Tahiti, the defending champions, decisively defeated Fiji 10-1 in their second match of the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup in Honiara, Solomon Islands, securing their spot in the final.
Fiji entered the match with the return of Captain Tevita Waranaivalu and experienced player Madhwan Goundar, but they were overwhelmed by the Tiki Toa, who asserted their dominance from the start.
Heimanu Terorotua opened the scoring for Tahiti with a volley in the 3rd minute, followed by Matatia Paama, who extended the lead after capitalizing on a blocked shot two minutes later. Ro’onui Tinirauarii made it 3-0 just two minutes after that, and Paama netted his second goal, showcasing Tahiti’s offensive prowess in the first period.
Displaying no signs of fatigue from their recent 10-9 win over the Solomon Islands less than a day prior, Tahiti ensured their place in Saturday’s final, with another match against Papua New Guinea still to come.
While Fiji increased their efforts in the second period, Tahiti’s defense proved resilient, and their counterattacks were highly effective. Ro’onui Tinirauarii scored with a remarkable bicycle kick in the 18th minute, and Gervais Chan Kat followed suit two minutes later, contributing to the growing scoreline. Patrick Tepa completed the scoring for the period in the final minute.
The scoring spree continued in the third period, as goals from Tetauira, Chan Kay, and captain Raimana Li Fung Kuee brought the defending champions into double digits. Fiji managed a consolation goal at the very end through France Catarogo.