In an impressive display of skill and determination, the Fiji futsal team secured their second victory in the OFC Futsal Men’s Cup 2025, held at Suva’s Vodafone Arena, defeating Tuvalu with a commanding score of 4-1. The match, held in front of an enthusiastic local crowd, saw Fiji taking an early lead through a brilliant free kick by Bruce Hughes that cleverly chipped over the Tuvalu goalkeeper, opening the scoreboard.
Maintaining their momentum, Fiji’s Ramzan Khan and Merril Nand persistently pushed forward, with Nand’s relentless efforts eventually resulting in a close-range goal. Fiji further extended their lead when Filipe Baravilala successfully converted a penalty, solidifying a 3-0 advantage by halftime. After the interval, Ramzan Khan added to the score, bringing Fiji’s total to 4 goals. Despite Tuvalu’s vigorous counter-attacking efforts, which saw Aloesi Nukualofa score a goal from the right wing, the Fijian defense held strong, sealing their well-deserved victory.
Drawing parallels to previous matches, the Fijian team’s resilience was reminiscent of their performance against Vanuatu in their tournament opener, where they staged a remarkable second-half comeback to triumph 5-4. Similarly, Fiji’s capacity to maintain composure under pressure and capitalize on opportunities has been a hallmark of their recent games, including previous wins in the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship.
Fiji’s convincing win over Tuvalu not only boosts their confidence but also sets the stage for their next significant challenge against New Zealand. Scheduled for tomorrow evening, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter, as Fiji aims to continue their victorious run in the tournament and strengthen their standing in the group. As hosts, Fiji’s consistent performance is a testament to their hard work and strategic gameplay, fueling hopes for further success in the competition.