Tuvalu – Kiribati Match Summary click here
Pine Iosefa’s side faced fellow underdogs Tuvalu in the 7th/8th play-off and upset their more experienced opponents with a 3-1 victory.
Regardless of which way the result fell, a piece of history was always going to be made today as neither side had ever won a match at this event before.
Having competed at two previous editions of the tournament, in 2008 and 2010, Tuvalu went in as warm favourites against the rookies but it was Kiribati who found the target first, to the delight of their small band of supporters inside Vodafone Arena.
Bita Keakea had scored a hat-trick in Kiribati’s last outing, a 22-3 humbling at the hands of Fiji, and had reason to celebrate once again went he put his side on course for an historic result in the 14th minute.
Tuvalu hit back three minutes later through Matti Uaelesi but the scores were not level for long, Borau Taraba pouncing on a parry from Tuvalu goalkeeper Siopepe Tailolo to put Kiribati in front again almost immediately.
It was 3-1 by the 27th minute and again the Kiribati hero was Keakea, who found a way past Tailolo once more to put his side in command and in sight of opening their OFC Futsal Championship account.
The Kiribati cause was not helped when Kireata Sosene was dismissed with three minutes to go but Tuvalu only managed to score once more, through Meauma Petaia with a minute on the clock, as Kiribati held on to celebrate a successful end to a week that has proved trying at times.
Quotes
Tuvalu coach Takiao Vave:
We were really looking forward to getting a win but the boys just weren’t quite there – they didn’t perform at the level they have in the other games. Our passing was in a rush, we just didn’t look up properly when we tried to find someone. Kiribati moved the ball around better than we did and that’s how they managed to win. I’m happy for them though, it’s good to see them get a win.
Kiribati goalscorer Bita Keakea:
We are all very excited about it because we are newcomers. Getting a win in our first time at this tournament is a good achievement. We knew it would be hard to beat Tuvalu because they have been here before – that just shows how well we have done to win this game. We are happy with how we have done across the tournament because we have played as well as we could and scored a few goals. We hope to come back next time if possible.