OFC Champions League: Cook Islands Club Club Pago Youth To Advance To One-Match Playoff For Berth In Group Stage

The Preliminary Group for next season's OFC Champions League concluded business on Saturday with two games, both played at 'Atele, Tonga.


In the opener, Leo Berlim scored four goals (23', 30', 53', 71') while Roger Manuel added a pair (51', 69') as Tupapa Maraerenga nuked poor Pago Youth 9-0.  The nine-goal margin proved important as the club from the Cook Islands won the group and will get to play AS Mont Dore from New Caledonia on Tuesday in a one-match playoff at 'Atele for a berth in the group stage.


In the nightcap, Mark Uhatahi (45'+5) and Kilifi Uele (PK-57') provided the scoring as Lotoha'apai United held off Kiwi FC 2-1.


FINAL PRELIMINARY GROUP STANDINGS:


1. Tupapa Maraerenga (GP: 3; GD: +10; PTS: 7)
2. Lotoha'apai United (GP: 3; GD: +7; PTS: 7)
3. Kiwi FC (GP: 3; GD: +2; PTS: 3)
4. Pago Youth (GP: 3; GD: -19; PTS: 0)


Tupapa Maraeranga won the Preliminary Group and will face AS Mont Dore from New Caledonia in a one-match playoff at 'Atele, Tonga, with the winner advancing to the group stage.