Mataks FC have captured the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 title with an 8-7 win on penalties over Waikato Rapids following a thrilling 4-4 draw in the final at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Waikato Rapids entered the final unbeaten, eager to become the first team from New Zealand to raise the trophy. While Mataks FC, who fell short narrowly in last year’s final against AS PTT, were determined to follow in the footsteps of compatriots and 2019 champions Kooline to win the title.
Both teams started patiently, working the ball around the court in search for the breakthrough. Waikato struck first through a set-piece move from Benjamin Bordin in the 8th minute, powering the ball into the top of the net from a free kick front of the goal.
Mataks responded just a minute after through set-piece play of their own too, Calvin Do’oro equalising from another free kick.
Mataks continued pressuring up court, using their counters and quick moves in transition to threaten with goals. Elis Mana and Owen Bunabo worked well to create chances, but the Solomon Islands representatives were struggling to find the finish.
Waikato’s defence remained firm, with captain Aidan Robson and Casey Sharplin battling well for the ball in the mid-court. The side was rewarded for their resilience, scoring through Bordin again from another set piece to extend the lead 2-1 before the break.
The Solomon Islanders came out of the break with intensity, scoring the equaliser through a quick counter move in the opening minutes. Elis Mana won the ball and passed it up court for Owen Bunabo to regather, who beat the keeper to make it 2-2.
Mataks sustained pressure remained as counter move worked well for Eddie Kasute’e who scored their third in the 26th minute, taking the lead for the first time in the match. The Rapids were quick to respond again , with a counter move giving Maxwell Erickson space to finish and equalise in the 29th minute.
Neither side could find a winner through the remaining 11 minutes, forcing the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 final into extra-time, and an additional two periods of five minutes each.
It was then that the contest entered a tight grind, with both sides fatiguing, and either defence seemingly impenatrable.
Cue a dramatic final 60 seconds of extra-time. Mataks thought they had won it when Calvin Do’oro powered the ball into the top-right corner of the net for his second goal in the 49th minute. With seconds left on the clock though, the Rapids returned from the dead, equalising through Maxwell Ericksen to send the final to a penalty shoot-out for the first time in competition history.
As if it couldn’t get any more dramatic, misses in the shoot-out from either side meant it entered sudden death. The decisive moment ultimately came after 50 minutes and 18 spot kicks. George Dickson blasted his penalty over the top of the crossbar, sparking wild celebrations from Mataks.
The success means Mataks FC become the second team from the Solomon Islands to win the tournament, fighting their way back from two losses at the start of the compaign to lift their first continental title.
Whilst the Waikato Rapids finish second in their maiden campaign, coach Jet Lim and his side leave Fiji with their heads held high for their impressive performances across the course of the tournament.
Waikato Rapids: 4 (Benjamin BORDIN 8′, 14′, Maxwell ERICKSON 29′, 40′)
Mataks FC: 4 (Calvin DO’ORO 9′, 49′, Owen BUNABO 21′, Eddie KASUTE’E 26′)
Mataks FC win 8-7 on penalties
HT: 2 – 1
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek.