The much-anticipated semi-finals of the 2024 CIFA Knock-Out competition have arrived, promising an exciting day of football as teams from across the island vie for a coveted spot in the finals. Today’s matches will showcase the best of Cook Islands football, with the Premier Men, Senior Women, Under 18 Men, Under 15 Boys, and Under 15 Girls all competing in what is sure to be an action-packed series of high-stakes encounters.
The semi-finals will take place across two key venues: Takitumu School in Matavera and the CIFA Complex. These matches will feature the top teams from each division, with both the winners and runners-up from the Round Cup competition automatically advancing to the semi-finals. These teams will face the winners of last week’s intense first-round eliminations.
With a direct path to the finals on the line, today’s semi-finals promise to deliver some of the best football action we’ve seen all season. The format for this stage is straightforward yet highly competitive: if any match ends in a draw after the 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will determine the winner, as no extra time will be played. This ensures that every moment will be packed with tension and excitement, as teams battle for the ultimate prize.
The 2024 Knock-Out competition has already been a testament to the skill, dedication, and passion of all teams involved. Congratulations are due to the teams who successfully navigated the Round Cup stages to reach the semi-finals. From seasoned veterans in the Premier Men’s category to the rising stars in the Under 15 and Under 18 divisions, every team has demonstrated tremendous effort to make it this far.
The semi-finals will be an opportunity for players to showcase everything they’ve worked for this season. Whether it’s the experienced Premier Men teams looking to make their mark, or the Under 15 Boys and Girls teams eager to make a statement, the intensity on the field will be unmatched. For many, this is their chance to show just how far they’ve come and to prove they deserve a spot in the final.
This year’s competition has seen the emergence of new talent alongside the continued dominance of established teams. Players will be putting their skills to the test, pushing themselves to their limits to make sure they have a chance at the championship. Whether you’re watching from the sidelines or following the action online, you won’t want to miss a moment of the high-octane drama that’s sure to unfold.
It’s a do-or-die situation that will bring out the best in every player, as they aim to secure their place in the coveted final showdown. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and with every match, we move one step closer to crowning the 2024 champions in each of the five categories.
While the competition on the field will be fierce, the spirit of sportsmanship remains at the heart of the tournament. The CIFA is proud to support the development of football in our community, and today’s matches will be another example of how sport can bring people together and showcase the values of hard work, resilience, and respect for the game.
Match Schedules – Saturday 7th December 2024
CIFA Complex, Matavera
11:15am – Under 15 Boys: Avatiu FC vs. Puaikura FC
1st Place vs. Winner of 4th Place vs. 6th Place
12:15pm – Under 15 Girls: Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs. Avatiu FC
1st Place vs. Winner of 4th Place vs. 6th Place
1:15pm – Under 18 Men: Avatiu FC vs. Nikao Sokattak FC
1st Place vs. Winner of 4th Place vs. 6th Place
2:40pm – Senior Women: Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs. Titikaveka FC
1st Place vs. Winner of 4th Place vs. 6th Place
4:20pm – Premier Men: Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs. Puaikura FC
1st Place vs. Winner of 4th Place vs. 6th Place
Takitumu School Grounds, Matavera
11:15am – Under 15 Boys: Nikao Sokattak FC vs. Titikaveka FC
2nd Place vs. Winner of 3rd Place vs. 5th Place
12:15pm – Under 15 Girls: Titikaveka FC vs. Nikao Sokattak FC
2nd Place vs. Winner of 3rd Place vs. 5th Place
1:15pm – Under 18 Men: Titikaveka FC vs. Matavera-Ngatangiia FC
2nd Place vs. Winner of 3rd Place vs. 5th Place
2:40pm – Senior Women: Avatiu FC vs. Matavera-Ngatangiia FC
2nd Place vs. Winner of 3rd Place vs. 5th Place
4:20pm – Premier Men: Matavera-Ngatangiia FC vs. Nikao Sokattak FC
2nd Place vs. Winner of 3rd Place vs. 5th Place
As the semi-finals of the 2024 CIFA Knock-Out competition unfold, excitement and anticipation will build across the island. For the teams, it’s a chance to etch their names into the history of Cook Islands football. For the fans, it’s an opportunity to witness high-quality football, filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.
We would like to extend our best wishes to all teams involved today. May the matches be played in the true spirit of sportsmanship, and may the best teams emerge victorious, advancing to the finals in pursuit of the ultimate glory.
CIFA Media
