Mataks FC and Southern Legions FC settled for a 5-5 draw in a thrilling encounter, meaning both teams will miss a spot in the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 final.
It was a must win match for either of the teams to book their place in the final. Mataks were searching for a finals appearance after a slow start to the tournament, while Southern Legions were determined for a final berth in their tournament debut.
With the stakes, both teams were eager to get a result. Mataks FC pushed the pace from the opening whistle, forcing Southern Legions keeper into multiple saves in the opening minutes. Under pressure, a swift counter from Southern Legions worked well up court, giving them the opening goal.
Mataks responded with an equaliser from an intercept through Elis Mana, who pushed down court feeding Eddie Kasute’e who finished. The Solomon Islanders continued to pressure, scoring two more goals to extend their lead 3-1 heading into the second spell.
As the pressure grew in the half, Southern Legions added two more in response before the break with their counter attacking moves working well. Yassin Berukilukilu was influential in both goals.
Both teams continued to pressure after the break. Mataks were finding the better touches with the ball, firing shots through their first half goal-scorers looking to extend their lead. While counter attacks remained Southern Legion’s best bet, with their equaliser coming after a counter move that forced a corner.
The score changed twice more in the final ten minutes, with Southern Legions finding their breakthrough first and Mataks FC scoring the equaliser to stay in the fight. But both teams were unable to score the winner in the closing stages, ending the match in a draw.
The win means Mataks FC have secured their spot in the final, staging an incredible comeback from 2 losses in their opening matches to go then go unbeaten. Meanwhile, the Southern Legions FC’s will play defending champions AS PTT in the play-off for 3rd.
HT: 4 – 3
Mataks FC: 8 (Eddie KASUTE’E 6′, Clifford MISITANA 7′, Calvin DO’ORO 15′, 38′, Elis MANA 17′, Geoffrey LEMA 31′, Owen BUNABO 38′, Ellis MANA 39′)
Southern Legions FC: 5 (Gideon MAUALA 3′, Yassin Berukilukilu 15′, Alista KARLIP 19′, 27′,Kenny SOVUAI 30′)
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek.