Round 2 of the 2025 Rarotonga Round Cup delivered yet another exciting weekend of football action across Rarotonga, as clubs clashed in a full schedule of matches from the youth divisions all the way to the top-tier Premier Men and Senior Women. The second round lived up to expectations, with drama, comebacks, and breakout performances that kept fans engaged at every venue.
The match of the week took place at the CIFA Complex, where Puaikura FC and Matavera-Ngatangiia FC met in an electrifying Premier Men’s clash. The two sides delivered a seesaw battle that ended in a 3-3 draw, packed with moments of brilliance and resilience from both camps.
Puaikura got off to a flying start, drawing first blood in the opening ten minutes when Daniel Taokia calmly slotted home a penalty after a foul inside the box. The home crowd had more to cheer about in the second half when Taokia doubled the lead, finishing a perfectly timed assist from Oscar Wichman to make it 2-0.
With just 20 minutes left on the clock, Matavera-Ngatangiia FC found their way back into the match after being awarded a penalty. Marcus Gibbens, a recent transfer from Tupapa-Maraerenga FC, made no mistake from the spot, confidently slotting it home to close the gap. Riding that momentum, Gibbens struck again just six minutes later—finishing off a well-timed ball from Mark Teito—to bring the match level at 2-2.
As the momentum shifted, Matavera took the lead with just five minutes left on the clock. Alphy Ngire found space in the box and netted a dramatic go-ahead goal, putting Matavera up 3-2. However, Puaikura were not ready to concede. In a stunning finish, captain Jarves Aperau soared above the defenders to head in an equalizer from a free kick—securing a 3-3 draw and a well-deserved point for his side.
Earlier in the day at the CIFA Complex, the Puaikura Senior Women’s team celebrated their first victory of the season with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Matavera-Ngatangiia FC. Goals from Victoria Fatiaki and Stephanie Nooroa gave the home side the edge, while Matavera’s response came from a long-range strike by Tearoa Rouru, who continues to be a standout player this season.
Over at Nikao Field, the host team Nikao-Sokattak FC turned in another solid performance, claiming a 2-0 victory over Titikaveka FC in the Premier Men’s match. The match was closely contested, with Titikaveka defending strongly for much of the game. However, Nikao’s persistent attacking efforts paid off with goals from Tamaiva Mateariki and DJ Tare, who continue to show strong form this season.
In the Senior Women’s match, Titikaveka managed to edge out Nikao 1-0. In what was a tightly contested affair, the deciding goal came from a composed penalty by Teniva Tauu. Both sides showed defensive strength, but Titikaveka’s composure from the spot proved to be the difference.
Back at the CIFA Complex, defending champions Tupapa-Maraerenga FC faced off against Avatiu FC in what proved to be a tense and defensive showdown. Both teams struggled to break down each other’s defense, with few clear-cut chances throughout the match.
The breakthrough came late in the second half when Tupapa’s Ngametua Tuakana found the back of the net, sealing a narrow 1-0 victory. The win ensures Tupapa maintains their title defense on solid footing, while Avatiu will take heart in their disciplined defensive display.
While the senior fixtures provided plenty of drama, the junior divisions also shone brightly, with clubs fielding enthusiastic young talents who displayed skill, teamwork, and great sportsmanship throughout the day. Highlights included a nail-biting 5-5 draw between Tupapa and Avatiu in the U10 Mixed Division, and an impressive 22-0 win by Nikao-Sokattak over Titikaveka in the U15 Boys—underscoring Nikao’s dominance in youth development this year.
Titikaveka’s U10 and U8 Mixed teams also put on a strong showing, earning 10-0 and 9-0 wins respectively, while Matavera-Ngatangiia’s youth sides also came through with victories in multiple divisions.
With Round 2 now in the books, the 2025 Rarotonga Round Cup continues to build momentum. Fans can look forward to more high-quality football, passionate performances, and fierce club rivalries as the season progresses. Each matchday brings fresh storylines and standout moments, as players from all age groups showcase their skills and love for the game.
Full Round 2 Results
U6 Mixed Division
• Tupapa-Maraerenga 1 vs Avatiu FC 1
• Puaikura FC 3 vs Matavera-Ngatangiia FC 6
Tupapa-Maraerenga FC vs Avatiu FC
• Premier Men: 1-0
• Senior Women’s: 2-0
• U18 Men: 1-4
• U15 Boys: 0-9
• U15 Girls: 0-3
• U12 Mixed: 1-2
• U10 Mixed: 5-5
• U8 Mixed: 6-1
Puaikura FC vs Matavera-Ngatangiia FC
• Premier Men: 3-3
• Senior Women’s: 2-1
• U18 Men: 1-3
• U15 Boys: 0-0
• U15 Girls: 0-3
• U12 Mixed: 1-3
• U10 Mixed: 6-2
• U8 Mixed: 7-2
Nikao-Sokattak FC vs Titikaveka FC
• Premier Men: 2-0
• Senior Women’s: 0-1
• U18 Men: 9-1
• U15 Boys: 22-0
• U15 Girls: 1-6
• U12 Mixed: 1-2
• U10 Mixed: 0-10
• U8 Mixed: 0-9
CIFA Media
