Papua New Guinea achieved one of the quickest goals in international Beach Soccer history during an impressive opening match at the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup in Honiara, defeating Fiji 8-6.
The Papua New Guinea team, comprised of players from Fisherman Island near Port Moresby and making their international debut, was anticipated to face difficulties due to Fiji’s experience. However, from the outset, Demasol Manama scored just one and a half seconds into the match, marking a stunning start.
Two minutes later, Ellygia Benard doubled Papua New Guinea’s lead to 2-0, followed by another goal from Goiravana Kala, who converted a free kick, allowing Papua New Guinea to establish a commanding 3-0 advantage shortly afterward. Fiji managed to respond with a goal from Adriu Nabose in the 6th minute, but Papua New Guinea quickly regained momentum with another powerful free kick from Kala in the 9th minute.
Fiji’s Jerry Sam seized on a mistake from Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Kopi Samuel, bringing the score to 4-2 near the end of the first period.
As the second period began, the rain intensified, causing a slowdown in scoring. However, Papua New Guinea continued to make progress, with Benard scoring his second goal. Fiji’s France Catarogo missed a penalty attempt, and soon after, Steven Dean closed the gap to 4-3. Raven Samuel restored a three-goal lead for Papua New Guinea, but Fiji responded with another goal shortly before the end of the period.
As the game continued to be affected by the weather, Papua New Guinea managed to increase their lead yet again through Joe Vere. Fiji fought back, scoring two quick goals to narrow the deficit to just one. In the closing moments, with Fiji pushing for an equalizer, Papua New Guinea took advantage of their opportunity, and Benard completed his hat-trick, sealing the match at 8-6.
Fiji played without their captain Tevita Waranivalu and Madhwan Gounder, who arrived late in Honiara, but Coach Babob Labong emphasized that this would not serve as an excuse, acknowledging the deserving victory for Papua New Guinea.