Port Vila Football Association champions, Galaxy FC, have claimed the VFF Champions League 2024–2025 title after a thrilling 2–1 victory over M3 United FC of Tafea Football Association in the grand final at Freshwota Stadium last weekend.
The much-anticipated match saw both clubs enter the field with one goal — to be crowned the top football club in Vanuatu for the season.
Referee Arnold Tari, from Santo, officiated the match, which drew over a hundred fans including dignitaries and passionate supporters to the VFF Freshwota grounds.
The match kicked off with high intensity, and both teams created several scoring chances, though many went to waste. Galaxy FC broke the deadlock just before halftime after a handball in the box led to a penalty, confidently converted by Kailan Gold.
Halftime score: Galaxy FC 1 – M3 United FC 0.
The second half saw continued possession battles, with both sides pressing hard for goals. Just as Galaxy fans were preparing to celebrate, Jeremiah Paul stunned the stadium with an equalizer for M3 United in the final seconds of injury time — forcing the match into extra time.
Despite M3 dominating large portions of extra time, they failed to convert key chances. Then, in the dying moments of the second half of extra time, super-sub Bong Kalo scored the decisive goal to secure Galaxy FC’s 2–1 victory.
“Happy over the moon,” said Galaxy FC Head Coach Albert Riera, expressing his joy over the team’s hard-fought win.
M3 United Head Coach Jerom Iati also thanked fans for their support throughout the tournament, giving special mention to their loyal supporters on Tanna Island.
🏆 Individual awards included:
- Top Scorer: Kailan Gold (Galaxy FC)
- Best Goalkeeper: Joshua Wilie (Galaxy FC)
- Best Player of the Tournament: Jeffrey Tes (M3 United FC)
The tournament concluded with the official handover of the VFF Champions League Cup to Galaxy FC captain Kency Tangis and Head Coach Albert Riera by Hon. Andrew Napuat, Minister of Internal Affairs.
Galaxy FC now advances to represent Vanuatu in the upcoming OFC Champions League.
