Defending champions Tahiti dominated Fiji with a score of 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 welcomed back Captain Tevita Waranaivalu and experienced player Madhwan Goundar, but they were unable to keep up with the Tiki Toa’s strong performance from the start.
Heimanu Terorotua opened the scoring for Tahiti with a volley in the 3rd minute, followed by Matatia Paama, who found the net just two minutes later after a blocked shot. Ro’onui Tinirauarii then added a third goal shortly thereafter. Paama scored again, further extending Tahiti’s lead as they showcased their skillful play in the first half.
Despite a grueling matchup against Solomon Islands the day before, Tahiti showed no signs of fatigue, clinching their place in Saturday’s final even with one game remaining against Papua New Guinea. Fiji attempted to increase their intensity in the second half, but Tahiti’s defense proved solid, and they capitalized on their offensive opportunities with lethal efficiency.
In the 18th minute, Ro’onui Tinirauarii dazzled with a bicycle kick goal, followed by Gervais Chan Kat scoring two minutes later. Patrick Tepa closed out the scoring for the period in the final minute. The scoring spree continued into the third period, with goals from Tetauira, Chan Kay, and captain Raimana Li Fung Kuee driving the defending champions into double digits. Fiji managed to net a consolation goal with a strike from France Catarogo in the closing moments of the match.