Tupapa Maraerenga and Kiwi FC have advanced to the Group Stage of the OFC Champions League football competition after the final day of action at the Qualifier tournament in the Cook Islands.
Hosts Tupapa came from a goal down to beat Pago Youth from American Samoa 2-1 to confirm top spot in the standings with three straight wins.
Tupapa Maraerenga were made to work hard by Pago Youth. Photo: OFC Media
Walter Pati had given Pago Youth a surprise lead in the 29th minute before Fauzul Ahmed equalised two minutes into the second spell.
Harlem Simiona proved the hero with an 89th minute winner for the Cook Islands champions to keep their perfect record intact.
Coach Delaney Yaqona paid tribute to their opponents after the hard-fought win.
"Hats off to Pago Youth and the one thing you can't fault in island football is passion. They certainly brought the passion. You could hear in their chant before the game, and they made it so hard for us," he said.
"At the end of the day, we were our own worst enemies because we knew what they were going to do and we didn't deal with it in the first half. Eventually it came in the second half so we are happy to take the win."
Tupapa Maraerenga from the Cook Islands celebrate qualifying for the OFC Champions League main draw. Photo: OFC Media
Despite leaving the Cook Islands with three defeats, Pago Youth coach Rambo Tapui was pleased with the way his side improved throughout the tournament.
"I'm very happy with the performance. I feel positive and I'm sticking with this young team," he said.
"They are still at an early age and I know they will improve for the next tournament."
Kiwi FC thumped Tongan rivals Lotoha'apai United 9-1 to secure the runners up spot, with Paul Scanlan bagging four goals to finish atop the golden boot chart with six.
Paul Scanlan starred with four goals for Kiwi FC. Photo: OFC Media
Needing a win to secure their spot in the next round, Scanlan put the Samoan champions in front with a curling drive in the third minute as they raced out to a 5-0 half-time lead before adding further gloss in the second spell.
Coach Martin Tamasese was full of praise of his players after the match.
"I'm so proud of the boys and the result," he said.
"Our strength is our speed and our technical side so we worked really hard on that which helped us to pressure Lotoha'apai and helped to score a lot of goals."
"Four years ago we represented our country in the group stage and ever since we wanted to come back so this is our chance not only to qualify for the next stage but to be competitive,' he said.
Kiwi FC players celebrate advancing to the OFC Champions League main draw. Photo: OFC Media
Meanwhile, Lotoha'apai coach Lui Muavesi couldn't hide his frustration after letting a shot at history slip away.
"It was a disappointing game for me as a coach, the boys didn't do what we have planned," he said.
"The slow start once again hit us badly. In the first 20 minutes they had already three goals. Really we lost it in the first ten minutes.".
Kiwi FC will face defending champions Team Wellington from New Zealand, Fiji's Ba and hosts Erakor Golden Star from Vanuatu in Group C of the Champions League, which kicks off in Port Vila on 23 February.
Tupapa Maraerenga are in Pool D alongside nine-times champions Auckland City, New Caledonia's Magenta and hosts Solomon Warriors, with the first match in Honiara on 24 February.
Groups A and B kick off this weekend in Kone, New Caledonia and Lautoka, Fiji respectively.
