New Caledonia recorded their first win of the OFC Futsal tournament in Fiji today when they defeated Tuvalu 10-2 in the second game of Match Day Five.

The win lifts New Caledonia ahead of Fiji in the standings and sets them up for an exciting match against New Zealand tomorrow who sit two points ahead.

Yvan Pourouoro opened the scoring for New Caledonia in the second minute and they went into the half time break leading 6-1.

Stardel Soloseni scored Tuvalu’s second goal of the tournament in the 17th minute which was rewarded in the loudest cheer of the night by the crowd at the Vodafon Arena.

New Caledonia started where they left off in the second half and goals to Alexandre Rosso 2, Albert Hnailolo 2, Stevens Guillemin, Benoit Moglia 2, Gino Rene Marcias and a second to Pourouoro completed the rout.

Tuvalu took great solace in scoring their second goal of the match in the 25th minute and it was just reward for a tremendous spirit and work ethic by which they never gave up.

New Caledonia coach Eric Michalak said that today was very special for his side.

“It was very important for us to play well before our big match tomorrow against New Zealand. “I am happy because I am satisfied after a match for once and can prepare for tomorrow in a good state of mind.”

Tuvalu coach Sami Neemia was proud of the spirit and fight his side showed and happy at the experience they were gaining.

“We are not used to playing matches everyday and we are not of the same standard of New Caledonia and Solomon and the like just yet. But my boys never give up and I just ask them to keep playing.”

“Some fatigue is starting to show but I am looking forward to our next two games.”

 

Photos by Marc Peretic Wilson

NCL: 1. Ronan EUZEN (GK); 3. Alexandre ROSSO; 4. Albert HNAILOLO; 5. Jerry IARUEL; 8. Yvan POUROUORO;

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

Coach: Michalak ERIC (NCL)

Goals: 8. Yvan POUROUORO 2’, 34’; 3. Alexandre ROSSO 8’, 33’; 4. Albert HNAILOLO 10’, 19’; 11. Stevens Guillemin 12’; 6. Benoit MOGLIA 18’, 6’; 10. Gino Rene MARCIAS 38’;

TUV: 2. Felo FEOTO; 5.Mau PENISULA; 11. Imo FIAMALUA; 17. Neemia ONOSEMU; 22. Peniuna KAITU;

SUBS: 3. Tioti Maati TOAFA;  6. Paitela KELEMENE; 8. Peniuna KAITU; 9. Starchel SOLOSENI; 19. Mahanga TEIAPUTI; 10. Semalie FOTU; 21. Maio ETIMANI;

Coach: Sami NEEMIA (TUV)

Goals: 9. Starchel SOLOSENI; 6. Paitela KELEMENE 25’;

Injured: 1. Sopepe TAILOLO (GK)