Defending champions Tahiti secured their spot in the final of the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup by thrashing Fiji 10-1 in their second match held in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Fiji, having welcomed back Captain Tevita Waranaivalu and experienced player Madhwan Goundar, struggled against a dominant Tahiti side from the beginning.
Heimanu Terorotua opened the scoring for Tahiti with a volley in the 3rd minute, followed by Matatia Paama who netted two minutes later after a blocked attempt, doubling the lead. Ro’onui Tinirauarii added a third goal shortly after, with Paama scoring again to further extend Tahiti’s advantage in the opening half.
Despite their recent thrilling 10-9 win over Solomon Islands less than a day prior, Tahiti showed no signs of fatigue. This decisive victory effectively secured them a place in Saturday’s final, even with one match remaining against Papua New Guinea tomorrow.
Fiji attempted to raise their level in the second half, but could not penetrate Tahiti’s solid defense. When given opportunities to counter, Tahiti proved deadly. Tinirauarii scored a stunning bicycle kick in the 18th minute, followed by Gervais Chan Kat who found the net two minutes later. Patrick Tepa capped off the scoring for the period with a goal just before the final minute.
The scoring spree continued into the third period with goals from Tetauira, Chan Kay, and captain Raimana Li Fung Kuee, pushing the defending champions into double digits. Fiji managed to score a late consolation goal through France Catarogo in the waning seconds of the match.