Solomon Islands Clifford Misitana during the OFC Futsal Men's Cup 2025 game against New Zealand. Photo: Kirk Corrie / Phototek.nz
The Solomon Islands and host Fiji have claimed opening wins on the first day of the OFC Futsal Men's Cup 2025 in Suva.
Solomon Islands held on to a 2-1 lead on Saturday to record their first win over New Zealand since 2019, sending their fans into celebration.
Fiji scored in the second half to win 5-4 over Vanuatu in another tight clash that went down to the wire.
The wins give the two sides an advantage as they head into day two, with second round matches to be played on Sunday afternoon.
Tournament's opening goal scorer, Solomon Islands Samuel Tovoa, said post-match it was an honour to score that goal.
"I am very happy and looking forward to the rest of the tournament," he said.
"To the fans back home, keep supporting us we want to make you all proud. To God be the glory."
New Zealand Futsal Whites Captain Dylan Manickum said the Solomons were tough.
"The Solomons deserve it today, probably better than us," he said.
New Zealand started the opening game with patient build-up play, testing the Solomon Islands' defence with early shots from Dylan Manickum and Jordan Ditford.
But despite sustained pressure from New Zealand, the Solomon Islands struck first.
Samuel Tovoa got his name on the scoresheet after he was set up by Calvin Do'oro.
New Zealand responded with Logan Wisnewski scoring the equaliser, giving the two sides a 1-1 draw at halftime.
Solomon Islands fans celebrate the opening goal during the OFC Futsal Men's Cup 2025 against New Zealand. Photo: Kirk Corrie / Phototek.nz
In the second half the Solomon Islands started strongly and Owen Bunabo slid the ball into the bottom left corner to make it 2-1, sparking an eruption from the fans.
The Solomon Islands face hosts Fiji in their second match, while New Zealand will look to bounce back against Tuvalu, who return to the Futsal scene after a 14-year absence.
Fiji edge Vanuatu
Local fans had something to cheer about in the second game when their national side edged Vanuatu 5-4 in another thrilling encounter.
Captain Kitione Baleloa said they had to fight hard in the second half to claim the win.
"In the second half we said that we needed to win for our families and fans and we dedicate the win to them," he said.
Baleloa was a busy man in goal for the Fijians.
Vanuatu skipper Michel Coulon said it was a tough game.
"The next game will be our final," he said. "It was a tough game and we have learned our mistakes."
The clash had fans on edge of their seats at the Dome until the final whistle.
Vanuatu started the match strongly and Paul Takaro opened the scoring, capitalising on a defensive lapse to give Vanuatu an early lead.
Fiji's Filipe Baravilala during the OFC Futsal Men's Cup 2025, during the host's winning game against Vanuatu in Suva on Saturday. Photo: Kirk Corrie / Phototek.nz
Fiji responded through Filipe Baravilala, set up by Merill Young, to level the score.
In a tit-for-tat display, Vanuatu regained the lead from a Kerol Alex goal.
But the Fijians were not giving up as their fans cheered them on, with Praschant Chand getting his goal to leave the two sides locked at 2-2 when the first 45 minutes ended.
Michael Coulon and Keshly Joseph combined for Vanuatu's third goal when the second half resumed, and Takaro adding a fourth to put the visitors ahead.
Not wanting to disappoint their fans the Fijians turned the pressure up and two goals from Rajneel Singh and Baravilala levelled terms again.
Bruce Hughes slotted home the winning goal for the Fijians and the local side hung on to win the clash in the end.
Fiji face the Solomon Islands on Sunday while Vanuatu have a bye.
Sunday afternoon's matches: 4pm New Zealand vs Tuvalu, 7pm Solomon Islands vs Fiji.
