Courtesy: Fiji Times


Second win for Vanuatu

by Anare Ravula

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

VANUATU registered its second win 5-4 over New Caledonia in a tough encounter in the 2010 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Championship at the Vodafone Arena last night.

Coach Marcellion Barthelemy said the win eventuated from the boys' sacrifice, playing their hearts out to outwit their taller opponent.

"We were taken by surprise by the New Caledonia team," an elated Bathelemy said. "They gave us a tough game from the start."

The match was level 4-4 towards the end when Vanuatu was the given the opportunity to score and win the tie. This was after New Caledonia had been penalised in the penalty area. Vanuatu substitute player Jack Vira Ala stepped up to the occasion and scored the winner.

Barthelemy said they needed to iron out their weaknesses before facing Oceania giant New Zealand in their next match.

"We respect New Zealand knowing their capabilities in skills and knowledge of the game," he said.

Vanuatu suffered a setback when goalkeeper Daniel Mansale suffered a concussion after he was sent sprawling to the floor after challenging a New Caledonia attack. He was later rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.

Asked after the game on his player's condition, he said: "I haven't received any confirmation on his condition."

Both teams displayed fast and enterprising soccer skills to the delight of the 100-plus fans.

Vanuatu captain Louis Dominque led by example delivering well-timed balls enabling his players to create waves of attack on the New Caledonia goal mouth.

New Caledonia's goals were scored by Mainon Kouwi, Cedric Humuni (two) and Anderson Paulin.

Tahiti, who had lost to Fiji, was leading Tuvatu 2-1 in the second encounter when this edition went to the press.

Vanuatu: Benji Wotu (sub GK), Daniel Mansale (GK), Don Mansale, Ricky Ruigaloa, Junior Malas, Edward Ben, Terry Quare, Louis Domonique, Lui Sifas, Ben Hungai, Nemani Roqara, Jacl Vira Ala.

New Caledonia: Yorik Xenihate (GK), Rana Euzen (GK), Loic Caunes, Anderson Paulin, Ivann Pourouoro, Gabriel Areui, Louis Waishtine, Yaann Waikedre, Romain Guitton, Mainon Kaouwi, Caryl Theinier.


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