TUVALU played their first Futsal tournament today in a tough encounter against New Zealand.
The New Zealanders had much to prove after going down 1–2 to the Solomon Islands on Saturday.
New Zealand scored three minutes in Captain Dylan Manickum and never looked back, eventually running out 6–1 winners.
Tuvalu last played in the OFC Futsal in 2011 so this was a memorable return despite the loss.
after a 14-year absence. In terms of tournament history, Tuvalu has yet to win a game in the competition.
New Zealand immediately was on attack from the start. Captain Dylan Manickum scored an easy goal just 3 minutes in.
Mark Zimmerman and Rahan Ali led the attack for New Zealand who were thwarted from scoring more goals by the skills of Tuvalu goalkeeper Katepu Iosua.
Iosua’s scrambling defence against the Kiwis’ relentless attacks kept the scoreline decent.
Matti Uaelesi looked strong on attack for Tuvalu but it was Keni Vine who scored their only goal with a powerful shot from outside the arc at the beginning of the second spell.
En Watanabe, Manickum (2), Cooper Wink, and Matthew Peden scored for New Zealand who led 5–0 at the break.
Tuvalu were transformed in the second half and held New Zealand at bay. Iosua was outstanding in and New Zealand frustrations began to show.] Each side scored one goal in the half and the match ended 6–1.
Solomon Islands dominate Fiji
After winning their opening matches yesterday, Solomon Islands and Fiji were set for a great Futsal showdown at Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Solomon Islands made their intentions clear in the early minutes as Alvin Hou, Calvin Do’oro and Owen Bunabo rained shots on Fiji’s goal.
Kitione Baleloa was on high alert in goal for Fiji and successfully held the attackers off until Jayroll Patty fired a spectacular shot from the left sideline. It deflected off Fiji’s Rajneel Singh before shooting past Baleloa.
Fiji coach Jose Gerardo was screaming to his team to keep up with the Solomon boys but from lost possession Do’oro was there to pounce and finish off with a goal.
Do’oro rocketed home a free kick to put the visitors up 3–0 and allow them to control the match.
Owen Bunabo scraped a low hard one beside Baleloa taking the Solomons to 4–0 and forcing Fiji to deploy the flying keeper strategy through Merrill Nand as a replacement for Baleloa.
But another mistake by Fiji saw Alvin Hou put the match beyond doubt. Fiji scored two late goals to Nikhil Chand and Baravilala but were completely dominated and the match ended 5–2 to the visitors.