Central Coast FC beat AS Venus 3-0 to revive their OFC Men’s Champions League semi-final hopes in Lautoka
Having narrowly lost to defending champions Auckland City FC on Monday, the Solomon Islands side were keen to bounce back and did so in style, dominating from the off.
It was AS Venus however who had the first clear sight of goal. Mana Teniau with time and space on the edge of the penalty area but side footing his first-time effort narrowly over the bar.
They were made to pay soon after as Central Coast took the lead. Rafa Le’ai’s corner was nodded down by captain Javin Wae and Barrie Limoki was first to react in a crowded box to finish from range.
Le’ai should have doubled the lead when through on goal but was denied by goalkeeper Tetahio Teriinohopuaiterai when he perhaps should have squared to a team mate.
He would make amends shortly after though, latching onto a well-weighted through ball from Prince Tahunipue before slipping the ball past the ‘keeper to make it 2-0 inside 20 minutes.
Five minutes later and when their third goal arrived, it was an almost carbon copy of the opener. Le’ai’s corner again headed downwards by Wae and this time Bobby Leslie turning his effort in from a few yards out as AS Venus struggled to deal with the aerial threat.
Central Coast took their foot off the gas to an extent in the second period but still posed considerable threat on the counter-attack.
Rafa Le’ai was a constant nuisance to the AS Venus backline, as more and more space opened up as the Tahitian side looked for a way back into the contest.
Vateanui Tehau’s men rarely looked like threatening, with the occasional set piece their best chance of creating something. Central Coast’s aerial dominance and height however made it difficult to truly trouble goalkeeper Erick Wanega.
Le’ai should have grabbed his second and Central Coast’s fourth when he worked space for himself just inside the area, but his left-footed effort flew wide of Teriinohopuaiterai’s right-hand post. The Solomon Islands international had a similar chance moments later but this time dragged it wide of the opposite stick.
The result leaves Central Coast with a winner-takes-all final group match against AS Tiga Sport. With Auckland City FC on six points, both sides will know a win will see them join the defending champions in the semi-finals.
Goal difference will be on Central Coast’s side however, in no small part thanks to their impressive first-half showing today.
Central Coast FC: 3 (Barrie LIMOKI 8′, Rafa LE’AI 19′, Bobby LESLIE 24′)
AS Venus: 0
HT: 3-0
SOURCE//: OFC MEDIA
