Manumea Samoa performed magnificently despite losing 7-4 in a thriller against Vanuatu last night

In what was another titanic battle Manumea took the game to Vanuatu who only finally got themselves out of jail in the closing minutes.

Despite going 2 down within 7 minutes Junior Michael led his team on a super fight back with a goal from Pualele Lamana to make the score 2-1 by half time. The fight back continued in the second with Michael scoring his first following a good move and then thundering his second from a free kick into the net one minute later, to snatch the lead for the first time.

The game continued to see saw as Samoa made some basic errors which allowed Vanuatu to then take the lead with two goals in a minute. Not daunted Manumea once again fought back and young Ki Anufe, who is having a wonderful tournament belying his age and experience, broke free and rifled an equaliser much to the delight of the bench and supporters. This was the least Samoa deserved having shocked Vanuatu with the skill and attacking play.

Once again however basic errors and bad luck cost Manumea dearly with Vanuatu taking the lead when a soft shoot crept through Pili’s legs into the goal. The fighting Manumea spirit continued to prevail with Vanuatu backs to the wall defending stoutly. In the dying minutes 2 more soft Vanuatu goals against the run of play sealed the victory in what had been an end to end affair which kept the crowd entertained throughout.

Manumea can hold their heads high despite another set back with the result. Against another far more experienced outfit they gave their opposition a run for their money which had National Coach David Brand, whilst again frustrated, a proud man.

“What can I say? I am very proud of my team tonight after another stirring display. Yes we lost and the mistakes once again proved costly but we are improving with each game. Every player gave their all for Samoa tonight and with that they can hold their heads high and we now prepare for the big one against Australia,” he said.

“I am sure I will be a little greyer and balder after this week but it will all be worth it as I am convinced Samoa has a future in Futsal, as I have discussed many times before. Certainly against the island nations we are now very competitive. A bit of luck which I think has deserted us and some points would now be on the board. It wasn’t meant to be and the final games against power house Australia and then New Zealand will provide a gauge as too really where we at and help us plan for the future.”