Fiji produced a strong second-half fightback to claim a thrilling 5-4 victory over Vanuatu at the OFC Futsal Men’s Cup, keeping fans on edge until the final whistle.
Vanuatu started the match brightly, controlling possession and creating several opportunities. Keshly Joseph repeatedly tested Fiji’s defence, before Paul Takaro opened the scoring, capitalising on a defensive lapse to give Vanuatu an early lead.
Fiji responded through Filipe Baravilala, set up by Merill Young, to level the score. Vanuatu soon regained the advantage with a precise volley from Kerol Alex, only for Praschant Chand to equalise before halftime, leaving the teams locked at 2-2.
The second half turned into a back-and-forth showdown as both teams exchanged goals. Michael Coulon and Keshly Joseph combined for Vanuatu’s third, with Takaro adding a fourth to put the visitors ahead.
Fiji responded through Rajneel Singh and then Filipe Baravilala scored his second to level the scores, sending the home crowd into raptures. The fans had more to celebrate as a lightning counter-attack saw Bruce Hughes slot home the winning goal for the hosts.
Both sides continued to battle fiercely until the final whistle, with the intensity of the encounter reflected in red cards shown to players from both teams.
Baravilala nearly completed a hat-trick, picking up the ball from halfway, gliding past a defender, and firing a powerful strike that rattled the right-hand post.
Riding the momentum of their win, Fiji face the Solomon Islands tomorrow, while Vanuatu rest up before returning to the court on Monday.
Vanuatu: 4 (Paul TAKARO (2), Kerol ALEX, Michael COULON)
Fiji: 5 (Filipe BARAVILALA (2), Praschant CHAND, Rajneel SINGH, Bruce HUGHES)
HT: 2-2