In a thrilling repeat of last year’s title decider, Tahiti will once again face the Solomon Islands in the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup final on Saturday. Despite a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout win by Fiji over the Solomon Islands in their final group stage match, it wasn’t enough to prevent the Solomon Islands from advancing to the final.
Fiji’s captain, Tevita Waranivalu, struck a superb free kick to equalize after Max Fa’ari had opened the scoring early for the Solomon Islands, but a tense shootout saw Fiji prevail. However, the Solomon Islands still secured second place in the group and earned another chance at glory.
The Solomon Islands now turn their focus to a rematch with Tahiti, who narrowly defeated them 10-9 in a high-octane encounter earlier in the tournament. Both teams will be looking to claim the crown, and if their last meeting is any indication, the final promises to be a gripping affair.
Meanwhile, Fiji will meet Papua New Guinea in the playoff for third place, hoping to cap off their campaign on a high note after their shootout heroics.
[Source: OFC Website]