Tahiti and Fiji triumphant on day two in Papeete

Defending champions, Tahiti withstood a ferocious challenge from the Solomon Islands, coming from behind to win 10-3 on day two of the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup in Papeete.

While the final score read an easy Tahiti victory, it was anything but. The Solomon Islands arrived in Tahiti determined to knock the Tiki Toa off their perch, and early on they matched the two time FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup finalists.
 
The difference between the sides was the Tahitian team were more clinical in front of goal, despite the Solomon Islands side produced plenty of shots on goal. The fact that Tahitian shot stopper, Jonathan Torohia was named player of the match indicates this was a game that didn’t totally reflect the score line.
 
Solomon Islands: 3 (Thomas AMASIA 3’ 30 ’Max FA’ARI 28’)
Tahiti: 10 ( Heirauarii SALEM 8’ 25’ 36’ Teaonui TEHAU 9’ Patrick TEPA 17’ Tamatoa TETAUIRA 19’ 31’ Raimana LI FUNG KUEE 26’ Heiarii TAVANAE 27’ Roonui TINIRAUARII 29’)
 
Fiji overwhelm spirited Tonga for first win at OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup
 
Fiji bounced back from their opening day defeat by the Solomon Islands, to beat Tonga 21-3 at the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup.
 
The Tongans who had been thumped 26-3 by powerhouse Tahiti on the opening day, again struggled against the physical Fijians.

Tonga: 3 (Justin TOETU’U 19’ Sione TUTONE 24’ Mosese ULAVALU 27’)
Fiji: 21 (Ravneel PAL 1’ 28’ Tevita WARANAIVALU 4’ 6’ 17’ 27’ 34’ Bruce HUGHES 5’9’ Rusiate MATAREREGA 7’22’ 27’ Gabiriele Matanisiga 12’13’15’ 26’ 32’ Merrill NAND 21’ Rajneel SINGH 24’ Madhwan GOUNDER 28’)

Tomorrow’s matches see the Solomon Islands play Tonga at 2pm (TAHT), before Tahiti meets Fiji at 4pm (TAHT).
 
The winner of the tournament this weekend will represent Oceania at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 in February.
 
Results
Solomon Islands 3-10 Tahiti
Tonga 3-21 Fiji

Fixtures
Solomon Islands vs Tonga
Tahiti vs Fiji

Source: OFC