Defending champions Tahiti secured a commanding 10-1 victory over Fiji in their second match at the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, effectively securing their place in the final.
Fiji, who welcomed the return of Captain Tevita Waranaivalu and veteran player Madhwan Goundar, struggled to compete against a dominant Tahiti side. Heimanu Terorotua opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, and two minutes later, Matatia Paama capitalized on a blocked shot to double the lead. Ro’onui Tinirauarii added a third goal shortly after, followed by a second from Paama as Tahiti showcased their strength in the first half.
Despite an exhilarating previous match against Solomon Islands that ended 10-9 less than a day prior, Tahiti showed no signs of exhaustion. This latest victory ensured their progression to the final, with a match against Papua New Guinea still to come.
Fiji increased their effort in the second half, but could not penetrate Tahiti’s sturdy defense. When given opportunities in attack, Tahiti remained lethal, as illustrated by Ro’onui Tinirauarii’s stunning bicycle kick goal in the 18th minute, followed by Gervais Chan Kat scoring two minutes later. Patrick Tepa then added another goal in the final minute of the period.
The onslaught continued into the third period, with goals from Tetauira, Chan Kay, and captain Raimana Li Fung Kuee bringing the defending champions’ tally to ten. Fiji managed to score a consolation goal through France Catarogo in the dying seconds of the match.