Southern Legions FC and Suva Futsal Club closed out the first day of action at the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025, with Southern Legions edging the hosts 5-4.
Suva started strongly, working the ball through midfield as captain Filipe Baravilala pushed down the right flank. Their early pressure created chances for Rajneel Singh and Nikil Chand, but the Southern Legions goalkeeper stood firm.
Unphased, the Vanuatu champions settled into their rhythm through their back three. A turnover high up the court gave Suva another look at goal, but nothing fell cleanly.
The breakthrough came at the other end, when Southern Legions won the ball and Keshly Joseph burst down the left before squaring for Jayson Bule to guide home for a 1-0 lead.
Suva responded with renewed intensity when a sharp move down the left saw Krishneel Singh hit the post, and Rajneel Singh finishing the rebound for the equaliser. Both sides lifted the tempo, trading counters and creating chances, until the match tilted again as Southern Legions punished another transition.
A quick move saw Alex Wilkins combine with Ritchie Stevens, who finished to restore their lead at 2-1.
It was a tight contest in the second half, as both sides traded goals in quick succession. Southern Legions extended the lead 4-1 in the first five minutes after the break, with Keshly Joseph leading the charge in both goals.
Suva Futsal Club didn’t fold as they found the back of the net twice to cut the deficit, trailing 3-2 with 10 minutes to go. Vivek Nadan’s men maintained their pressure, creating chances in search of the equaliser.
But a swift counter from Southern Legions saw Willie Nimbwen fire home to restore the lead. Still, Suva FC refused to back down, and Aman Naidu delivered the final blow with seconds remaining, sealing the match at 5–4
HT: 2-1
Suva FC: 4 (Rajneel SINGH 6′, Filipe BARAVILALA 28′, Krishneel SINGH 29′, Aman NAIDU 39′)
Southern Legions FC: 5 (Jayson BULE 5’, 16’, Keshly JOSEPH 23′, OG, Willie NIMBWEN 30′)
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek