Defending champions Tahiti triumphed over Fiji with a resounding 10-1 victory in their second match of the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup, held in Honiara, Solomon Islands. This win ensures Tahiti’s spot in the final.
Fiji, reinforced by Captain Tevita Waranaivalu and experienced player Madhwan Goundar, struggled against the dominant Tiki Toa. The match kicked off with Heimanu Terorotua scoring in the 3rd minute, quickly followed by Matatia Paama, who netted a goal two minutes later after a blocked shot, putting Tahiti ahead 2-0.
Just two minutes later, Ro’onui Tinirauarii added to the score, and Paama struck again, showcasing Tahiti’s offensive prowess in the first period. Despite their recent intense match against Solomon Islands—where they won 10-9—Tahiti showed no signs of fatigue, effectively securing their place in Saturday’s final with one match remaining against Papua New Guinea.
Although Fiji increased their effort in the second period, Tahiti’s defense remained solid. When given opportunities to attack, Tahiti proved lethal. Tinirauarii scored a breathtaking bicycle kick in the 18th minute, and two minutes later, Gervais Chan Kat also found the net. Patrick Tepa capped off the second period by scoring in the final minute.
The scoring spree continued into the third period, with goals from Tetauira, Chan Kay, and captain Raimana Li Fung Kuee pushing Tahiti’s goal tally to ten. Fiji managed to score a consolation goal through France Catarogo in the closing seconds of the match.