Vanuatu has upset defending OFC champions the Solomon Islands with a 4-2 extra time win in the first match on day one of the 2009 Tahiti Nui Beach Soccer Championship.

 

The Solomons started stronger in the first quarter with James Naka and Gibson Hosea Purasi both hitting the woodwork of the Vanuatu goal.

But Solomons keeper Fred Hale could only parry away a powerful shot early in the second quarter and Vanuatu’s Fenedy Masauvakalo was on-hand to dribble around Hale and shoot into the roof of the net.

Ken Masauvakalo then doubled Vanuatu’s lead with some individual brilliance, hitting a blistering volley from distance that again beat a diving Hale for 2-0 with only four minutes left in the second period.

James Naka then came off the bench in the third quarter to throw his team a lifeline. The Solomons World Cup star beat two Vanuatu defenders with a strong run before passing to Robert Laua for a straight forward finish.

Naka then stepped up to score a well taken indivudal equaliser with four minutes left in the third period.

As the match went into three minutes of extra time it was Vanuatu who went up a gear; first Fenedy Masauvakalo scored from a penalty and then substitute Francois Sakama scored from open play to seal a impressive championship opening win.

Vanuatu 4-2 Solomons (0-0, 2-0, 2-2, 4-2 ET)   

Vanuatu 4: Fenedy Masauvakalo 8:51′ (P2), 9:51′ (P2) ; Ken Masauvakalo 4:15′ (ET); Francois Sakama 9:26′ (ET)   

Solomon Islands 2: Robert Laua 2:07′ (P3); James Naka 1:50′ (P3);

Solomon Islands: 6. Nicholas Muri MAKAA; 8. Gideon OMOKIRIO; 10. James NAKA; 11. Gibson Hosea PURASI; 12. Fred HALE;

Reserves: 1. Henry PADAVERANA; 2. Timothy WALE; 3. Franco NEE; 4. Eddie NGAITIN; Augustine ANISI; 7. Michael Joe TAEMAN; 9. Robert Laua;

Coach: Henry KOTO (Sol)

Vanuatu: 1. Chikau MANSALE; 2. Ken MASAUVAKALO; 6. Fredy VAVA; 7. Seimata CHILIA; 13. Francois SAKAMA;

Reserves: 3. Robert TOM; 5. Nawal NARUKAVE; 8. Silas NAMATAK; 9. Derek MALAS; 10. Jonah TURU; 11. Fenedy MASAUVAKALO

Coach: Richard Iwai