LAE City FC has made a statement on the opening day of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League, defeating Cook Islands champions Tupapa Maraerenga 4-1 in a dominant Group B performance at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji, today Sunday 09th August 2026.
The Papua New Guinea champions controlled large periods of the match and showed composure beyond their years, with a combination of emerging talents and experienced campaigners proving too strong for the Cook Islands side.
Solomon Kamake opened the scoring in the 17th minute, putting Lae City in front and immediately putting Tupapa under pressure.
The match intensified as both sides battled for control, with penalties becoming a major talking point during the first half.
Lae City doubled its advantage just before halftime when Nalau Moses' 43rd-minute corner was deflected into the Tupapa net by defender Shane Tuteru, giving the PNG side a 2-0 lead at the half time break.
The experienced defensive combination of captain Langarap Samol, Philip Steven and veteran goalkeeper Ronald Warisan held firm, frustrating Tupapa's attempts to find a way back into the contest.
Lae City returned from the break with renewed purpose and extended its lead in the 52nd minute, with Moses getting his name on the scoresheet.
Tupapa refused to surrender and pulled one back in the 72nd minute through Tremaine Rimene-Albrett, who beat Warisan to reduce the deficit to 3-1. But Lae City remained composed. Substitute Ruel Api, introduced in the 71st minute, put the result beyond doubt when he struck in the 90th minute to complete a convincing 4-1 victory.
The win gives Lae City an ideal start to its OFC campaign and provides early momentum for a youthful squad competing against some of the region's established clubs.
Coach Valentine Nelson praised his young players for rising to the occasion alongside the team's senior campaigners.
“Our young players really stepped up to the occasion and gave their best in the opening match of the round.”
Nelson said the team had already identified areas requiring improvement and would continue to build as the tournament progresses.
PNG Football Association president John Kapi-Natto, who watched the match from the stands, also praised Lae City's performance, particularly the contribution of its emerging players.
“The young development players were outstanding throughout the game with guidance from the experienced senior players.”
Kapi-Natto said the performance was further evidence that PNG's domestic Premier Soccer League clubs were developing a new generation of talented footballers.
The victory puts Lae City in a strong position heading into its next Group B assignment.
Lae City FC will face Vanuatu champions Galaxy FC on Wednesday, August 12th, at Givind Park 4R Stadium in Ba, Fiji.
