On Saturday the Finals for the knockout cup was played for what was nothing but an epic afternoon of football. The Nikao Sokattak Premier Men’s team came to the pitch hungry as ever and their hard work payed off. Nikao took the lead in the first half from the boot of Marc Leito giving Nikao the starting momentum needed to boost the team’s spirit. Many attempts at goal were made from both teams in the remainder of the first half but the score remained at 1 – 0 to Nikao. As the second half was under way a handball in the box gave Tupapa the opportunity they needed to bring themselves back in the game when Anthony Samuela took the shot at goal to equalize the score at 1 all. Back and forth down each side of the field both teams were looking to best the other. The match was almost at a stand still with a penalty shoot out to likely take place. Each team was desperate to find the back of the net and was fighting at maximum output, the crowd was roaring and fans were up and out of their seats to support the two men’s teams. Then by a sliver of luck Nikao Sokattak’s Julius David put in a long shot from outside of the box which made its way past the keeper and the Nikao Men’s team knew that the game was theirs. The final whistle blew only 10 minutes later giving Nikao Sokattak the Knockout Cup winners for 2020.
In the Senior Women’s Knockout Cup Championship Puaikura FC have finally claimed the CIFA Knockout Trophy after a numerous amount of years. The match saw Puaikura take the lead early in the game with a great goal from Ngamata Moekaa. Tupapa was not able to come back to equalize during the first half which helped the morale of the Puaikura team. Tupapa fought long and hard to start their comeback with many chances taken for the strong women’s team. The clock was ticking and Tupapa was adamant on not going down so easily. Puaikura had one more trick up their sleeve before they put the final nail in the coffin to dampen Tupapa’s hopes of winning when Victoria Fatiaki scored for the Puaikura team.
The under 17’s match saw Nikao and Tupapa go into a penalty shootout which then Nikao took out to win the Under 17 Men’s CIFA knockout cup.
Avatiu FC’s Under 14 boys and 15 girls won their matches giving them their Knockout cup trophys.
Finals Results
U7:
Avatiu FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 2 – 3 (PSO)
U9:
Avatiu FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 5 – 4 (PSO)
U12:
Avatiu FC vs Titikaveka FC: 2 – 0
U14 Boys:
Avatiu FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 3 – 2
U15 Girls:
Puaikura FC vs Avatiu FC: 3 – 5 (PSO)
U17 Men:
Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC: 3 – 4 (PSO)
Senior Women:
Puaikura FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 2 – 0
Premier Men:
Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC: 1 – 2
