Tahiti fought back from a two goal deficit to draw 2-2 with New Caledonia in the first game of Match Day Four at the OFC Futsal Championships in Suva, Fiji.

It was another spirited fight back from the Tahitian side, whose never-say-die attitude resulted in Jimmy Riaria equalising in the 35th minute after New Caledonia had shot out to a 2-0 lead.

But Tahiti coach Rani Bea will be regretting a host of missed opportunities for his side in the opening five minutes which could have painted a different picture.

Against the run of play New Caledonia opened the scoring in the third minute of the match when Yvan Pourouoro converted from close range after a swift New Caledonia counter attack.

Jerry Iaruel increased the lead for New Caledonia two minutes into the second half and New Caledonia were off to their best start of the tournament.

But the Tahitian spirit should never be counted out and goals to Yvan Pourouoro and Riaria kept alive Tahiti’s shot at the championship.

Tahiti Coach Rani Bea was happy with the spirit and determination of his side to fight back from 2-0 down but disappointed with the result.

“The objective today was to win because we want to go to Brazil and we really needed the three points today.

“We had a lot of chances in the first half that we should have converted but we wasted and I am disappointed with that.

“But I am happy with where we are in the tournament. Next we have Fiji and that will be a very tough test, they are very strong and physical and we will need a lot of movement off the ball to combat their style.”

New Caledonia coach Eric Michalak was philosophical about his sides loss.

“We lost one ball in the middle of the park and they benefited from it and the whole game changed,” he said. “But that’s the sport and the way it goes and now I look ahead to tomorrow’s game against Fiji and think we must win.”

“Tahiti like us were very tired. They played a big game yesterday against new Zealand so I told my team to try and keep them moving and we did it well in the first half.”

“It won’t be easy for us tomorrow against Tuvalu because I know they are getting better day after day.”

Photos By Marc Peretic Wilson

NCL: 1. Ronan EUZEN (GK); 3. Alexandre ROSSO; 4. Albert HNAILOLO; 5. Jerry IARUEL;  7. EDOUARD MURACCIOLI;

SUBS: 2. Jean Phillipe WEMAMA; 6. Benoit MOGLIA; 9. Yoan GARIN; 10. Marcias GINO RENE; 11. Stevens GUILLEMIN; 8. Yvan POUROUORO; 16. Ronald GAYON (RGK);

Coach: Michalak ERIC (NCL)

Goals: 8. Yvan Pourouoro 2’; 5. Jerry IARUEL 23’;

TAH: 1. Rehia DAVIO (GK); 3. Jimmy RIARIA; 4. Romeo PATIRA; 6. Michel MAIHURI; 7. Steeven TINO;

SUBS: 2. Matana BEA; 5. Lysis TAUHA; 8. Tetuanui TINOMOE; 9. Lorama BEA; 10. Usiera PUKOKI; 11. Amau TETUANUI; 12. Fernand TUANUA;

Coach: Rani BEA (TAH)

Goals: 7. Steeven TINO 29’; 3. Jimmy RIARIA 35’ ;

Referee: Chris COLLEY (AUS)

2nd Referee: Jamie CROSS (NZL)

3rd Referee: Peter L. PAKOATONG (VAN)

Timekeeper: Amitesh BEHARI (FIJ)

Referees’ Assessor: Chandra SEGRAN (FIJ)