Defending champions Tahiti decisively defeated Fiji 10-1 in their second match of the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, securing their spot in the final.
Fiji, having reinforcements in Captain Tevita Waranaivalu and veteran player Madhwan Goundar, struggled against the dominant Tahiti team, known as Tiki Toa.
Heimanu Terorotua put Tahiti ahead with a volley in the 3rd minute, followed by Matatia Paama, who scored two minutes later after a blocked shot, increasing the lead. Ro’onui Tinirauarii netted a third goal shortly thereafter, and Paama added another to make it 4-0 in the opening moments of the match.
Despite a grueling 10-9 victory over Solomon Islands just a day prior, Tahiti showed no signs of fatigue, and this win secured their final spot, with a match remaining against Papua New Guinea tomorrow.
Though Fiji increased their efforts in the second period, Tahiti’s defense remained solid, and they capitalized on offensive opportunities. Ro’onui Tinirauarii scored a stunning bicycle kick goal in the 18th minute. Gervais Chan Kat added another goal two minutes later, and Patrick Tepa completed the scoring for the second period in its final minute.
The scoring continued in the third period with goals from Tetauira, Chan Kay, and captain Raimana Li Fung Kuee, bringing the defending champions’ total to double digits. Fiji managed to score a consolation goal through France Catarogo in the dying seconds of the match.