Ifira Black Bird collects its first points at OFC Champions League after comfortable win against Vaivase-Tai

In a decisive performance at the OFC Men’s Champions League 2024 in Tahiti, Vanuatu’s Ifira Black Bird FC secured their first three points with a commanding 5-1 victory over Samoa’s Vaivase-Tai FC at Stade Pater. After struggling in their opening match due to travel disruptions and a depleted squad, Ifira Black Bird showed marked improvement with a fully rested and complete team.

Johnathan Spokeyjack emerged as the standout player for Ifira, initiating the scoring early in the game with a powerful strike at the near post in the eighth minute. This set the tone for Ifira’s dominant first half. Tonly Kalotang quickly doubled the lead, followed by Godine Tenene’s clinical finish inside the area, making it 3-0. Spokeyjack then added his second goal, capitalizing on an excellent through ball to further extend the lead.

Despite Ifira’s offensive onslaught, which saw Kalotang and Alphonse Lency each hit the crossbar, Vaivase-Tai managed to score a historic goal. Alton Leiataua broke through the offside trap and sent a superb shot into the top corner, marking Vaivase-Tai FC’s first-ever goal in the OFC Men’s Champions League, a significant milestone in the club’s 60-year history.

The Samoan side showed resilience in the second half, bolstered by an impressive performance from their 17-year-old goalkeeper, Kirk Auvele. Auvele made several crucial saves, preventing Ifira from adding to their tally for much of the half. However, a late error from Auvele allowed substitute Johndas Thomas to score Ifira’s fifth goal, sealing the victory. Another substitute, Ruben Frank, nearly added a sixth, but his shot from the edge of the area hit the bar.

Vaivase-Tai’s journey in the tournament ended with this match, but they took pride in their historic goal. Meanwhile, Ifira Black Bird, now with renewed confidence, prepare to face AS Magenta, knowing that a win is essential for their hopes of reaching the semi-finals for the second consecutive year. Despite a slower second half, Ifira’s persistent efforts and eventual late goal underscored their dominance and readiness for the challenges ahead.