Vanuatu have held the Solomon Islands to a 1-1 draw on the third matchday of the 2025 OFC Futsal Men’s Cup in Suva.
Led by goalkeeper Charlie Boe, Vanuatu defended valiantly for the full 40 minutes, frustrating one of the tournament favorites for a first-ever stalemate between the two nations at an OFC Futsal Men’s Cup.
It marks the first blemish of the Solomon Islands campaign, buy they remain atop the standings with seven points, having recorded earlier wins over New Zealand and Fiji.
Looking for a first win of their own, Vanuatu came under intense pressure from the off, and were lucky not to concede inside 60 seconds when Charlie Otainao volleyed a long ball over the top of the crossbar from close-range.
Alvin Hou saw his long-range shot saved, and Elis Mana watched his effort parried away at the near post, as the Solomon Islands bossed the early stages.
Despite the fast pace of the contest, Vanuatu weathered the storm and gradually got a foothold, creating chances on the counter-attack with Kevin Donald and Michel Coulon.
Just as a goalless first half appeared likely though, the breakthrough finally came for the Solomon Islands with two minutes to play. Jayroll Patty showed great individual skill to beat two defenders down the left flank, before rounding Charlie Boe for his second goal of the tournament.
Leading 1-0 at half-time, the Solomon Islands remained on the front foot through the second stanza, Calvin Do’oro forcing Boe into a save at his post to start.
Opportunities were rare for Vanuatu, but they came close to equalising when Kemly Lehi saw his shot stopped and cleared off the line on the counter-attack.
The goal came moments later from another breakaway though, Paul Takaro finding the back of the net to level the game up after being set up by Coulon.
All of a sudden the pressure was on the Solomon Islands, despite having dominated the vast majority of the contest.
With time running out they searched desperately for a response, Owen Bunabo and Alvin Hou both having shots blocked by Boe, but the Vanuatu goalkeeper did enough to keep the Solomon Islands out.
Both sides play Tuvalu next, with Vanuatu due to meet them tomorrow, and the Solomon Islands playing them in their final game on Wednesday night.
Solomon Islands: 1 (Jayroll PATTY 4′)
Vanuatu: 1 (Paul TAKARO 6′)
HT: 1-0
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek