Mataks FC emerged victorious in a thrilling OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League final against Waikato Rapids, securing their first title in a dramatic match that culminated in a nail-biting penalty shootout in Suva. After previously suffering defeat to the same team in earlier rounds, the Solomon Islanders displayed an impressive resilience and determination on this grand occasion.
The match commenced with high intensity, as Waikato’s Benjamin Bordin opened the scoring with a well-executed freekick from just outside the penalty area. However, Mataks quickly bounced back, with Calvin Do’oro finding the net only a minute later to level the score. Waikato regained the lead with Bordin’s second goal, taking the score to 2-1 at halftime.
The second half saw Mataks shift the momentum in their favor, thanks to a brilliant assist from Elis Mana to Owen Bunabo, who netted the equalizer at 2-2. Riding the wave of their newfound confidence, Mataks surged ahead when Bunabo facilitated another goal, this time for Eddie Kasute’e, putting them in the lead for the first time.
Yet, a critical error by goalkeeper Lordrick Afi allowed Waikato’s Maxwell Ericksen to score, tying the match again at 3-3 by the end of the regular time. As the match progressed into extra time, Mataks appeared to be on the verge of victory again with a goal from Do’oro, but Ericksen’s timely response kept Waikato alive in the contest.
Ultimately, both teams found themselves evenly matched as the game reached the penalty shootout, where Mataks triumphed 12-11 in an intense back-and-forth. This victory not only marks a historic achievement for Mataks FC but also reflects their unwavering spirit and ability to rise above challenges, bringing an exhilarating close to a remarkable tournament. The triumph serves as a beacon of hope for the team and their supporters, showcasing the power of perseverance and teamwork in overcoming adversity.