Tiki Tama, Tereone crowned champions in Tahiti

The national 16-team event drew to a close in Pirae this weekend.

The OPT Beach Soccer Tour drew to a close on Saturday in the Tahitian city of Pirae as the Tiki Tama successfully defended their title.

Sixteen teams took part in the competition overall, including four women’s sides, with the event lasting five weeks overall.

In the men’s event it was Tiki Tama – led by Tahiti captain Naea Bennett – who claimed their second successive championship after beating Mataiea 8-4 in the final.

Tiki Tama were up by just one goal at the end of the first period against Teva Zaveroni’s Mataiea side but in the second period an impressive acrobatic effort from Teraii Labaste had the keeper well beaten, taking his side to a 2-0 lead.

Labaste soon had his second when he put a free kick in the back of the net, with their fourth goal a team effort before Ariihau Teriitau found the net to give the Tiki Tama a 5-0 lead going into the third and final period.

Zaveroni, a mainstay of beach soccer in Tahiti, led the comeback for his side, kicking off the build-up for Mataiea’s opening goal which was headed by his brother Heimoana. Patrick Tepa of the Tiki Tama soon countered however, pressing the keeper before striking.

Tunui Pihaatae a newcomer to the national squad then brought the score to 7-2 but another overhead effort from Labaste soon extended that lead for the Tiki Tama once more.

Teva Zaveroni kept up the pressure, with a somersault of his own taking Mataiea to three goals. Zaveroni had a goal denied, but hit straight back with a lob over the keeper to give his side their fourth goal.

The third-place play-off saw Green Warriors edge Air Tahiti to claim bronze while Tereone were victors in the women’s championship after a thrilling penalty shoot-out. Coached by Angela Taiarui – sister of men’s national team star Heimanu – Tereone won 3-0 on penalties after ending normal time level at 6-6.

Info and picture via The Oceania Football Confederation.

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