OFC Champions League Qualifier

Lupe were pipped 1-0 by Cook Islands champs Tupapa Maraerega in Pago Pago at the weekend and are currently bottom of the four-team qualifying event, from which two will advance to the OFC Champions League main draw.

Vaa Taualai was sent off five minutes before Tupapa scored the only goal of the match and Paul Ualesi said cool heads must prevail in today's crunch match against American Samoa's Pago Youth.

RNZ reports the Tongan and Samoan club champions are tied for second place in the Qualifier standings, three points behind Puaikura FC from the Cook Islands, who have already confirmed their place in the next stage.

Lupe only need a draw against Veitongo to advance, thanks to a superior goal differential, while the hosts need all three points.

Player-coach Kilifi Uele said that means they will have to go all out.