In an intense competition at the OFC Futsal Men’s Cup, New Zealand emerged victorious over Vanuatu, securing second place overall. Ethan Martin displayed exceptional skill for the Kiwis with set pieces, while Cooper Wink promptly initiated the scoring action early in the game, bringing New Zealand to an early 1-0 lead. Despite Vanuatu’s efforts to counter, it was a defensive misstep by Paul Takaro that allowed Casey Sharplin to double New Zealand’s advantage.
Vanuatu fought back when Justine Alick successfully scored before halftime, closing the gap to 2-1. However, New Zealand maintained dominance in the second half, with their captain Dylan Manickum orchestrating plays and En Watanabe adding another goal, finalizing the score at 3-1. Although Vanuatu put up a spirited fight, accumulating two yellow cards and four fouls, they were unsuccessful in breaking through New Zealand’s steadfast defense, led by goalkeeper Patrick Steele.
Simultaneously, Solomon Islands solidified their position at the top, claiming the OFC Futsal Men’s Cup Championship title for 2025 with a resounding 7-0 victory over Tuvalu. A substantial crowd gathered at the Vodafone Arena to witness the Kurukuru boys’ meticulous display of futsal prowess. Despite Tevalu’s resilient defense, particularly by goalie Katepu Iosua, the relentless offense from Solomon Islands was unstoppable. Goals by Do’oro, Jayroll Patty, Clifford Misitana, Jayson Timi, and Elis Mana highlighted their superior play throughout the match.
The vibrant performance from the Solomon Islands underlines their supremacy and skill in futsal within the region. Their triumphant campaign, capped with the championship title, sets a significant precedent for future tournaments. Meanwhile, despite the challenges, Tuvalu’s participation contributes positively to the competition’s diversity and provides them with invaluable exposure to high-level competition. These matches not only reflect the growing interest in futsal in the Oceania region but also foster hope and enthusiasm for the continued development of the sport.