Defending champions AS PTT of New Caledonia defeated Mataks FC of the Solomon Islands 6–1 in an exciting clash between the 2024 OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League finalists.
In a repeat of last year’s final, the intensity between the two teams remained as both sides opened the match with speed and physicality, determined to strike first.
Mataks started with confidence, moving the ball well through their midfield and looked sharp in the front court. Elis Mana broke the deadlock on the right wing after steady pressure with his low strike beating the keeper and giving Mataks the early lead.
AS PTT responded with patience as their set plays forced key saves from Mataks’ Lordrick Afia. Emmanuel Hmaen created the equaliser after a counter down the left, combining with Jymael Upa before finishing inside the area to bring AS PTT level.
The champions then lifted their tempo as Christ Pei stayed active on the left edge and caused problems with his direct play. His persistence paid off when he cut in and fired a clean shot past the keeper to put AS PTT in front.
But Mataks FC kept pushing – Calvin Do’oro drove attacks from the wing, and Eddie Kasute’e went close from a threaded pass and Owen Bunabo chipped the keeper, but his shot hit the bar. Their pressure continued but AS PTT stayed strong through disciplined defending led by Frederic Schwartz.
Mataks came out from the break with energy, looking to break the physical defence with speed on the flanks. The waves of attack continued for Mataks FC, but the defence remained resilient with Matthieu Wassin standing strong in goal after desperate attempts for the opposition to score.
Robert Forrest of AS PTT extended their lead, calmly slotting home from a pass from the left flank to put his side up 3-1. Another goal came through Pei, who fired a shot from the right wing beating the keeper to extend the lead 4-1.
The 36th minute delivered pure drama as AS PTT struck twice in quick succession first through Uge Qenegeie, then Chris Pei, who completed his hat-trick moments later.
The defending champions remained composed, closing out their first match at with an impressive win over the Solmon Islands’ Mataks FC.
HT: 2 – 1
AS PTT: 6 (Emmanuel HMAEN 7′, Christ PEI 15′, 31′, 36′ Robert FORREST 21′, Uge QENEGEIE 36′)
Mataks FC: 1 (Elis MANA 5′)
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek.