The Solomon Islands futsal champions needed a decisive win against New Zealand’s Waikato Rapids in Game Two of the OFC championship, held on the second day of competition. Waikato Rapids dominated their first round match, defeating Gulf Komara FC with an impressive 8-1 scoreline, setting a high bar for their subsequent games.
From the kickoff, the match was filled with action as both teams vied for control. The attacking trio of Calvin Do’oro, Clifford Misitana, and Owen Bunabo posed a continual threat for Mataks FC but were unable to translate their efforts into goals. On the other side, Waikato’s strategists Cassy Sharplin, Maxwell Ericksen, and Benjamin Bordin orchestrated their offensive plays effectively.
With just four minutes to go in the first half, Benjamin Bordin broke through, putting Waikato Rapids on the scoreboard. Two minutes later, Cooper Wink joined him, giving Waikato a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.
The second half saw Waikato ramp up their offensive pressure, which resulted in additional goals from Keenan Howard, Hemi Innes, and Casey Sharplin. Mataks FC finally managed to find the net with a consolation goal from Owen Bunabo, but the match concluded with a resounding 5-1 victory for Waikato Rapids, securing their top position in the overall table.
This match not only highlights Waikato’s strong performance but also reflects the evolving strategies and competitive spirit present in the OFC futsal landscape. The Solomon Islands will take this experience into their next encounters, aiming to strengthen their gameplay and showcase their potential as they continue in the tournament.
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