KICKING off the last day of competition, Vanuatu took on New Zealand for second place.
Ethan Martin was again the mastermind for the Kiwi’s set pieces. Cooper Wink was there to deliver the first goal very early in the game. New Zealand were up 1–0.
Vanuatu’s goalkeeper Charlie Boe had to step up his game as New Zealand hunted for more goals. Logan Wisnewski and Philip Fatialofa led the charge.
A mistake by Paul Takaro in front of their own goal gave Casey Sharplin the opportunity to increase New Zealand’s lead. Sharplin drove that one in.
The game was still tight as Vanuatu tried to get back in the game but it was all New Zealand in the first spell.
Vanuatu was awarded the direct shot. Justine Alick drilled that in before the halftime break. The score was 2–1.
New Zealand continued to control the game. Captain Dylan Manickum was dictating the plays and putting his teammates into open spaces. En Watanabe then extended the Kiwi’s goals with a good strike.
Vanuatu fought hard to retain possession. They were struggling to get a decent shot in and the frustrations were showing. They received 2 yellow cards and committed 4 fouls.
Vanuatu’s top performer Takaro has scored in every game but New Zealand’s defence completely shut him out today. Patrick Steele was an excellent goalie for New Zealand.
Captain Michel Coulon was working hard all game. He was combining well with Alick in search of more goals.
However, the scores remained 3–1 at full time.
With that win New Zealand claimed second place overall.
Solomons takes OFC Futsal Men’s crown
At the top of the standings, Solomon Islands play their last game against Tuvalu. A huge crowd turned up to support Solomon Islands at the Vodafone Arena.
Tuvalu was the dark horse of the competition. Even though they have yet to score a win in the tournament, they were up for the challenge each time they took the court.
Alvin Hou and Calvin Do’oro and Elis Mana were keen to make a statement early for the Kurukuru boys from Solomon Islands.
Tuvalu goalie Katepu Iosua was defending well but the immense pressure from Solomon Islands kept coming his way. Do’oro scored the first goal of the match.
The boys from Funafuti had to quickly readjust to stay in the game. Keni Vine and Taufaiva Ionatana worked hard in attack.
Jayroll Patty was subbed in for Solomon Islands. He was skillful and crafty with his attempts but Iosua was always present and made some incredible saves for Tuvalu.
With such grand performances these past days, the brave Katepu Iosua deserves the golden glove for this tournament.
But just before halftime, captain Charlie Otainao scored Solomon’s second goal. They now led 2 nil going into the break.
Solomon piled on the pressure again early in the second half. After some smooth passing game Do’oro drilled his second goal of the match. Then Jayroll Patty smacked one through taking the scores 4–0 to Solomon Islands.
It was a different second spell for Solomon Islands as they continued their relentless attack.
Solomon Islands were showing why they are one of the top sides in the region as they ran away with the game.
They finished off their commanding show of class with 3 more goals to Clifford Misitana, Jayson Timi and Elis Mana.
In the end, Solomon Islands won 7–0 and were also crowned the OFC Men’s Cup Champions for 2025.
