The defending World Cup runners-up and the Bilikiki grab the first points at stake at the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup
Hosts Tahiti flexed their muscles while Solomon Islands have done enough to edge past New Caledonia on their way to victory on an exciting opening day at the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup played inside the picturesque Parc Aorai Tini Hau in Papeete.
New Caledonia 0 : 2 Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands took a direct approach in the opening period against New Caledonia with veteran James Naka the focal point for some well-directed throws from goalkeeper Fred Hale. But the Bilikiki were frustrated by a resolute and well organised Les Cagous defence. Goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine, fresh from his heroics in the OFC Champions League with Hienghene Sports, wasted no time in making the transition to the sand and pulled off a number of early saves. Felix Tagawa’s side, meanwhile created opportunities of their own with some well-worked counter attacks.
It wasn’t until the second period that the deadlock was broken when the outstanding Solomon Islands defender Roy Mafane collected the ball out wide and rifled home from eight metres. Fellow debutant Max Fa’ari ade made it two soon after, after beating two defenders to finish superbly past the otherwise excellent Nyikeine.
The third period saw the game open up somewhat, but neither side could find the finishing touches required. New Caledonia’s best chance fell to Georges Wakanumune but he was left to rue his inability to convert into an open net from one metre out. Gideon Omokirio’s side meanwhile, was continually thwarted by the woodwork, striking the frame of the goal on no less than five occasions, leaving Omokirio more than a little frustrated.
But ultimately, the Billiki were happy to kick start their campaign and pick up three points in entertaining match. New Caledonia, despite the loss, showed enough flair and enterprise to suggest they will improve on today’s disappointment.
Tahiti 8 : 2 Vanuatu
Tahiti’s first appearance in OFC’s beach soccer showcase since 2011 got off to a bright start, their aerial combination play evident from the outset. Goalkeeper Jonathan Torohia controlled the tempo and his confident flick and pass game brought the creative maestros Heimanu Taiarui and Raimana Li Fung Kuee into play.
The home fans only had to wait until the fourth minute for the opening goal – a well-worked move which saw pivot Heirauarii Salem finish from Teaonui Tehau’s diving header to the back post.
Thereafter Vanuatu started to find their feet on the sand, defending compactly and looking to strike on the break. Coach Wilson Marango was more than happy with his young side’s opening twelve minutes as they went into the break only one down to the Oceania beach soccer giants.
A superb set play opened and set the tone for the second period. Immediately from the kick off, some aerial ping pong resulting in Patrick Tepa rifling home to give the home town heroes a two goal cushion. Teari Labaste emphatically made it three from the penalty mark moments later.
Salem had his second with a text book scissors kick following a long throw from Torohia, and Tepa followed suit with a sensational volley on the turn to make it five.
Vanuatu were able to pull one back from a well struck direct free kick from Loic Boulet to round out an eventful second stanza.
In the third period Gervais Chan Kat reasserted Tiki Toa’s dominance, nailing their sixth from a penalty.
The impressive Octav Meltecoin pulled another one back for Vanuatu with an expert finish from the spot but then Tahiti skipper Li Fung Kuee chimed in with perhaps the individual goal of the day – a beautifully struck volley after some acrobatic juggling had left the Vanuatu defence in his wake.
Ariihau Teriitau had the last say for Naea Bennett’s rampant side, rifling home in the top left hand corner after a strong run from midfield.
Source: OFC official site
