As the 2024 football season comes to a close, the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) celebrates a year of exciting competition, unforgettable moments, and remarkable achievements. The final match of the 2024 CIFA Knockout Competition, played yesterday, was the perfect conclusion to an action-packed season, as Tupapa-Maraerenga Football Club and Nikao Sokattak Football Club clashed in one of the most intense and dramatic Premier Men’s games seen in recent years.
The CIFA Knockout Finals brought together two of the most competitive teams on the island, with Tupapa-Maraerenga FC coming off a dominant 3-1 victory against Puaikura FC in the semi-finals, while Nikao Sokattak FC had earned their spot in the final after a nerve-wracking 4-3 penalty shootout win over Matavera-Ngatangiia FC in the previous week. Both teams were eager to claim the prestigious title, and the atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with passionate supporters from around the island filling the stands to cheer on their teams.
The Premier Men’s final was a true test of resilience, skill, and determination. Tupapa-Maraerenga, known for their dominance in both attack and defense throughout the season, entered the match with high expectations. However, the first half saw them struggle to break down Nikao Sokattak’s solid defense. Nikao’s defenders, Nia Remuera and Tamaiva Mateariki, kept the Tupapa forwards at bay, while Kima Webb and Paavo Mustonen pushed forward in the midfield under the guidance of Grover Harmon. Despite their pressure, Tupapa was unable to score in the first 45 minutes and found themselves trailing 2-0 at halftime.
Nikao Sokattak, on the other hand, were in high spirits after a well-executed first half. The opening goal came from Temaiva Mateariki, who powered home a header from a corner kick. Nikao’s second goal came just before the halftime whistle, with Leo Roa slotting the ball past Tupapa’s goalkeeper, Mana Pierre, making it 2-0 to Nikao.
However, Tupapa’s never-say-die attitude came through in the second half. The attacking duo of Tahitoa Webb and Tuffy Ngametua, both clinical in front of goal throughout the season, proved why they are considered some of the best forwards in the competition. Webb found the back of the net in quick succession, leveling the score at 2-1, only for Tupapa to respond again with an insane goal from John Noovao who placed a well long ball that just hits the tips of the Goalkeepers gloves and makes it over the goal line, again leveling the score at 2-2.
Minutes before the final whistle, it was Ngametua Tuakana that scored Tupapa’s third goal of the match putting them in lead 2-3. But Nikao was not done yet. Owenne Matapo put Nikao ahead once again with a third goal, a dramatic equalizer, tying the game 3-3. The match played on, but neither team was able to break the deadlock, setting up a penalty shootout that had the fans on the edge of their seats.
In the shootout, it was Tupapa’s goalkeeper Mana Pierre who emerged as the hero, saving one of Nikao’s penalty kicks and watching as Nikao’s fourth kicker missed. Tupapa kept their cool, converting all their penalties, and secured the victory 4-3 in the shootout. This remarkable comeback sealed Tupapa-Maraerenga FC’s second consecutive CIFA Knockout Championship in the Premier Men’s division.
The Senior Women’s final was no less exciting, with Tupapa-Maraerenga FC facing off against Avatiu FC. Both teams played with heart and skill, showing why they were worthy finalists. Tupapa’s Jan-Marie Taia opened the scoring in the first half, putting her team in the lead. In the second half, Mii-Piri Savage doubled Tupapa’s advantage with a brilliant header in front of the goal.
Avatiu, a team known for their grit and determination, responded late in the game, with Mahana Sijp scoring a well-taken goal minutes before the final whistle. However, despite their best efforts, Avatiu was unable to find an equalizer, and the match ended with Tupapa securing a 2-1 victory. This win not only earned Tupapa the CIFA Knockout Cup but also made them the first club in Cook Islands football history to win both the Senior Women’s and Premier Men’s titles in the same year — a feat they also achieved in 2019.
Tupapa-Maraerenga FC’s victory in both the Senior Women’s and Premier Men’s divisions at the 2024 CIFA Knockouts marks the second time in Cook Islands football history that a single club has claimed both cups in the same year. This is a remarkable achievement and underscores the club’s dominance in local football. Additionally, Tupapa-Maraerenga Premier Men’s team has now won the CIFA Knockout Cup for the second consecutive year, further solidifying their place as one of the most successful clubs in Cook Islands football.
In the U18 Men’s Final, Avatiu FC triumphed over Matavera FC with a 3-1 victory, showing their strength and promising future. The U15 Boys Final was a thrilling contest, with Nikao Sokattak FC edging out Avatiu FC in a penalty shootout after a tense and heavy rain-soaked match. The final score was 5-4 in favor of Nikao Sokattak. Meanwhile, in the U15 Girls Final, Tupapa-Maraerenga FC claimed the title with a hard-fought win over Titikaveka FC, capping off a perfect day for the club.
As we reflect on the successes and highlights of the 2024 season, the staff and management of the Cook Islands Football Association would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who made this year so special. Your passion and dedication have been the driving force behind the success of the competition, and we are incredibly grateful for your ongoing support. We wish everyone a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year, filled with happiness, success, and new opportunities.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to kick off the new year with the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 Qualifiers, which will be hosted right here in the Cook Islands. Stay tuned for more updates, as we continue to grow and elevate the beautiful game in our country.Thank you all for an unforgettable 2024 season. See you in 2025!
Here are the Final Match Results:
Full results are as follows:
Under 6 Mix
Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs. Puaikura FC
2-5
Under 8 Mix
Avatiu FC vs. Titikaveka FC
8-0
Under 10 Mix
Matavera-Ngatangiia FC vs. Titikaveka FC
4-3
Under 12 Mix
Avatiu FC vs Titikaveka FC
2-0
Under 15 Boys
Nikao Sokattak FC vs. Avatiu FC
(PS 5-4 Nikao Sokattak)
Under 15 Girls
Tupapa-Maraerenga FC vs. Titikaveka FC
4-1
Under 18 Men
Avatiu FC vs. Matavera-Ngatangiia FC
3-1
Senior Women
Tupapa-Maraerenga FC vs Avatiu FC
2-1
Premier Men
Tupapa-Maraerenga FC vs. Nikao Sokattak FC
3-3 (PS 4-3 Tupapa-Maraerenga)
CIFA Media
