NEW Caledonia’s AS PTT club were too strong for Mataks FC from the Solomons Islands in the OFC Futsal championship.
It was an rematch of the 2024v final and both sides had a point to prove.
Mataks mounted the pressure straight from the get-go, showing clear intentions to get one back against the men from Noumea.
Clifford Misitana and Calvin Do’oro led the charge for Mataks while Owen Bunabo and Elis Mana lurked in support around the edge of the box.
Some brave defensive efforts by goalkeeper Benjamin Maeidua provided a quick turnover in possession and allowed Mataks FC captain Elis Mana to power in the first goal of the match.
The defending champions replied quickly as Jymael Upa sprinted along the far sideline before nudging the ball in for Emmanuel Hmaen to score the equalizer.
The pace intensified as the teams battled for possession and raced to score.
The scores were locked 1 – 1 until Christ Pei rifled one in for AS PTT to take the lead with just 4 minutes remaining in the first half.
Mataks FC missed a couple of golden opportunities and the half time score was 2-1.
In the second half, Upa was again pulling the strings for AS PTT and placed a fine ball for Hary Hmaloko to score.
AS PTT goalkeeper Matthieu Wassin played an outstanding game and was relentless in defence against the Mataks surging attack.
Mataks substitute goalkeeper Lordrick Afia was red carded and they played with a flying keeper for the remainder of the game.
Defensively, this did not help the Mataks as the golden boot of Christ Pei, rocketed another AS PTT goal from outside the box.
AS PTT continued their dominance and scored two more goals with Pei scoring his hattrick.
At full time, AS PTT 6 – 1 Mataks FC.