Solomon Islands Open Futsal Tournament with Dazzling Display

Saturday, 07 June 08, 09:40 PM
"The perfect way to start the tournament,"
That was how Solomon Island futsal coach Victor Wai'ia described his sides 5-1 romp over New Zealand in the opening match of the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva.
It was an exciting opening to the tournament with an adrenelin pumping opening minute resulting in Elliot Ragamo scoring the tournaments first goal for the Solomons to the delight of their boisterous army of support.New Zealand had a chance to equalise soon after but Ouadhah Ragued's penalty was neatly saved by Solomon goalkeeper Alick Lioka.
Ellito Ragamo was the star of the show for the Solomon side and he added his second from the spot with one minute remaining in the first half.
He could have completed a first half hat trick if not for his missed penalty 30 seconds later.
But that wasn't going to slow him or the Solomon side down and in the second half they quickly made it 4-0 with goals in quick sucession to Micah Lea'alafa and Maffat Sikwa'ae.
Jenan Kapu finished the scoring with a long distance blast from outside the box and provided the icing on the cake for an impressive Solomon Island performance.Gregory O'Connor scored a consolation goal for New Zealand with two minutes remaining.
Wai'ia said he was very happy with the way his side opened the tournament, and that they played to the gameplan.
"I was very confident going into the game, and 5-0 is a great scoreline for us. From here we will work on our weaknesses that I saw like communication in defence."
New Zealand coach Erkin Osman was dissapointed with the result but said his side will be better from the loss.
"Our defence was good but in our zone but we didn't put enough pressure on them."
"We lacked penetration and couldn't get them turned around.We didn't deserve that game because we didn't play well enough, but there won't be many teams at this tournament better than the Solomon Islands."

Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson
SOL: 1. Alick LIOKA (GK); 2. Phillip HOUTARAU; 3. Elliot RAGOMO; 7. James EGETA; 12. Jack WETNEY;SUBS: 4. Alfred PUNGUIKA; 5. Jenan KAPU; 6. Maffat SIKW’AE; 8.Francis LAFAI; 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA; 11. Ron GINIO; 13. StanleyPUAIRANA (RGK)COACH: Victor WAI’IA (SOL)GOALS: 3. Elliot RAGAMO 2; 9. Micah LEA’ALAFA; 6. Maffat SIKWA’AE; 5. Jenan KAPU;
NZL: 1. Elias BILLEH (GK); 12. Luke FIElD; 19.Michael CORRINGHAM; 4.Marvin EAKINS; 8. Joshua MARTIN;SUBS: 20. Clayton CHAPPEL; 5. Yukin NAIDOO; 14.Bakr AL SAUDI; 3. Andrew GWILLIAM; 10. Ouadhah RAGUED; 17. Victor ZAIA; 23. Gregory O’CONNOR;COACH: Erkin OSMAN (AUS)GOALS: 23. Gregory O'CONNOR
Referee: Amitesh BEHARI (FIJ)2nd Referee: Rajnish DAVE (FIJ)3rd Referee: Allan Alick (VAN)Timekeeper: Peter L. PAKOATONG (VAN)