Tahiti’s Tiki Toa have secured their place in the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026 final after defeating the Solomon Islands Bilikiki 7-4 in a thrilling contest at Aorai Tini Hau.
Both sides entered the clash unbeaten after opening the tournament with victories, with top spot in the table and a potential rematch of previous finals on the line.
The reigning champions made an immediate statement, with captain Heimanu Taiarui opening the scoring inside the first minute with a stunning volley. Despite being temporarily reduced to four players, Tahiti weathered the early pressure before Roy Mafane levelled for the Bilikiki with a powerful direct free-kick into the top right corner.
Solomon Islands took the lead through Adrian Mara, who found space on the left before calmly firing home, but Tahiti responded through 2024 Golden Boot winner Heirauarii Salem, who scored his eighth goal of the tournament after capitalising on a mistake from Erick Wanega.
The contest continued to swing in the second period, with Bilikiki’s Albert Bobby finding the net for his first goal of the tournament, before Ro’onui Tinirauarii struck twice in quick succession to restore Tahiti’s advantage and underline the reigning champions’ attacking firepower.
Trailing 5-3 heading into the final period, the Bilikiki refused to back down. Wanega converted a penalty into the bottom left corner to keep Solomon Islands within touching distance, lifting the intensity as both teams battled for control.
Tinirauarii would have the final say however, completing his hat-trick after winning possession from Mara before Tahiti added a seventh through a header following a throw-in in the dying stages.
The victory sends Tahiti into the final, keeping their quest for a record fifth continental crown firmly on track.
Solomon Islands: 4 (Roy MAFANE 3’, Adrian MARA 12’, Albert BOBBY 18’, Erick WANEGA 26’)
Tahiti: 7 (Heimanu TAIARUI 1’, Heirauarii SALEM 13’, Heimanu TAIARUI 14’, Ro’onui TINIRAUARII 15’, 15’, 30’, Tearii LABASTE 34’)
New Caledonia have kept their OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026 final hopes alive after a 7-5 victory over Vanuatu in a thrilling encounter.
Both sides entered the clash searching for their first win of the tournament, knowing defeat would end their chances of reaching the final and leave them competing for third place.
Vanuatu started strongly, with Sandy Mesau opening the scoring in the first period after applying early attacking pressure alongside Paul Takaro.
However, New Caledonia responded emphatically through Germain Haewegene, who struck three times in quick succession to turn the game around and give his side a 3-1 advantage heading into the second period.
The momentum continued for New Caledonia, with Renaldo Teiva Nonmeu coming off the bench to extend their lead, before Makaluë Xowi fired a powerful effort into the bottom left corner to make it 5-1.
Vanuatu refused to surrender, finding a response through a well placed header from Kaven Charley before Alick August capitalised on a rebound to bring the score to 5-3 at the end of the second period.
The comeback gathered pace in the final period, with captain August scoring twice to bring Vanuatu level at 5-5 and set up a tense finish.
New Caledonia held their nerve when it mattered most however. Xowi restored their lead with a powerful low strike from a direct free kick before Haewegene notched his fourth goal of the match, sealing a hard-fought 7-5 victory.
The result gives New Caledonia their first win of the tournament and keeps their hopes of reaching the final alive, while Vanuatu will turn their attention to the Playoff for 3rd place.
New Caledonia: 7 (Germain HAEWEGENE 8’, 8’, 9’, 33’, Renaldo TEIVA NONMEU 14’, Makaluë XOWI 17’, 32’)
Vanuatu: 5 (Sandy MESAU 5’, Kaven CHARLEY 20’, Alick AUGUST 21’, 27’, 32’)
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek