Courtesy: Oceania Football


SOLOMON ISLANDS PREVAIL IN GOAL FRENZY

Monday, 09 June 08

The Solomon Islands survived an early scare to establish themselves as both the crowd pleasers and tournament favourites of the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva after a resounding 8-5 win over New Caledonia.

New Caledonia got off to the best possible start scoring two goals in the opening eight minutes through Alexandre Rosso and Edouard Muraccioli.

But it was the Solo boys who dominated the possession, shots on goal and the crowd support and the 1000-strong crowd was brought to life as they equalised and then went ahead just before halftime with two goals from Moffat Sikwa’ae and a converted penalty kick from Elliot Ragomo.

Solomon goalkeeper Alick Lioka was shown a straight red card for his foul play on New Caledonia’s Jerry Iaruel but reserve goalkeeper Stanley Puairana saved spectacularly from the resulting penalty.

The Solomon’s came out of the second half buzzing and three minutes into the second half they made it 4-2 with a great strike from Jenan Kapu.

Jack Wetney added to the tally two minutes later and New Caledonia pulled one back through Marcias Gino Rene in the 32nd minute.

The last two minutes produced a flurry of goals as both sides decided to go for all out attack.

Ragomo got his second with two minutes remaining before a late Micah Lea’lalafa double in the last minute.

Then it was New Caledonias turn and two goals to Yvan Pourouoro in the last 50 seconds created an entertaining end to the match.

Solomon Island coach Voctor Wai’ia was expecting a hard game and was impressed with the approach his side adopted.

“The boys didn’t settle down very quickly and I feel that we fell into their way of playing in the opening half.

“But the second half was different and we found our rhythm. We will try to find that rhythm quicker and we will need to tomorrow against Fiji.”

New Caledonia coach Eric Michalak was in admiration of the way the Solomon team played.

“They play with speed and great movement. We were well organised in defence but they were to quick at times.”

“There was so much time left on the clock when we went up 2-0 that I knew it would be difficult.”


SOL: 1. Alick LIOKA (GK); 3. Elliot RAGOMO; 7. James EGETA; 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA; 12. Jack WETNEY;

SUBS: 4. Alfred PUNGUIKA; 5. Jenan KAPU; 6. Maffat SIKW’AE; 8.Francis LAFAI; 11. Ron GINIO; 13. StanleyPUAIRANA (RGK) 2. Phillip HOUTARAU

COACH: Victor WAI’IA (SOL)

NCL: 1. Ronan EUZEN (GK); 3. Alexandre ROSSO; 4. Albert HNAILOLO; 5. Jerry IARUEL; 7. EDOUARD MURACCIOLI;

SUBS: 2. Jean Phillipe WEMAMA; 6. Benoit MOGLIA; 8. Yvan POUROUORO; 9. Yoan GARIN; 10. Marcias GINO RENE; 11. Stevens GUILLEMIN; 16. Ronald GAYON (RGK);

Coach: Michalak ERIC (NCL)

Referee: Allan Alick (VAN)
2nd Referee: Jamie CROSS (NZL)
3rd Referee: Chris COLLEY (AUS)
Time Keeper: Teihotu TAEREA (TAH)
Referee’s Assessor: Chandra SEGRAN (FIJ)



Courtesy: Oceania Football


TAHITI OPEN ACCOUNT WITH WIN

Monday, 09 June 08

Tahiti opened up their international Futsal account with a 3-1 win over Tuvalu in the final game of Match Day Two in the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva, Fiji.

Tuvalu and Tahiti are both new to the Futsal code and it was a game of firsts with both sides finding their first international goal in an international match

Tahiti survived an early scare when Tuvalu target Imo Fiamalua opened the scoring in the 11th minute, blasting a freekick through the wall and into the Tahiti net.

But Tahiti were quick to respond and three minutes later Michael Maihuri levelled the scores with a well placed drive from just outside the box.

Maihuri gave Tahiti the lead three minutes later with a free kick of his own blistering the Tuvalu net and the bench of Tahiti players and officials reacted in euphoric celebration.

Steeven Tino put the icing on the cake for Tahiti when he found the net from close range with 42 seconds left on the clock.

Tahiti coach Rani Bea was pleased with the result but was looking for a better performance from his side.

“We were looking for a better performance and I think the boys were a little stressed out over their first game.

“Most of our players are from a small island in Rapa and they are not used to this kind of competition. This was their first time in a big stadium.

“We need to play easier and play as we practice. But it is always difficult in the first game and I think their confidence will grow as the tournament does.”

“I was very happy with the way the bench contributed today and was very happy with the win.”

Tuvalu coach Sami Neemia was quick to admit his team didn’t stick to their game plan tonight.

“The boys have shaken off their nerves but they are still taking time to adjust to playing on this surface that they are not used to. I think the boys are ready to do some damage in the few remaining games.

“In general Tuvalu football and futsal is developing very quickly and I think we will be a major threat at these events in the future.”

TUV: 5.Mau PENISULA; 9. Starchel SOLOSENI; 8. Peniuna KAITU; 6. Paitela KELEMENE; 1. Sopepe TAILOLO (GK);

SUBS: 2. Felo FEOTO; 3. Tioti Maati TOAFA; 17. Neemia ONOSEMU; 19. Mahanga TEIAPUTI; 11. Imo FIAMALUA; 21. Maio ETIMANI; 10. Semalie FOTU

Coach: Sami NEEMIA (TUV)

TAH: 1. Rehia DAVIO (GK); 3. Jimmy RIARIA; 4. Romeo PATIRA; 6. Michel MAIHURI; 7. Steeven TINO;

SUBS: 2. Matana BEA; 5. Lysis TAUHA; 8. Tetuanui TINOMOE; 9. Lorama BEA; 10. Usiera PUKOKI; 11. Amau TETUANUI; 12. Fernand TUANUA;

Coach: Rani BEA (TAH)





Courtesy: Oceania Football


SOLOMONS TOP TABLE AFTER MATCH DAY TWO

Tuesday, 10 June 08

The Solomon Islands shot to the top of the OFC Futsal Championship table today following their 8-5 victory over New Caledonia on match day two of the tournament in Suva Fiji.

New Zealand were made to work hard for their first win of the tournament beating Vanuatu 2-1 while Futsal newcomers Tahiti beat Tuvalu 3-1 in the final match of the day.

But it was the Solomon Islanders that provided the most entertainment for the 1000 strong crowd inside the Vodafone Arena as they came back from an early two goal deficit to set the tournament alight.

Alexandre Rosso and Edouard Murraccioli opened the scoring for New Caledonia before the Solomon side scored three quick fire goals through Maffat Sikw’ae, Francis Lafai and Elliot Ragomo to lead 3-2 at the break.

The Solomon’s added to their tally in the second half through Jenan Kapu, Jack Wetney, Ragomo and a double from Micah Lea’Alafa. New Caledonia finished the scoring blitz with two goals in the final minute from Yvon Pourouroro.

New Zealand collected their first win of the tournament thanks to a last minute Greg O’Connor goal in the first game of the day.

New Zealand went ahead in the second half through Andrew Gwilliam before Ben Edward equalised three minutes later.

Vanuatu and New Zealand now sit even on points after a win and a loss each.

In the final game of the day Tahiti came from a goal down to clinch their first ever Futsal win against Tuvalu.

Imo Fiamalu opened the scoring for Tuvalu before two goals in three minutes by Michel Maihuri and a last minute Steven Tino goal sowed things up.

Match Day Three kicks off tomorrow at 16H00 local time when Vanuatu take on New Caledonia.



New Zealand v Vanuatu

NZL: 1. Elias BILLEH (GK); 4. Marvin EAKINS; 8. Joshua MARTIN; 10. Ouadhah RAGUED; 12. Luke FIELD;

SUBS: 20. Clayton CHAPPELL (RGK), 5. Yukin NAIDOO; 14. Bakr Al SAUDI; 3. Andrew GWILLIAM; 19. Michael CORRINGHAM; 17. Victor ZAIA; 23. Gregory O’CONNOR;

Coach: Erkin Osman (AUS)

Cautions: None

Goals: 3. Andrew GWILLIAM 31’; 23. Gregory O’CONNOR 39’;

VAN: 1. Chikau MANSALE; 3. Ben EDWARD; 5. Fedy VAVA; 6. Derek MALAS; 10. Jack Vira ALA;

SUBS: 2. Terry QUARE; 4. Lui SIFAS; 7. Ben HUNGAI; 8. Louis DOMINIQUE; 9. Siardon Mera TALKANAMAL; 11. Saen Wowut FANAI; 22. Daniel MANSALE;

Coach: Marcellino BARTHELEMY (VAN)

Cautions: 10. Jack Vira ALA 39’;

Goals: 3. Ben EDWARD;

Referee: Scott KIDSON (AUS)

2nd Referee: Francois TROLLIARD (NCL)

3rd Referee: Amitesh BEHARI (FIJ)

Timekeeper: Rajnish DAVE (FIJ)

Referee’s Assessor: Massimo Raveino

Solomon Island v New Caledonia

SOL: 1. Alick LIOKA (GK); 3. Elliot RAGOMO; 7. James EGETA; 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA; 12. Jack WETNEY;

SUBS: 4. Alfred PUNGUIKA; 5. Jenan KAPU; 6. Maffat SIKW’AE; 8.Francis LAFAI; 11. Ron GINIO; 13. StanleyPUAIRANA (RGK) 2. Phillip HOUTARAU

COACH: Victor WAI’IA (SOL)

Goals: 6. Maffat SIKW’AE 12’; 8. Francis LAFAI 14’; 3. Elliot RAGOMO 20’, 38’; 5. Jenan KAPU 23’, 12. Jack WETNEY 25’, 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA 39’, 39’;

Red Cards: 1. Alick LIOKA 19’;

NCL: 1. Ronan EUZEN (GK); 3. Alexandre ROSSO; 4. Albert HNAILOLO; 5. Jerry IARUEL; 7. EDOUARD MURACCIOLI;

SUBS: 2. Jean Phillipe WEMAMA; 6. Benoit MOGLIA; 8. Yvan POUROUORO; 9. Yoan GARIN; 10. Marcias GINO RENE; 11. Stevens GUILLEMIN; 16. Ronald GAYON (RGK);

Coach: Michalak ERIC (NCL)

Goals: 3. Alexandre ROSSO 5’, 7. Edouard MURACCIOLI 8’; 10. Marcias GINO RENE; 8. Yvan POUROUORO 40’, 40’

Cautuions: Alexandre ROSSO 22’;

Referee: Allan Alick (VAN)

2nd Referee: Jamie CROSS (NZL)

3rd Referee: Chris COLLEY (AUS)

Time Keeper: Teihotu TAEREA (TAH)

Referee’s Assessor: Chandra SEGRAN (FIJ)

Tuvalu v Tahiti

TUV: 5.Mau PENISULA; 9. Starchel SOLOSENI; 8. Peniuna KAITU; 6. Paitela KELEMENE; 1. Sopepe TAILOLO (GK);

SUBS: 2. Felo FEOTO; 3. Tioti Maati TOAFA; 17. Neemia ONOSEMU; 19. Mahanga TEIAPUTI; 11. Imo FIAMALUA; 21. Maio ETIMANI; 10. Semalie FOTU

Coach: Sami NEEMIA (TUV)

Goals: 11. Imo FIAMALUA;

TAH: 1. Rehia DAVIO (GK); 3. Jimmy RIARIA; 4. Romeo PATIRA; 6. Michel MAIHURI; 7. Steeven TINO;

SUBS: 2. Matana BEA; 5. Lysis TAUHA; 8. Tetuanui TINOMOE; 9. Lorama BEA; 10. Usiera PUKOKI; 11. Amau TETUANUI; 12. Fernand TUANUA;

Coach: Rani BEA (TAH)

Goals: 6. Michael MAIHURI;





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