THE Melanesian clash between Mataks FC and Southern Legions FC was the most anticipated match of the day with the winner guaranteed a top two spot in the OFC Futsal Championship.
Mataks FC took the initiative, setting the tone of the match with Calvin Do’oro, Owen Bunabo and Elis Mana very eager to get into the scoring zone.
Goalkeeper Emmanuel Iopa was tremendous in goal for the Southern Legions.
A quick turnover saw Southern Legions run the ball to the opposite end and Jayson Bule scored the first goal of the match.
Mataks FC responded with a quick goal from Eddie Kasute’e. The score was locked 1 – 1.
Minutes later, Clifford Misitana broke the deadlock to put Mataks in the lead. Then Do’oro scored their third goal with a thunderous strike.
The tussle was on when Yassin Berukilukilu scored one on the opposite end to keep the Legions in the game.
Mataks FC captain Elis Mana then buried another goal to try to increase their lead further and take the scores to 4 – 2.
But an own goal by Mataks helped keep the Southern Legions in the game.
The high scoring first half ended with Mataks FC ahead 4 – 3.
The intensity died down for a bit in the second half until a corner kick by Alex Wilkins gave Alista Karlip the chance to level the scores once more.
Southern Legions FC was now in control, their passes connecting as they scrambled up and down the court.
Kenny Sovuai scored a goal for the Legions while Geoffrey Lema equalized for the Mataks. The score was locked at 5 – 5.
Then in the last two minutes of the game, Owen Bunabo, Do’oro and Mana scored a goal each to completely drown the Southern Legions and seal Mataks FC’s final berth.
Fulltime score Mataks FC 8 – 5 Southern Legions FC.