SOLOMON ISLANDS SUNSHINE THE SECOND DAY
The Solomon Islands shot to the top of the OFC Futsal Championship table today following their 8-5 victory over New Caledonia on match day two of the tournament in Suva Fiji.
New Zealand were made to work hard for their first win of the tournament beating Vanuatu 2-1 while Futsal newcomers Tahiti beat Tuvalu 3-1 in the final match of the day.
But it was the Solomon Islanders that provided the most entertainment for the1000 strong crowd inside the Vodafone Arena as they came back from an early two goal deficit to set the tournament alight.
Alexandre Rosso and Edouard Murraccioli opened the scoring for New Caledonia before the Solomon side scored three quick fire goals through Maffat Sikw’ae, Francis Lafai and Elliot Ragomo to lead 3-2 at the break.
The Solomon’s added to their tally in the second half through Jenan Kapu, Jack Wetney, Ragomo and a double from Micah Lea’Alafa. New Caledonia finished the scoring blitz with two goals in the final minute from Yvon Pourouroro.
New Zealand collected their first win of the tournament thanks to a last minute Greg O’Connor goal in the first game of the day.
New Zealand went ahead in the second half through Andrew Gwilliam before Ben Edward equalised three minutes later.
Vanuatu and New Zealand now sit even on points after a win and a loss each.
In the final game of the day Tahiti came from a goal down to clinch their first ever Futsal win against Tuvalu.
Imo Fiamalu opened the scoring for Tuvalu before two goals in three minutes by Michel Maihuri and a last minute Steven Tino goal sowed things up.
Match Day Three kicks off tomorrow at 16H00 local time when Vanuatu take on New Caledonia.
OFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
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| PL | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| SOL | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 6 | +7 | 6 |
| VAN | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 3 |
| FIJ | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 3 |
| TAH | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| NZL | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 3 |
| NCL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 12 | -5 | 0 |
| TUV | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 0 |
| Match Day 1 – June 8 2008 | |||
| Kick Off | Team A | Team B | Result |
| 4.00pm | Solomon Islands | New Zealand | 5-1 |
| 6.00pm | Tuvalu | Vanuatu | 0-6 |
| 8.00pm | Fiji | New Caledonia | 4-2 |
| Bye | Tahiti |
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| Match Day 2 – June 9 2008 | |||
| 4.00pm | New Zealand | Vanuatu | 2-1 |
| 6.00pm | Solomon Islands | New Caledonia | 8-5 |
| 8.00pm | Tuvalu | Tahiti | 1-3 |
| Bye | Fiji |
|
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| Match Day 3 – June 10 2008 | |||
| 4.00pm | Vanuatu | New Caledonia |
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| 6.00pm | New Zealand | Tahiti |
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| 8.00pm | Solomon Islands | Fiji |
|
| Bye | Tuvalu |
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