a fortunate deflection leaving Sablan with no chance.

Ifira Black Bird, undeterred by the early setbacks, found a way back into the match. Kerry Iawak seized on a loose ball after a probing run from Johnathan SpokeyJack and smashed it into the near post to reduce the deficit. SpokeyJack nearly equalized shortly before halftime, but his powerful shot rattled the crossbar.

AS Pirae started the second half with renewed energy and restored their two-goal cushion when Sandro Tau’s cross found Ariiura Labaste, who tapped in from close range. Labaste doubled his tally in the 63rd minute with a well-placed shot through a crowded penalty area, effectively putting the game beyond Ifira’s reach.

The toll of travel and limited squad options began to show for Ifira as the match progressed. AS Pirae added a fifth goal when Sandro Tau headed in from close range following a clever assist from Heirauarii Salem. Any hopes of a comeback for Ifira were dashed when goalscorer Iawak was shown a straight red card for a reckless tackle in the 77th minute.

AS Pirae’s victory, their second in the tournament, propels them to the top of Group B, virtually securing a spot in the semi-finals. For Ifira Black Bird, the arrival of the remainder of their squad offers hope for better results in their upcoming match against Samoa’s Vaivase-tai FC.

Despite the defeat, the spirit of Ifira Black Bird shone through. The team wore black ribbons on their left arms in solidarity with their Melanesian brothers and sisters in New Caledonia due the complicated political situation in the country at the moment. The lone goal for Ifira Black Bird was a moment of pride for the team and their supporters, that despite their setbacks they were able to give some fight to the hosts.

In the face of adversity, Ifira Black Bird demonstrated courage and determination, promising to bounce back with the arrival of their full squad expected to happen very soon. The next match will be crucial for their chances in the tournament, and they remain hopeful of making a significant impact.