Courtesy: OFC Web Site


Vanuatu 5 New Caledonia 4

Match Day 2 of the OFC Futsal Championship has started with a nine-goal thriller as Vanuatu held off New Caledonia for a 5-4 win.

It was a team effort from Vanuatu with four players getting on the score sheet, while New Caledonia’s Cedrick Humuni led the way for his side grabbing a hat-tick.

Indeed Humuni thought he had won it for his side with the last of his efforts making it 4-3 in the 32nd minute, sparking wild celebrations from the New Caledonia bench.

But it wasn’t to be as Jack Vira Ala stepped up to score Vanuatu’s last two goals in the 36th and 38th minute.

Vanuatu Coach Marcellino Barthelemy says it is another step towards their ultimate goal of winning the championship.

"We’ve entered this competition to win. We’ve made made big commitments for our families, our communities and our country. So we are not allowed to lose," says Barthelemy.

In the first period New Caledonia came out the stronger team with Humuni scoring inside two minutes after nice build up play.

New Caledonia’s second goal from Anderson Paulini seemed to spur Vanuatu into action as they followed up with a wave of attacks.

Captain Louis Dominique, again dominant for Vanuatu, got one back in the 13th minute with an easy tap from Ben Hungai’s lay-off.

Six minutes later, Junior Malas showed some fancy footwork on the edge of the area before letting rip with a left foot strike into the top corner.

The second period was just as tight with end-to-end action. Vanuatu scored less than five minutes in through Don Mansale after fancy footwork by Ricky Tuigaloa but as quickly as they had taken the lead Humani had the equaliser. The New Caledonia number 8 completed his hat-trick in the 32nd minute with an low shot into the bottom corner.

But Ala had they final say scoring in the 36th minute and then powering home from the penalty spot two minutes later to secure a dramatic victory.

Barthelemy says his side will look to continue their winning streak against New Zealand tomorrow.

"NZ is a big opponent like always. We respect them and we are looking forward to the challenge."

To download the match summary Vanuatu-New Caledonia, click here.




Courtesy: OFC Web Site


Tuvalu 0 Tahiti 4

Tahiti have got their OFC Futsal Championship campaign back on track with a solid 4-0 win over Tuvalu at Voadfone Arena in Suva this evening.

The second match on day two started slowly with both teams keeping a tight defensive structure.

But Tahiti eventually took control of the match and went close in the 6th minute when Rene Devendeville hit the upright.

It was captain Teva Durot who tapped in the opening goal after Devendeville’s initial shot was parried away by Tuvalu goalkeeper Siopepa Tailolo.

Loic Oldham made it two for Tahiti midway through the first period but their unfancied opponents almost clawed one back just before the break when Mau Penisula hit the side netting.

Tuvalu were on the back foot again in the second spell with Toakai Puapua’s side picking up four yellow cards as frustration set in.

Tahiti took full advantage with Devendeville scoring two penalty kicks in the final 10 minutes.

The win takes Tahiti to three points while Tuvalu are languishing at the bottom of the table after two straight losses.

To download the match summary Tuvalu-Tahiti, click here.




Courtesy: OFC Web Site


Solomon Islands 8 New Zealand 4

A four goal haul from Micah Lea'alafa has guided the Solomon Islands to an 8-4 victory over New Zealand at the OFC Futsal Championship in Suva this evening.

But it wasn't all plain sailing for the Kurukuru as New Zealand came out fighting in the first half with three goals from Micky Malivuk to go 3-2 up at the break.

The physical presence of Malivuk caused problems for the Kurukuru while at the other end goalkeeper Elias Billeh kept his side in it with some specacular saves against the likes of Elliot Ragomo and Jack Wetney. Only Lea'alafa and Jenan Kapu were able to find the back of the net in the first period.

It must have been inspiring words from Solomon Islands coach Dickson Kadau at half-time as the team took things to another level in the second half.

Lea'alafa kicked things off again with a goal inside the first minute while Jack Wetney added his name to the scoresheet less than five minutes later.

A thunderous Lea'alafa strike from 12 yards made it five for the Solomons on 29 minutes and things only got worse for the Kiwis as the 19-year-old grabbed his fourth less than a minute later.

New Zealand captain Marvin Eakins got one back soon after before Elliot Ragomo put the game out of reach with a late double to set off the lively crowd.

The Kurukuru take a break tomorrow while the Futsal Whites face another tough challenge in Vanuatu.

To download the match summary Solomon Islands-New Zealand, click here.




Courtesy: OFC Web Site


Match Day 2 Review

Solomon Islands are top of the table in the OFC Futsal Championship after another stunning performance on Match Day 3.

The reigning champions managed to see off a spirited effort from New Zealand to win 8-4 and sit above Vanuatu on goal difference.

Tahiti meanwhile helped their chances with a 4-0 victory over Tuvalu to go second equal with hosts Fiji who have a game in hand after their bye today.

New Zealand, New Caledonia and Tuvalu meanwhile are yet to pick up their first point in the tournament.

But the Futsal Whites will take plenty of heart from today's performance having closed out the first period leading 3-2.

"I’m very pleased," says New Zealand coach Matt Chandler. "We’re a team that’s been together seven weeks and they’ve been through a world cup.

"We went out strong and actually won the first half so I’m delighted with 50% of the game. But in the second half they really showed their class and were superior to us.

"But it’s great for us now, we know what we’ve got to do next year and I think we’ve got a great chance to give them a good game."

Kurukuru head coach Dickson Kadau admits it was a tough challenge.

"The boys are all young so they are not mature enough to control the whole game. They put the pressure on us and we lost our game plan in the first half. Our strategy in the second half was more mental. I told them to use their heads and play smart. That's what we did and the boys are confident now for the rest of the tournament."

Tahiti also have reason to celebrate after their three points against Tuvalu kept them in contention.

Coach Heitapu Hunter says it was a good way to bounce back from their 2-0 loss against Fiji on Sunday.

"Yesterday we were wary of Roy Krishna and their captain Hassan so we stayed too defensive," says Hunter.

"Against Tuvalu it was a better effort. We’ve come back with a win so we’ll take confidence into the next game. But I think we still need to get forward more."

Tahiti square off tomorrow against New Caledonia who came out the wrong side of nine-goal thriller against Vanuatu earlier in the day.

Jack Vira Ala sunk New Caledonian hearts with a quick double in the dying stages to grab maximum points and join Solomon Islands at the top of the table. Vanuatu will be looking not only for a win against New Zealand tomorrow but also for goals as they try and chase down the Kurukuru in this round-robin competition.



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com