Photo: OFC media
New Zealand defeated reigning champions Solomon Islands 6-2 at the Oceania Futsal Cup final.
It’s the first time New Zealand has won the competition. The Solomons have won the last two tournaments and have won it six times in all.
The Futsal White’s Rahan Ali got three goals in the space of two minutes.
Marlon Sia and Benjamin Mana scored two goals for the Solomon’s before New Zealand took the lead after the break.
Vanuatu won the Plate section with a 4-3 victory over Fiji, surviving a wild final 10 minutes which saw four goals scored.
Vanuatu had recorded an impressive 1-1 draw against New Zealand in the group stages.
The competition in Suva comprised eight teams from seven countries.
New Caledonia finished third, beating the Fiji Football Association President’s Five 5 – 3.
In the semi-finals, New Caledonia beat New Caledonia 6-1, and Solomon Islands overcame the Fijian second side 5-1.
The Oceania qualifiers for the 2024 Futsal World Cup will be held next year.
Futsal is played indoors with five players on each side.
Source: RNZ
