Tuvalu 1 Fiji 5

The final match on day three of the OFC Futsal Championship has seen Fiji score five goals inside the last 10 minutes to defeat a spirited Tuvalu side 5-1.

Fiji's Petero Dauniseka sets off on attack. Photo: OFC

Captain Kamal Hassan led the charge with a well taken hat-trick to take Fiji to six points and draw level with Vanuatu and Solomon Islands at the top of the table.

Tuvalu, who have not competed in the Oceania tournament since 2008, went ahead in the sixth minute when Ola Eliu's left foot strike hit the back of the net. Teammate Malauna Takatea had a golden opportunity to make it two shortly after but goalkeeper Saukuru did well to keep him out.

Fiji should have had an equaliser midway through the half but for some brilliance by Siopepa Tailolo who made a triple save between the sticks.

Tuvalu were the unlikely leaders going into the break and continued to defend well in the second period. Siopepa put in a man-of-the-match performance shutting out wave after wave of Fiji attack.

Jerome Funatuti meanwhile looked dangerous on the counter. But eventually the goal had to come from Fiji and it was Simione Vesa who claimed it in the 33rd minute.

Hassan showed his class with three more before the finish while vice captain Petero Dauniseka also chimed in with one.

Fiji face New Caledonia in tomorrow's second match while Tuvalu earn a well earned break after three days of action.

To download the match summary of the game, click here.

Updated On Tuesday, August 10, 2010